The Unequal Playbook: Why Developers Need to Invest in Our Communities
Dear Brooklyn Neighbors,
Imagine waking up to find your neighborhood transforming overnight. New developments sprout up, bringing modern buildings and upscale amenities. Yet, amid this growth, there's a glaring omission: the very people who call this community home are left out of the prosperity. As developers swoop in with promises of revitalization, they often forget a crucial element: investing in the local community, the people who have lived here, built lives here, and whose homes are now part of this "redevelopment" plan.
The Disparity of Development
The process of urban development is often hailed as a pathway to progress, bringing economic growth and modern infrastructure. However, the benefits of such development are frequently skewed. Developers can introduce high-end housing and businesses that cater to a wealthier demographic, but they rarely consider the needs and contributions of the existing community members.
This disparity is not just about the physical changes in our neighborhood; it reflects a broader issue of inequality and exclusion. When developers build new projects without investing in the local community, they perpetuate a cycle of displacement and marginalization. Local residents are often pushed aside, both economically and socially, as new developments cater to outsiders who are not part of the community fabric.
The Case for Equal Opportunity
One of the most significant oversights in many development projects is the failure to create equal opportunities for local residents. Jobs and training programs that accompany new developments should be a given, yet they are frequently an afterthought or entirely absent.
For instance, if a new building is being erected or a commercial space is being leased, why aren't there dedicated initiatives to hire local workers or offer training to community members? The wealth generated from these projects should, in fairness, trickle down to the people who have been part of the community long before these developments began.
Equal opportunity isn't just about providing jobs—it's about empowering individuals to benefit from the changes in their environment. It's about giving them a stake in the growth of their own community. When local residents are included in development projects, they gain valuable skills, stable employment, and a renewed sense of ownership and pride in their neighborhood.
A Call for Responsible Development
Brooklyn, and other neighborhoods like it, deserve more than just new buildings. We deserve a development strategy that respects and uplifts the existing community. Developers should be held accountable for their role in not just changing the skyline but also enhancing the lives of the people who live below it.
Here’s what responsible development looks like:
Community Engagement: Developers should actively engage with local residents, seeking their input and involving them in decision-making processes. This ensures that development meets the needs and desires of those who live there.
Job Creation and Training: As new projects arise, so should job opportunities for community members. This includes not only construction jobs but also long-term employment in the new businesses that open.
Support for Local Businesses: New developments should include spaces for local entrepreneurs to thrive, rather than displacing them with high-rent options that only large corporations can afford.
Affordable Housing: Any new housing should include affordable options for existing residents to prevent displacement and ensure that long-time community members can continue to live where they’ve built their lives.
A Vision for the Future
To truly revitalize our neighborhoods, we need a collaborative approach where developers and community members work together to ensure that growth benefits everyone. Let’s demand a development model that respects and invests in the people who have always made our neighborhoods vibrant and unique.
It’s time to rewrite the playbook of urban development. Together, we can create a future where progress means prosperity for all, not just a select few.