Gentrifying Bagel
A friend just sent me an Onion essay that speaks to the the absurdities of my bagel quest. The writer hits on many of the sad but humorous truths of an "up and coming neighborhood." Here's an excerpt:
When I moved into this neighborhood, I fell in love right away. Not with the actual neighborhood, but with its potential: It's affordable, there are nice row houses all around just waiting to be filled up by my friends, there's lot of open space to be exploited, and plenty of parking. Plus, this area has got a great authentic feel and, with a little work, it could be even more authentic. Perfect, right?But I'm different. My needs here in Harlem aren't fueled by my inner hipster. I'm just hungry for a little dough with a hole...
...It sure would help attract people like me if there was a record store, too, and not the one with the giant Shakira cutout in the window. I mean a decent one. I went in to see if they had the new Fiery Furnaces, and they had never heard of it. They said they'd see if they could order it for me, but I declined. I mean, what's the point of supporting a local business if it's not cool?
Yeah, right.
posted by Rachel Natalie Klein at 8:38 AM
7 Comments:
The oninion article is racist in a polite way. NYC Latino culture is different than his and the two worlds seem to mix like oil & water to the author (lack of interest in exchanging of ideas, etc.)
As for you Bagel woman, You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes well you just might find
You get what you need
The Onion excerpt is right on. I will have a home in Harlem soon, and the things that really made me feel good about the purchase were not the things I saw, but all the 'potential' things yet to be.
Honestly, Harlem Park (southwest corner of 125th and Park) was the one thing I looked at to say 'once this thing happens, the entire neighborhood will be reinvigorated and draw more of the kinds of businesses I seek and more young professionals like me interested in what they have to offer.' As I have waited these long 9 months since I signed my contracts, it has not gone unnoticed that NOTHING has happened with Harlem Park. There was a flurry of articles a few months back about the juggling of the developer situation, but there has been nothing since... no claim by Vornado to have taken over the project... no word from the Mayor's office or the City about the lot or the project...no word from Marriott...no sense of urgency from anyone.
Then, I come to learn of the Corn Exhchange building on the northwest corner of 125th and Park being renovated for a culinary school (?) and office building. Although it is difficult to see progress, the news seems positive, as they have a developer in place and 'work has begun'.
Not to mention, a plethora of new condo developments in the area. Every one that goes up gives me confidence that I have not bought a home in the middle of a place I could never hope to thrive...that other young professionals like me see the same possibilities.
Funny how, as the Onion article suggests, it was this dream of how the neighborhood would change to fit my comfort level that drew me to the area. Now, I have been handed a reality check which tells me that progress will be slow. I just hope five years from now that 'progress' is measurable.
From a posting on Wired:
Harlem real estate project takes a new shape
Published on August 07, 2006
A plan for a hotel on 125th Street in Harlem has been scrapped, and the incoming developers of the three-year-old project are making new plans. Vornado Realty, Integrated Holdings and MacFarlane Partners, which are in the process of purchasing the property from Majic Development Group and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, plan to build a tower with retail and Class A office space. The deal, worked out over the past two weeks, requires approval by the state attorney general's office.
©2006 Crain Communications Inc.
Regardless of all the noise around Harlem Park, gentrification has been marching forward at a noticeable rate.
From what I hear, Harlem Park attracts too many politicians and special interest that it is impossible to satisfy and creates gridlock.
Meanwhile, many other luxury condo buildings and existing brownstone renovations have been transforming Harlem block by block.
Harlem is gentrifying with or without Harlem Park.
I am shocked that people don't understand that "The Onion" is satire. Haven't you ever read that paper?!?!?!?
Gentrification is happening, but not at a steady pace. Another decade before it will be what people consider gentrified, "gentrified" being quite subjective.
But, I think when people say gentrified they think Upper West Side or Park slope. Those are fully gentrified neighborhoods.
The Onion excerpt only sparked the discussion. No one is suggesting that it represents some weighty, factual or even real thesis. But, part of what makes The Onion humorous is that it often points out the ridiculousness of the truth. There was apparently something about the content of that excerpt that rings true for new or soon-to-be-new Harlemites. But, kudos to you for recognizing satire and alerting the rest of us. Keep up the good work.
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