We saw this picture on Brownstoner today and it reminded us of the recent rumblings from some members of the community re: business diversification and improvements. Personally we don't like the word gentrify because of the implication but we are in favor of diversification.
Currently our main business has lots of the same (99 cent stores, bodegas, pharmacies, nail salons) yet lots of people who would like more. However, the more people we talk to the more we hear how important it is to maintain our roots. We think old and new business could co-exist and if the recent excitement over one little sit down Thai restaurant doesn't show you the need well I don't know what will...
Kensington is having a bit of a resurgence and not just because of all the new people moving in but because of the tenacity of the people who have lived here all along. All these neighborhood associations have been around for 20 plus years. So, whether you want a Starbucks or want it all to stay the same posting a simple comment here or on a local yahoo group is just a post... We challenge you to attend your local neighborhood association meetings and get involved in this community
8 comments:
I looked up gentrify in wikipedia and noticed this line:
For the average urban working-class renter, buses and trains are vital to their livelihood. The ideal is different for the wealthy newcomers, who like the advantage of a car for longer commutes, but walk or use public transportation when traveling to the closer shops, cafes, and boutiques.
Thought it was kind of funny. ;)
I was driving down Ditmas yesterday around Utica Avenue and noticed the business district was THRIVING. There was a Merchants Association with banners flying. THere was a variety of locally owned business from Caribbean markets, to local bars, to vidoe rental stores etc. This areas is NOT gentrified but the businesses looked much more inviting then 90% of what is on Church Avenue. And there was a little of everything.
I do think new people moving in brings energy for change.I don't think a neighborhood association meeting is going to bring about the kind of change that is being discussed. We need to figure out how to bring down those rents and lure businesses over here. Please count me in as I would like to do the leg work to help on that.
For those who don't think the neighborhood associations work...
1. ready willing able - ANA supported (and fought for!)
2. You know who approached the abandoned nursing home... methadone clinic! You know why its not there, a very active neighborhood assoc. pres. Larry Jayson
3. You know why the burnt down houses on E2nd weren't demolished but restored and actually rented out after 6 years of fighting the women who owned them and was letting them rot, an active neighborhood association
4. 4 years ago ANA also got funding for graffiti clean up along Church Ave.
Become apart of the neighborhood associations they work!
i'm pretty sure it would be yuppie outrage if a sticker was spotted with the exact opposite point of view.
Not to complicate things too much, but if you look at the stores along Church Avenue, they cater to a specific clientele: the bulk of peolpe who actually live in the vicinity. This neighborhood is not what it was 20, or even 10 years ago in terms of it's ethnic makeup. Today, you have Polish, Russian, Chinese, Mexican, Pakistani. And if you look at the stores on Church, that's what you see. The stores are there because the people to support them are there. You don't see a "gentrified" little coffee shop because there simply aren't enough people around the neighborhood to support it, bloggers notwithstanding.
As for wanting Starbucks in the area, I say big deal. That's like wishing for McDonalds.
I didn't mean to say neighborhood associations dont' accomplish a lot. I think they do. But introducing new businesses to the area doesn't seem like a neighborhood association thing. More like trying to get a Merchant's association up and running.
I think there is room for all kinds of businesses besides 99 cents stores. Crossroads is always busy and if the food is good at the new Thai place on Ft. Hamilton, I bet it will be busy. There are enough new comers to support a place to hang out as well as keeping the Polish meat markets etc.
I agree with Amelia. I also wonder why there are people who think that some sections of the population shouldn't be catered for--the likes of us who'd only like a coffee shop and a couple of more interesting sit down restaurants.
Large national or regional businesses look for neighborhoods with substantial disposable income. Kensington is not there yet, and as a whole may not ever be there.
That means that a local businessperson can operate a more attractive kind of place, but it is a risky venture.
You may not like Starbuck's coffee (neither do I) but they know how to pick locations that will be successful. And there presence sends a signal to other national/regional operations that a particular area is viable.
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