This article from Block Club Chicago discusses a recent development where Starbucks is set to open a new location in Little Village, a predominantly Latino, working-class neighborhood. Some residents oppose the move, fearing it will contribute to rising prices and gentrification, as seen in nearby Pilsen. Critics argue that big corporations like Starbucks displace local culture and push out longtime residents. Starbucks officials claimed their commitment to the community through local hiring and partnerships with nonprofits, but this did not appease all concerns. Balthazar Enriquez warned, “People from Pilsen are now getting pushed into Little Village because of high rents,” reflecting worries about similar demographic shifts.
“People from Pilsen are now getting pushed into Little Village because of high rents.”
“The Lower West Side community area, which includes Pilsen, decreased from 88 percent Hispanic or Latino in 2000 to 71 percent in 2020, according to the UIC Great Cities Institute.”
“Starbucks is driving gentrification. Starbucks, Christopher Columbus, they’re the same kind of colonizers.”
From Block Club Chicago (To go to the actual article, please click on this link.)
