Campus Walls

All the discussion about physical versus invisible barriers can definitely be applied to Northeastern University's campus. Forces of neighborhood penetration and gentrification are relevant issues that the Roxbury community face. Though there is not a physical barrier separating the two, there may as well should be. The juxtaposition of the two establishments appears to not even be of the same neighborhood, never mind just across the street from one another. The high-rise, modern-looking dormitory building overlooks your average public housing complex. There is a stark divide between the well-to-do college student, and the inner-city residents of the Whittier Street Apartments. According to the article referenced, the university started construction without community approval and without regard to the direct effects it would have on the livelihood of the Roxbury community. Though technically nonexistent the barrier between Northeastern and Lower Roxbury are a very real situation.