Real Deal Article on PH retail

ben

The article on Prospect Heights retail that was discussed on a recent thread was published today. It can be seen here:

http://www.therealdeal.net/issues/SEPTEMBER_2006/1157064345.php

livetotravel

I see it contains the requisite "battling-post starter" subhead - "Condo-fueled gentrification spurs demand"

sje

I thought it was well written and pretty accurate.

idlewild

But there is a risk that the neighborhood could lose its unique identity if African-American residents are pushed out by rising prices, said state Assemblyman Roger Green, a Democrat whose district includes Prospect Heights. "The real challenge will be whether or not those families will be able to afford some of the condominiums," he said. He is asking the city and Ratner to create affordable housing using land now dominated by unsightly, "environmentally degrading" auto shops along the easternmost Atlantic Avenue.

But brokers said converting those properties will be difficult because of the need for variances and special environmental cleanups. Asked whether there was much land available for further development in the neighborhood, Massey Knakal's Chadwick Castle said, "There is less and less by the day."

The above is from the article.

Of course low income African Americans, Carribeans and whoever else is low income is going to get pushed out. Regardless of whether the Yards go up or not. Look at history. Park Slope from 7th Avenue and below, from Park Place to 20th Street had a heavy black and Puerto Rican community. Where did they go? I do find it ironic that the good reverend/s Doherty and Sharpton are fighting for a mass scale project for the sake of "jobs" that will ultimately force out most of the black and carribean communtiy. And I believe we all know that the so-called jobs for minorities will be just that...a very small token show. Enjoy the b-ball games.