Jackson Heights Life

Interesting discussion--I have two questions for Mr. Plaza and Palermo: "JH as we all know it is only 30 years old?" Huh? I don't get what you mean. What about the historic district and the great 1920s-era architecture, garden apartments, etc?  And--what are "urbanists"?

"As we know it," as in the insane melting pot that it is today. The neighborhood of Jackson Heights dates back to the 1920s, as you suggested. But the modern day community that some people violently defend from change (sometimes rightfully, sometimes not) was itself borne out of change. When the neighborhood was established, it was for middle and upper class whites. Over time the cultural, economic, and demographic makeup changed, specifically in the 70s and 80s.

The current "iteration" of Jackson Heights — as we know it — came about as a result of an ushering of its past. Not saying that's what should or will happen now. But today's version of the community was also vehemently opposed by the people of yesteryear. And I think it's fair to say, what we have today is better than what they had then. It's all about perspective, but the facts don't change. Unless you're dealing with alternative facts...

Oh and I think an urbanist in this context is being used to mean city dwellers who favor dense and gentrified communities.

That is not what is happening now. ... Many of our new neighbors are purchasing apartments at prices well beyond what the people they are replacing could afford.

This is exactly what I have tried to discuss on this board in the past -- how the rise in housing prices will change the nature of the neighborhood.

I know there is nothing I can do about it -- but it does make me sad, and I will miss the neighborhood as it is now. I will also probably enjoy some things about the new neighborhood that develops.

I have had MANY conversations with young adults who grew up here but are having to look elsewhere for housing, and with other neighbors (taxi-drivers, nannies, people who work in local stores and restaurants, just for a few examples) who had to move when their new lease upped the rent for a 1-bedroom from $1100-1200 to $1600-1700, and so on.

It is pretty clear that the days of JH as a first stop for immigrants are ending. Which means the diversity, restaurants, etc. that everyone celebrates will eventually go as well.

Neighborhoods constantly change in NYC. However, my observation is that this neighborhood has changed less than most (compared to other neighborhoods within 20 minutes transit time to Manhattan) in the past 10+ years that I've been here.

I would welcome a few places with a great atmosphere to enjoy a cocktail. I think this neighborhood can easily support a few more places like Espresso 77 and Swim Two Birds, as well as the 99 cent stores.

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.

I absolutely hear what you're saying, and it definitely is a fine line between a couple of new businesses opening up, and the beginning of a new "era" that has the potential to marginalize longstanding residents. But I suppose I don't believe it's always a forgone conclusion that the opening of a few "upscale" businesses spells disaster for a neighborhood's character. By that measure, the argument then becomes for Jackson Heights — and neighborhoods like it — to act as snow globe communities. Frozen in its current state; shielded from change, both good and bad.

I think queenskid2 makes the valid point that Jackson Heights is a unique neighborhood, in that so much of the inventory is coops and rent controlled. And I don't think you can overstate the importance of that distinction. Not only do those factors play a role, but so does the historical landmark status. I for one — even as a more progressive person — am wholly in favor of an expansion of the historic district. But that goes back to my belief that you CAN have the old and new sit alongside one another. Keep the rent controlled apartments. Make them permanent. Expand the historic district. Protect the things that strengthen the roots of the community. But I don't think that means we should block the opportunity of new small businesses who can bring a new dimension to the community's culture.

It's most likely naïveté and idealism on my part. But I do think it's possible. Here in Long Island City, change was inevitable. And as one of its community leaders, I recognize that there are upsides and downsides to what's happening here. What I've been trying to do is ensure that the growth taking place is done responsibly, and with regard to the people that call it home.

I don't really see how JH has ceased to be a point of landing for new immigrants. Have you ever walked down Roosevelt Avenue? Have you ever walked down Northern Boulevard? I'm confused here. The historical district has always been a more affluent part of the neighborhood but the upper heights, Elmhurst, and Corona are all very immigrant-dense neighborhoods. The businesses here still mostly reflect the needs of middle-income immigrants and their families. It's good to be wary of warning signs but I still think this neighborhood has a large and dominant immigrant presence that isn't going away, or at least not rapidly.

Whenever we open one I'd love to bartend there!

Amaru Pisco Bar
84th and Northern
classic cocktails, cool vibe.

Sorry tell you but there is no good cocktail lounge here in Jackson Heights. At least not the kind that most people on this forum would be interested in like Amaru. In case no one knows Amaru was opened by the same people who own pio pio. Back in 94' no one would have imagined this small immigrant family owned business would take off as it did. Now with locations all over the city I'd say the opposite it true about the changing of the neighborhood. When I take the E train in the morning I see the same exact kinds of people taking the train as I did when I was a kid. Yes young non Latinos are moving in but not so much that they effect the neighborhood. That's why these cocktail lounges you seek won't really happen here at least until another 10 years from now in my opinion. And there happens to be plenty of places to have brunch just don't expect to go out for avocado toast or eggs Benedict.