royaljack

Went out last night with friends around downtown Manhattan. Walked through SoHo. And boy! I've always known the neighborhood has changed. But man, it really struck me last night. I've watched the place change over the years, but somehow it all clicked last night. Maybe the route we took just touched on so many different landmarks; large and small. Looking at Canal Jeans old place and seeing it as a Bloomingdales. Passing by one building that is now filled with lofts, but definitely had sweatshops in the past.

I know because at one point in my childhood I had to tag along with my mom and dad as they tried to find work in the factories. And I have vivid memories of walking up the factory stairs and running around huge floors filled with garment industry gear.

Now all those places are lofts or high rent offices for people in the entertainment, fashion or whatever biz. And the thing is I'm not that old so it's shocking to see that level of change that quickly.

Now all of SoHo and Little Italy next to it is so geared towards tourists it seems bizarre. I don't exactly hate it, but it doesn't feel right.

Passed by the church yard where a few scenes from "Mean Streets" was shot and the neighborhood seems like it's solid in it's own way. But then you turn and see a watering hole that is clearly catering to the "new residents" and such. I don't have a problem with neighborhoods gentrifying and such as much as I can't stand the way new businesses seem to only be restaurants or bars. It seems that practical mom and pop stores are ancient history.

This city is very weird. At least Chinatown is the buffer that will keep a piece of old New York in new Manhattan alive. Thankfully Brooklyn is still Brooklyn for the most part. And even the crappy parts of it are still good in their own way.

I personally would really like a bowling alley in Downtown Brooklyn. And not a trendy one. Well it could be trendy. But just so long as it does not alienate people. A regular one that caters to all. That would be quite awesome!