Thesis Abstract

 ABSTRACT 

(ROUGH DRAFT)

1. Problem/ issue.
2. Significance/ importance.
3. Solution/ proposal.

1. Several bodies of water have become devastatingly polluted through industrial pollution and current ongoing pollution which has resulted in years of neglect for several waterfront sites. The communities living close to these areas have to endure the stench of the water, walk by these overlooked sites and even are subject to the harmful health effects living near these contaminated areas has on them. Despite the concerns made public by these communities, nothing is done to revitalize these areas for the public/ communities gain. Instead developers come in, motivated by monetary gain, promising to revitalize the areas and offering to allow public access by installing luxurious buildings (apartments, condo, etc.) which in turn only further disadvantages the communities residing in these areas. Whether intentional or unintentional the development of luxurious structures at waterfront sites creates residential displacement and environmental gentrification. 

2. This issue is significant because of the immense environmental injustice that is occurring. To start off, the people being exposed to these conditions are communities of color and the poor which alone is its own environmental injustice. But then when the developers come along, installing luxurious buildings and giving the area a major makeover, the communities living in these areas begin to be pushed out by increasing rent/property values and cause gentrification to unfold as the old community begins to be replaced by the new one. This is a grave issue that requires our attention because in helping properly revitalize waterfront sites we’re not only helping the ecosystem but also providing the communities living in those areas an equal quality of living, one that matches other people’s basic standard of living.

3. I think I need more research to develop this part.. ?

While I do agree these areas are in dire need of a major makeover, the revitalization of these sites must NOT be in favor of monetary gain but of public benefit. Thus, any buildings being developed in these areas should be some type of public facility (is a community building the same thing? Or is it only for the community and not the general public?...) 

** Part 3 of abstract is still not concrete. Will most definitely change or become more solidified with research **