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« on: January 14, 2013, 12:47:18 PM »
I'm on board with those yearning for improved quality of life. Some parts of J.Heights are just beautiful and a big part of what sucked me in 5 years ago when I moved here. But other parts are often so dirty and unpleasant - namely the areas closer to the subway. That dumpster on the west side of 75th between Roosevelt and 37th avenue that is right on the walk to the subway and out most mornings is perhaps the worst consistently bad smelling thing (during the summer) I've ever encountered. My wife and I love taking long walks around the neighborhood, but rarely do we venture south of 35th avenue and we increasingly walk north of Northern for variety (though 34th avenue in the 70's & 80's is still my favorite including some of the adjoining blocks). I've lived in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan's Chinatown, the East Village, and Williamsburg - and I don't mind gritty as an interesting change of pace, but our neighborhood just has the wrong kind of 'grit' for me I guess.
With regards to comparisons to Williamsburg or Astoria, Jackson Heights may be missing some of the cool restaurants and outdoor cafes, but the architecture in Jackson Heights (north of 37th Avenue at least) is so much nicer. Williamsburg to me was one of the ugliest places I've ever lived. I work in Manhattan so I can get my fix of trendy shops and restaurants there (not that I'd mind a few more here). I'd just rather my neighborhood at home be a little cleaner. I mean, littering is against the law, right?