Property taxes usually become an issue in gentrification, or resort development. When the property values begin to rise, the taxes will as well after a lag. Hilton Head Island is an illustrative case. Most of the island was owned by former slaves and then their heirs. With the development of the resort beginning in the 50s, the property values rose for all property on the island. By the 90s, many African American residents lost their at auction for unpaid taxes. This was very often property held in their families since the end of the Civil War. Many more sold our to developers at less than favorable terms under threat of auction. The same process can and does happen in urban neighborhoods.
