Mr. Plaza, as someone who has lived here since the fifties, I think that you're missing something about the "transformation" of Jackson Heights. The change came when new immigrants from South America and South Asia started arriving in the 70's. But these new neighbors were basically on the same economic level as the old guard--middle class with the same education and skills for the most part as the people who were already here. That is not what is happening now. Just look at Washington Plaza. Look at the prices. Many of our new neighbors are purchasing apartments at prices well beyond what the people they are replacing could afford.
Gentrification is more about class than race. I lived in Park Slope for two years and saw the old timers--white, black, brown--pushed out by the newcomers--white, black, brown. I cringe when I read postings on this board wondering how all the 99 cent stores can survive--are they doing something illegal, are the landlords giving them the secret handshake. No, they survive because they have customers from the neighborhood who shop there. They survive because of demand. I know that I am rambling a bit, but in my experience, the type of change talked about here cannot be easily contained. I like cocktails, but I am not sure if I'll like what comes next.