Gentrification in Brooklyn: Rising costs, changing neighborhoods

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Rachel Murray, a lifelong Brooklyn resident living between Downtown Brooklyn and DUMBO, is feeling the impact of gentrification firsthand. "I think it's unfair," she says, echoing the sentiments of many long-time residents facing rising costs and changing demographics in their neighborhoods.

Murray's experience is not unique. Emily Herzog, a Prospect Park resident, worries about the community impact: "I worry about people not being able to afford places to live and the neighborhood becoming less of a neighborhood with an influx of money and rising prices."

Danielle Kim from Windsor Terrace adds, "I can't afford to live in my own neighborhood. Even though probably, technically I am one of the quote gentrifying people".

Murray describes the rapid transformation of her neighborhood: "The stores do look different, I'm going to say this... they do a little improvement on the stores, to bring in certain customers." She notes the proliferation of new developments, saying, "They're buying up everything, condos going up everywhere".

One of the most significant impacts has been the skyrocketing cost of living. Murray laments how even basic necessities have become unaffordable: "I had to speak to the gentleman who owned the store on York Street because he made his five-pound bag of rice $12 when it used to be like $4.49".

To combat food insecurity, Murray has taken matters into her own hands: "I have five gardens and I supplied vegetables and everything organic." However, she acknowledges that this is just a small solution to a much larger problem.

Imani Henry, an activist with Equality for Flatbush, argues that racial dynamics play a big role in the gentrification process: "Most of the people that are impacted by displacement right now, are people of color." His organization provides emergency housing assistance and organizes tenant associations.

Dominique Jean-Louis, Chief Historian at the Center for Brooklyn History, provides historical context: "Crown Heights, for example, goes from 70% white in 1960 to 70% black in 1970." She emphasizes that gentrification is a complex issue encompassing racial, financial, and land use factors.

As residents like Murray consider leaving the city due to gentrification pressures, others are taking action. In Carroll Gardens, residents are advocating for the "Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act" (TOPA), which could help combat gentrification by preserving affordable housing and preventing displacement.

While the future of gentrification in Brooklyn remains uncertain, it's clear that the borough will continue to experience neighborhood shifts. As Jean-Louis suggests, people will need to stand up for the communities they want to see.