Backlash Against Bed Stuy Hype Grows
As the hype about Bed Stuy grows, the backlash is growing too. That’s fine with us. But we take issue with the accuracy of the latest example in this genre, Brick Underground’s “Why I’m Leaving Bed Stuy for Good,” a list of nine reasons to leave the neighborhood. First, the anonymous author mentions the good…
As the hype about Bed Stuy grows, the backlash is growing too. That’s fine with us. But we take issue with the accuracy of the latest example in this genre, Brick Underground’s “Why I’m Leaving Bed Stuy for Good,” a list of nine reasons to leave the neighborhood. First, the anonymous author mentions the good things about Bed Stuy: Friendly neighbors and beautiful architecture. Agreed. Now for the list of reasons to move:
1. “911 is a joke.”
The author says 911 is unresponsive, but the only evidence given is that it ignores noise complaints. Yes, this is true, but it is true all over the city. All noise complaints are redirected to 311, which, indeed, is very slow or unresponsive, at least on weekends. We agree this is a huge problem. But it has nothing do to with 911 or Bed Stuy. Maybe this author should have just mentioned noise, which in our experience is a problem in Bed Stuy (and, to be fair, other areas of Brooklyn as well, such as Bushwick).
2. Hipster neighbors supported by parents.
This isn’t a problem in the part of Bed Stuy where we live. And aren’t you just as likely to encounter this in, say, Bushwick, Williamsburg, the Upper West Side, or near NYU? Also, this is really just another complaint about noise (see #1, above).
3. Only one park, Herbert Von King.
Patently false. Bed Stuy has many parks.
4. Transportation problems.
Um, except for the G train, not really. You could say the same for any number of other neighborhoods in the city. It comes down to your particular location and commute. The author seems to be implicitly comparing Bed Stuy to Fort Greene, which along with Brooklyn Heights, is one of the biggest transportation hubs in Brooklyn.
5. Bad service in restaurants.Â
True!
6. “Grocery stores are lacking.”
Lacking relative to what? Bed Stuy has better grocery stores than many other neighborhoods where we have lived in New York City, including Carroll Gardens, Bushwick, and Jackson Heights. However, it is our considered opinion that grocery store options are better in Park Slope and Williamsburg and the two other Brooklyn neighborhoods with which the author is familiar, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.
7. Dirty sidewalks.
Depends on where you live in Bed Stuy. Sidewalks are clean where we live.
8. High crime.
This is a huge topic. One “wanted” poster and a sentence from a cop does not cover it. Also, the author “was mugged, robbed and threatened on multiple occasions” in Clinton Hill but apparently not in Bed Stuy?
9. “It’s not all brownstones.”
This section doesn’t even make sense. We’re not sure what the complaint is here. Also, Stuy Heights is not the only “fancy” part of Bed Stuy.
But if we may paraphrase, the author seems to be saying Bed Stuy doesn’t live up to the hype — or the rent — because it’s not yet gentrified enough. What do you think?
Why I’m Leaving Bed Stuy for Good [BU]
Yes, I’m thrilled that this whining hipster is leaving. I’ll buy her a bus ticket to anywhere. Buh-bye!
i read this article and all I heard the whole time was a little baby going waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!!!!
Thank you, Cate, for this great response! Although I haven’t lived in Bed Stuy in over 15 years, I take offense to much of the exaggerated (and sometimes racial/racist) criticisms against the neighborhood. Your rebuttal is perfect.
Does Bed Stuy have its problems? Yes. Absolutely. But many of the problems/criticisms levied by the original author are either completely untrue, in whole or in part (i.e. transportation and the issue with parks), or are vastly exaggerated (such as the level of crime the average life-lone resident and new residents, i.e. gentrifiers, face.). Seriously, though, Stuy Heights is the only “fancy” part of the neighborhood?? Such a remark shows just how clueless of the original author is (but, then again, one who seemingly ignores the A/C and various bus service options throughout the neighborhood in a rant against “public transportation” has already shown that)…indeed, just look at the proposed Bedford Historic District (and many, many blocks that are not part of the proposed district) to see “fancy” and beautiful areas/properties outside of Stuy Heights.
Trust me, I lived in Bed Stuy when it was a dangerous neighborhood. I recall muggings and shootings taking place regularly in broad daylight, and on crowded streets (and the police not doing much to go after the perps.). Two incidents in particular that I recall from the mid-90s were a shooting in front of the old Girls High School on Nostrand (the sidewalk was packed with women and children) and a bold robbery of a customer leaving the bank in front of Restoration Plaza on Fulton Street. Although I acknowledge that certain parts of the neighborhood are still rough, people need to be specific when criticizing those spots and take care not to malign the entire neighborhood.
Please re-read. I never claimed the original article was racist. I was speaking of articles of this nature as a general matter; many of them are blatantly racist.
81st precinct is just as bad, I BARELY see them,. The most is when they are at the Utica station arresting some teenage boy for jumping the turnstiles.
I Agree! Wouldn’t it be great if all these people who moved in to be hip and cool (aka pretentious) all just regretted there decisions to move and left? Maybe we can save the little bit of Bed-Stuy that is left.
ever see John Cleese video on folks like you?
And its bigger in size than 2 countries, monaco and vatican city.
Maybe she should rent there.
haha..
haven’t gotten anything from you?
but you can always find me on the pole in front of the Bossert