Revitalization or Victimization?

The revitalization of many major urban US cities has been a topic of discussion for the last 20 years. Areas that were once crime and drug ridden have transformed into areas of increased social and economic development. But many people question if gentrification helps the low-income families who already live in the area or benefits the middle- and upper-class who are moving into the neighborhoods. While the gentrification process lowers crime rates and increases fiscal revenues for the city, many local businesses and lower-income families are displaced because of rent increase.