Gentrifying BK: Buying, Selling, Repackaging Crown Heights

FILM SCREENING

The “Crown Heights vs. Prospect Heights” debate is often played out online, often times right here on Brooklynian. It’s a hot topic. But how does this naming (or renaming) affect the residents?

With a keen focus on Franklin Avenue – the neighborhood’s “contested border” – two area residents have interviewed dozens of area resident to get their opinion on the debate. Interviews include newcomers, long timers, random people, and even some of your favorite local business owners to inquire about their opinions on the changes in the neighborhood and what role they play in it.



The filmmakers ask the uncomfortable questions like “what do you want the neighborhood demographic to be in 5 year - if the neighborhood turns 60% white, would you be okay with that?” and “who is more entitled to have their values reflected in the neighborhood – a long-time renter or a new property owner?” The answers have been surprising and candid. This has now culminated in a film called “Gentrifying Brooklyn.”

Gentrifying Brooklyn is a poignant and personal look at a community in the midst of gentrification.
When a neighborhood is renamed to attract more affluent buyers, what is the community response? In Crown Heights Brooklyn, while many long time residents take pride in their neighborhood’s identity, others are unabashedly repackaging its name, borders, and identity to attract more affluent residents.
Who’s entitled to the neighborhood?

A rough cut of an excerpt of the film will be screening at Five Myles on Saturday, June 19th at 7:00 p.m. The filmmakers will then open up the floor for discussions and critiques about the film. They will also be engaging the audience in questions about the neighborhood changes more generally.

A short sound bite is here: http://nostrandpark.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gbsound.mp3

And the write up is here: http://nostrandpark.com/2010/06/10/gentrifying-brooklyn-the-buying-selling-and-repackaging-of-crown-heights/