letter to the editor

To the editor:
Ms. d’Andrea’s 2/15/04 article in support of “gentrification” neglects
several of its realities.

As a four-year resident of University City, I can attest that
“gentrification” has created geographic neighborhood boundaries
separating people who are affiliated with Penn and Drexel, and
people who are not. While the boundaries push farther west each
year, their existence cannot be contested.

Instead of thinking about those who benefit from “gentrification,” why
not consider those who don’t? The neighborhood residents who are
displaced don’t disappear. Without increased opportunities for jobs,
skills, and education, they relocate to other sections of the city, Yet
they are no longer visible to the “gentry,” who perceive the city has
improved.

The subtle word “gentrification” cannot mask its similarity to “urban
renewal” following World War II and the outright economic and racial
segregation the country has already experienced. When will we
learn from these lessons?

Mindy Ehrhart
Master of Journalism Student
mehrhart@temple.edu

For confirmation: 215-370-1506