Fort Greene Residents Discuss Living in Fort Greene

Via Brownstoner

Specifically, the residents of South Elliott between Lafayette and Dekalb Avenues discuss life on their block with the Times, from the Bad Old Days to the recent influx of "white girls." Between rummy games, pig roasts and block parties, longtime Fort Greene residents have seen a lot of change recently. About 40% of the neighborhood is white now, up from 24% in 1980, and the median income now surpasses the national average. Resident Mike Harsh said:

“When I got back, one of the things I noticed was, ‘Whoa, where’d all the white girls come from?’ Different people were moving in—young professional types, black and white. They weren’t families coming to start a family, just young renters looking for a cheap place to live. Now people are better off. There’s still crime, but it’s usually crime against strangers. Your neighbors don’t get involved — that is the big difference. Back then if someone was in trouble, people would help. Nowadays when I’m fighting with a mugger I have young white people yelling at me, ‘What are you doing?’"

The first place to look for changing times is always the real estate market, and Brownstoner reports that the Italianate brick one-family house on 53 South Elliott street is going for $3,700,000, which they call "sheer lunacy." But you'll get the street cred of saying you live in Spike Lee's favorite neighborhood!

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By Jaya Saxena in News on July 25, 2010 3:30 PM

Comments [rss]

LB

But I guess when you have a slew of white folks move in , Jack Up the Rents, and Property Values replace the minorities . The Neighborhood got "Upgraded" and is now a Great Place to Live, and Raise a Family ! LOL Like I said, Spare Me The Bullshit ! P.S. Spike Lee was never a Factor in Fort Greene , He just lived their for some time, Opened a Couple of Businesses and made movies about the Boro .

juliec

I am one of these people; for me, the situation is as good as the journalist presents. All of us are capable of making large changes (Fort Greene neighborhood) on a small scale (genuinely saying, "hello" to everyone when you are walking home from the subway via Elliott Street).

dept54321

Canned anti-hipster comment! Bitter reference to yuppie transplants. Confused pseudo-populist rambling. Vague threat! Sneering conclusion.

matty

lol

Tower18

If I lived there, I'd tell Spike Lee to fuck off. Remember, in that very interview you link to:

You know, I lived there. Lived and worked there. I live in Manhattan now.