Friday, January 18, 2013
Bed-Stuy Historic District: Good for Gentrifiers or Natives?
Posted by Henry Stewart on Fri, Jan 18, 2013 at 11:05 AM
Opponents say that new regulations and increased property values will raise rents and push out many of the people—poorer, older African- and Caribbean-Americans—who stayed through tough times to make Bed-Stuy great. "What needs to be preserved are the people of Bedford-Stuyvesant,” one resident told the Times. “I’d hate to see us become a Harlem, where the jewel has been extracted.” [photo] Pro
But others say the designation would protect such residents, especially from speculative developers with their gruesome condos. “Developers don’t care about people who live in neighborhoods," said one resident. "They care about money.” [photo] Anti-Commission
A third group is angry at the Landmarks Commission. Some community leaders and more than 200 residents signed a petition saying they didn't know if they were for or against historic districting because they haven't been given enough information. The recent hearing was held on a weekday. In Manhattan. (Commissioners counter that they have held at least 15 meetings locally...)
Follow Henry Stewart on Twitter @henrycstewart
More by Henry Stewart
-
You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You: Invisibility
David Levithan's latest collaboration gets mired in its own mythology but also evinces his greatest talents.
- Jun 5, 2013
-
Does New York Need Dog Obituaries?
Cuz it's getting them, like it or not.
- May 9, 2013
- More »
About The Author
Henry Stewart
Bio:
Henry Stewart is the Culture Editor at The L Magazine and some kind of editor at Brooklyn Magazine. He has always lived in Brooklyn.
Henry Stewart is the Culture Editor at The L Magazine and some kind of editor at Brooklyn Magazine. He has always lived in Brooklyn.
