It's no secret that the East Village has undergone drastic change over the past decade or so. But as for how deeply the EV, LES and Chinatown have transformed into overpriced frat basements, turn your attention to a new study that points out, among other things, a (not shocking) spike in rent, a massive bar boon and a decline in local retail services. But at least we beat 7-Eleven! Sort of.
The study [pdf], conducted by researchers out of Columbia University, mapped Community Board 3's changing demographics from 2000 to 2012, documenting retail trends and the ubiquitous loss of affordable housing that characterized the decade. It's not surprising that the East Village no longer resembles a Beatnik era bohemian paradise, but it is noteworthy that the area saw an increase in average rent by about 42 percent, for instance, and that Alphabet City gained about 4,000 more white residents and lost over 1,000 Hispanic and black residents, with white residents making up over 67 percent of the neighborhood's population. The Asian population also increased by about 2,000, and the median household income spiked from $37,000 to $62,000, with one census tract seeing a median income of $144,821.
Even more noteworthy is the study's report on how retail demographics have changed over the past decade. Alphabet City gained 214 new food and drink establishments from 2004 to 2012, and beer, wine and liquor stores shot up from seven to 17 total. Then again, the area saw a loss in local retail and a significant increase in noise complaints, likely thanks to all that fratastic drinking. As per the study:
The area also struggles to retain local businesses and is seeing a rapid displacement of family-owned business. The rents on these lots are increasing and the bar and restaurant industries dominate the area. An increase in liquor-licensed establishments has led to a decreased quality of life for some residents, increased night time noise complaints, lack of other local retail services, and inactive daytime storefronts as these establishments cater to a nighttime crowd.
So, in sum, the East Village, Chinatown and the Lower East Side have become havens for the inebriated, screaming masses, which is probably something you've already noticed, provided you too have had the misfortune of watching someone purge a partially-digested dollar slice outside Gem Spa on a Saturday night. See also: Santacon.
