The New York Times, of all real estate-driven papers, reports this morning on the extent to which the disappearance of the 421-a tax break will "dampen" the number of so-called affordable units ever to be built in this city under the fantasy housing policy known as ZQA/MIH.
On the one block-long street where I live, the Unblackening (to borrow Larry Wilmore's monumentally shaming, heart-breaking phrase) continues. Three houses have sold in the last year, all to white people. I can think of two, probably three more destined for the same change, currently owned by aged black people, retired civil servants. My white boyfriend has been an owner on this block for 30 years: He was always made to feel welcome, loved for his curious choice of neighborhood. Now, we agree that once Black Crown Heights comes to fully resemble Park Slope, we're moving to Mexico. There ought to be a happy medium, but there's not; neighborhoods just turn over from one group to another. That's America.
If City Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo thinks that these white newcomers are going to keep her as their representative, she is courting delusion. I have written her again today, urging her to stand with her current constituents in order to keep her office. We are watching.
Moving to Mexico? Fantastic! So sorry to see you go...
ReplyDeleteIf your boyfriend bought 30 years ago when the neighborhood was primarily black, and he sells now that whites are coming in, he'll be pocketing the racism bonus. He'll have prospered off the racism that kept housing prices low here for so long. The same thing happened in north Park Slope and Prospect Heights...only the owners ever come out ahead.
ReplyDeleteThe hypocrisy is not lost. If you truly cared for your neighbors, you'd be fighting for their right to stay in their rentals, not picking up, cashing out and heading to a country where you can once again buy low and sell high.
I can think of two, probably three more destined for the same change, currently owned by aged black people, retired civil servants.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know those aging black owners will receive the gentrification bonus that goes to those who are in the right place and the right time.
As for Cumbo, she's a dim bulb, but probably bright enough to embrace whatever beliefs she needs to remain in office.