Some residents of View Park’s predominantly African-American community fear an effort to designate the neighborhood, known by many as the “Black Beverly Hills,” as part of the National Register of Historic Places is really a masked gentrification ploy to push them out in favor of a more affluent, white population.
The Los Angeles Times recently published an article detailing View Park residents’ “unsettling” sentiment with the proposed move, noting the affluent black enclave has long been “a symbol of African American success and a stronghold of black culture” that is now being invaded by “White people. With fluffy dogs. And fluorescent Spandex.”
One View Park resident relayed to the Times how after marrying into a “monied family” and moving to the neighborhood, that she felt like she’d finally “made it.”
The Times notes that while many residents welcome the federal designation, as it could provide tax credits for new homeowners who maintain their property’s historic characteristics and also increase the value of their homes, opponents are staunchly against the move and have passed out fliers calling attention to a website, StopGentification.org.
Many black celebrities made the area their home, the Times notes, including Ray Charles and Ike and Tina Turner.
View Park is reportedly around 84% African American and the average annual income is $90,000.
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