By Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
A clear example of gentrification, found in a North Denver neighborhood. Photo by Caleigh Montoya.
Growing up in North Denver, I have watched gentrification blossom over the past years. Gentrification is when the character of a poor urban area is altered by more affluent people moving in. This changes all aspects of this neighborhood and makes it new. An example of this is changing the Northside to the “Highlands.” The problem with gentrification is that it usually results in the absolute uprooting of a community and a people.
The Northside, in particular, has always been home to mostly middle-class Chicano people but is now inhabiting upper-class white people. The Northside population was 70% Latino and is now less than 35%. With this comes generations of Chicano families moving to other parts of Colorado and the destruction of buildings that have been in this neighborhood for decades. People in this neighborhood do not even recognize their community anymore.
I barely recognize Tennyson Street as it has now become a hot spot for expensive food and costly apartments. Those who have lived here forever must ask themselves if they would like to stay in this new community or move somewhere that they are comfortable and welcome in. They usually move.
Not only does gentrification break up communities, but it changes the socioeconomic status of that area. This forces those who have lived here forever to leave because they cannot afford it anymore. Colorado is now one of the most expensive states to live in. Due to the rise in rent and the high population of the Northside, those who know this neighborhood to be their home must leave to find suitable and affordable accommodations. The Northside used to be full of brick houses and beautiful trees. Now it has huge condos pushing their way into the communities. These people have privilege through their race and their socioeconomic status. Because of this, they take no time to understand the community that they are wrecking.
What can we do to stop or even reverse the effects of gentrification? We can go to the neighborhoods that haven’t been affected yet and give them as many resources as possible. People may look at these areas as possible places to “improve” because they are full of working-class people of color. They may deem this location as an easy one to take control over. We must give these neighborhoods resources to ensure that they are not pushed out of their homes. We can also make sure that there is a sufficient amount of subsidized housing and even market-rate housing. We have to advocate for the right to live comfortably. There are many other ways we can fight gentrification but the most important one is to educate those around us. Tell the stories of where we are from and why the preservation of our homes and neighborhoods is important. We must fight the gentrification of the Northside so that we can take control and restore comfort in our community.