We trot this one out every so often... It's the cover story from the May 28, 1984, New York magazine ... The article talks about the influx of chain stores, art galleries and chic cafes. "And real-estate values are exploding" as a result. Said one longtime resident on the changes: "I've lived in my rent-controlled apartment for years and pay $115 a month. I live on the Lower East Side. The young kids who just moved in upstairs and pay $700 a month for the same space — they live in the East Village."
Find the whole article here.
The more things change the more they stay the same, I guess. The early 80s seemed to be the beginning "white flight" in reverse. I've lived in NYC for 25 years, nearly 20 of those years in the East Village and I would gladly trade the 80s or early 90s for the current state of affairs that is happening in the area now. One could compare the era portrayed in the article with what's (again) happening in the East Village and the disgraceful upscale white-washing of the Meatpacking district. The big difference between then and now is that New York was more deeply rooted in a art and music scene that was spontaneous, honest, and way more experimental. You could come to town with nothing and turn it or yourself into something. Kids were not interested in proving their financial status via velvet ropes and bottle service. Back then they would wait on long lines for tickets to see The Ramones. Now they wait on long lines for artisanal food.
ReplyDeleteWhat would they title the article now? How about "There Goes the Neighborhood. And This Time We Mean It."
The neighborhood is gone.
ReplyDeleteSayonara!
You should do a follow-up interview with the author, Craig Unger. According to Wikipedia, he's some sort of Bush expert now.
ReplyDeleteI still have my copy.
ReplyDelete