Williamsburg Comes to Crown Heights?

I think the renaissance of Franklin Ave, specifically, is due to a couple of factors. First of all, you have ease of transportation with the Franklin Ave shuttle running along (duh) Franklin Ave, connecting Brooklyn subway lines that may meet only otherwise in Manhattan, making the area available from anywhere else.

Secondly, the commercial architecture of Franklin Ave is already set up for storefront shops, restaurants, etc, and the landlords there seem to be more amenable to change. This is unlike Nostrand Ave, which should be the commercial heart of CH, and seems to be in commercial lockdown, with absurdly high rents and a culture of intransegence by the very small number of landlords on that ave, who seem to like things the way they are, and/or are waiting it out for some brighter future. Franklin still retains a neighborhoody, small city, main street feel, which is very desirable for the kinds of businesses that are showing up there.

Thirdly, because of the proximity of Prospect Heights, as well as the Jewish Hospital Apts, new construction and renovation, this area is seeing a large influx of twenty-something, mostly white, renters seeking inexpensive apts, whose social life includes eating and drinking out, organic and natural foods, and clothing shops. Most of the new businesses are catering to this population.

This sets up the conundrum of gentrification - it's great for all of us to have these new businesses. Those of us who are not twenty-something, or even white, also enjoy eating and drinking out, natural foods, and all of the other perks of being in a gentrifying neighborhood. A better neighborhood is better for us older timers as well. I think that CH will be better able to keeps its cultural identity because Wmsburg is much more of a blank slate. Its Hasidic population is very insular, and disconnected physically and culturally from "hip" Wmsburg, and to a lesser degree, so is the Latin side of town. The industrial spaces that make up much of the desirable cool part of town were largely sitting unused until the artists and others moved in. Crown Heights' Caribbean and African American presence on the retail streets is still strong, and will remain so, and the community, as evidenced by the local presence at Franklin Hall, is just as glad to get new businesses. It doesn't have to be "them and us". It can be "we".

Posted by: Montrose Morris at September 12, 2008 12:23 PM

I meant Franklin Park, not Hall.

I pretty much agree with lincolnlimestone. An important point he/she makes is in taking the time and money to put forth a good business plan. I've seen plenty of businesses open and close here because of poor planning. Just getting the space and paying the rent is not enough. Neither is having even the best idea. That is why I enjoy reading the Bird Blog. Her progress may be slow and tedious, but I bet her business will suceed, because she has a rock solid plan. I welcome good business people to Crown Heights, with all kinds of businesses. There is great potential here.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at September 12, 2008 12:38 PM

Andrewlee, I suggest walking around a lot on streets you find attractive, and look for broker signage and take down numbers and call. In spite of recent coverage, and higher priced listings, the large brokerage firms do not have the majority of listings in neighborhoods like Crown Heights. Small, local brokers do, as they have for the last 70 years. They may not be fancy, or media sophisticated, but they have the listings, especially the more affordable ones.

Also, talk to the older folks tending their yards or sweeping out front. They know everything and everyone, and usually know who is thinking about selling, and other tidbits about the neighborhood. I know several people who got homes here by asking people in the neighborhood about upcoming sales.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at September 12, 2008 5:24 PM