Showing posts with label #STL15ThWard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #STL15ThWard. Show all posts

4/20/22

Gentrification on our Block

When I first landed on this block in 1995, 95% of my neighbors were black. All of these buildings were Section 8. During the last 1-5 years they've all been sold and rehabbed. 95% of my neighbors are now white. Some pay 1,400.00 in rent.
Many have Black Lives Matter signs in their yards or windows. Black lives can't afford to reside here anymore. Only three homes on my block are owned by black families.
The house with the Pride flag sold for 525K last year. The woman hwo bought it told me, I just raised your property value!
Ah, I replied, property value, the mantra of the yuppie!
There isn't any Section 8 now on my block. Two remodeled four families rent for 1,400 to 1,600.

A new white neighbor renting an apartment across the street told me she wanted to move to TGS because "There's people like me here" as she placed her Black Lives Matter sign on the lawn.