New Look: The Possible Gentrification of Hub City

New look: The Possible Gentrification of Hub City

Small businesses are quite emotionally uplifting I can literally spend hours contemplating the unique artifacts in small businesses through the exquisite lively ambiance in Los Angeles from vivid colorful renowned places; La Placita Olvera, Plaza Mexico offer instantaneous gratification of art hanging from walls, bookshelves, and ceilings. Or on the other hand, opt for online shopping, another phenomenon-- a more practical way to get folks both interested in products and buying more conveniently. Meaning, avoiding the intricate streets and heavy load traffic on fwys by relieving folks from worries about traffic, parking, getting your car hijacked, receiving a ticket--no mas (no more). Besides, the only concerns of online shopping are usually shipping cost and time of arrival. And not to mention the feeling of excitement you get when you open your mailbox, open up the package to find that your item is wrapped in beautiful paper mache, a postcard is included and you’ve received a small little gift inside an organza bag--this is quite fulfilling. See I’ve done this without becoming addicted to this form of shopping and I’ve had great experiences. When I shop online I feel special as if I actually received a gift from a significant other and I fall into a repentine love spell at first sight.

Now back to non-online businesses, my favorite are places where I can buy handmade jewelry, purchase hand-crafted soaps, or simply buy what I call “recycled clothes.” Small businesses are by definition the long term success of a city’s development but not just any city. This is my city we are talking about. A place like Compton where businesses consist of; auto shops, recycling centers, Tobacco shops, liquor stores, gasoline stations, donut shops, and 99 discount stores. Not so impressive huh?

       Over the years there has been a transformation in Compton in terms of construction for condominiums and new businesses; thus, sweeping away raggedy looking businesses those which fill me with wonder. That by appearance could fall apart. But, when you walk in there it makes your head turn 360 degrees by all the weird, interesting products they hold and you go out the doors with a

smile on your visage (face). Mind you, I like thrift shopping or going into small outlets, the few I can find nearby—are exciting and therapeutic. Locavesting, an online site dedicated to sharing Local Investing News, Education & Resources, states that “the inner city was a recurring theme in the presidential campaign in which Trump called inner cities a “disaster” Locavesting however, expressed that cities have undergone a renaissance in recent years and housing prices have risen. Yet,

a lack of jobs and poverty are still stubborn issues in some core city neighborhoods.” Slowly but surely big brand name corporations are creeping into the city and residents will soon begin to wonder or complain about the cost of housing.

In 2008 a shopping center was built close to Greenleaf and Alameda, where stores like Best Buy, Marshall’s, Ross, Target, Party City, Jamba Juice and a few others are all found in one common place. The other shopping center is found on the East side as well, located by Compton blvd. and Willowbrook next to the Metro Station and two fairly new apartment buildings. And about a year ago or so, A Wal-Mart was built in the same area where the Compton Fashion Center once stood and ran the business for thirty-two years. The iconic Swap meet was a platform that allowed Asians, African Americans, and Latinos an opportunity to make a source of income, while to others it was to sell their music and be heard. For this reason, the death of the Compton Fashion Center better known as the Compton Swapmeet has left an empty space in the heart of many residents.

According, to the Southern Association of Governments people that work in Compton, make up 10% of the population compared to 40% that work in other unknown areas, and Los Angeles which makes 26% of the population. Prior, to the opening of Wal-Mart, the corporation offered 300 job openings. This means that all other businesses within the 10 or 15-minute parameter may be affected in the long term especially businesses aligned along Long Beach Blvd. Just a week ago in the light of day, I noticed the Mega discount store on Compton blvd. wasn’t opened and so many discount stores may begin closing within the next six months to a year. So, what happens then to family owned businesses, restaurants, independent 99 discount stores?

The Mayor and other developers are missing the bigger picture; small businesses are about sympathy, community, and love. Let’s not lose our sense of community that existed for thirty-two years and lose the future development and patrimony of our children. Intentions are there but money is not what we need in exchange for the helping hand of corporations that will only crush the dreams of  future families to come.