Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
Quicklink: A Story To Tell
Filed under: 11211, 11222, 11249, Bushwick, Bushwick Brooklyn, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Gentrification, Gowanus, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Maspeth, Maspeth Queens, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
This tome was brought to my attention by a fellow named Richard. Richard is a resident of Lawrence, Kansas. This Letter to the Powers That Be, not surprisingly, pertains to matters in Lawrence, Kansas. However, while reading this tome more than one community hereabouts— and the non/not-for-profit organizations (which purport to act as a “voice”/”advocate” for the aforementioned communities) came to mind. I do not think I need to list/name the previous here, gentle readers. We know them.*
Follows is an excerpt from this essay so as the pique your interest:
…I have been long in forming my opinion of the Cultural Arts District and the 9th Street Corridor. When the pros and cons of the issue are laid across a scale, I find myself on the side of favor. I am in support of the Cultural Arts District and 9th Street Corridor in East Lawrence. I am excited at the prospect of renewal and repair that the Cultural District designation dollars can bring. I want new sidewalks and safer lighting and renovated limestone curbs and bricks in my streets. I want the businesses in my neighborhood to thrive and prosper and have the funds to reinvest in my community. I want an economic base that can support an East Lawrence or Downtown grocery store. I want my daughters to grow up in a vibrant, thriving neighborhood that supports the arts and creativity. I am personally invested in positive outcomes for the Cultural Arts District.
And yet…
There remains a sense of unease when I think about what will happen as the Cultural Arts District and 9th Street Corridor develop. I cannot shake the feeling of anxiety, of foreboding, of “ick” in my belly and bad smell wrinkle in my nose. And this time, it isn’t a downdraft from the wastewater treatment plant (Emphasis mine— Ed. Note) or the river. It’s the aftertaste of cultural co-option. But what does that mean, you say? I can’t explain it to you without the help of Alice Walker. Here’s where the story comes in…
You can— no, make that should— read this essay in its entirety by clicking here. Pass it along. Who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire someone (else) in our fair burgh/city to speak up?
*Hence why I found this excerpt of Adam “GWAPP Advisory Board” Perlmutter’s biography so fascinating:
…Adam is a currently lawyer for Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn opposing the Atlantic Yards project …
Speaking as a resident of Greenpoint for fourteen years now who knows quite a few bloggers— bloggers who have taken a keen interest in Atlantic Yards, no less— I have not once heard his name mentioned. What’s more, someone closely connected with DDDB confirmed my suspicions:
He isn’t in the employ and never was. He volunteered with DDDB about 9 years ago and helped them find their great lawyer Matt Brinckerhoff – but he’s not done anything with them for about 7 years.
Hmm…
Note the “Treasurer”. It is none other than Steve “Brooklyn Beer/I loves me some Atlantic Yards” Hindy himself.
Double hmm…
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