Dead' Hook: When Gentrification Doesn't Take
New York mag has a provocative article about how Red Hook’s failed to live up to the substantial hype pegging it as Brooklyn’s next great frontier for gentrification. (Evidence of that failure, according to the article, includes the closure of the Pioneer bar, bistro 360 and the Hook, as well as the claim that real…
New York mag has a provocative article about how Red Hook’s failed to live up to the substantial hype pegging it as Brooklyn’s next great frontier for gentrification. (Evidence of that failure, according to the article, includes the closure of the Pioneer bar, bistro 360 and the Hook, as well as the claim that real estate values appear to have peaked.) Red Hook’s used as a springboard for a deeper examination of how many of us have come to assume that there’s always going to be another neighborhood ripe for transformation:
In some ways, Red Hook was a Realtor’s dream, boasting Manhattan views, a salty maritime history (working piers! Brawling sailors!), and a brochure-ready name, all of which would play perfectly on some theoretical condo prospectus. Seeking waterfront living with a dusting of urban grit? Then drop your anchor in Red Hook! More crucially, Red Hook was simply next. Because if we’ve learned anything in the last twenty years of gentrification in New York, it’s that there will always be a next.
Do you really think Red Hook’s time has come and gone or is it just taking a breather?
The Embers of Gentrification [New York]
Photo by Betty Blade
Red Hook should be used for a social re-engineering experiment.
Demolish all projects. Loosen up zoning restrictions and lets see what happens
i predict a peaceful oasis
i think everyone here is pretty much agreeing with the first comment
Jesus, 12.48, get over yourself – the criteria was within walking distance, I didn’t say Alma was in Carroll Gardens. Don’t worry, your property value remains untainted! And yeah, Alma is only good for the view. And the margaritas.
“1:54, do you know the name of the hamlet where it hasn’t peaked? I’d like to buy.”
yes, a little place called nyc.
Almost no public transportation and very little housing stock. Who exactly thought Red Hook was going to gentrify in the first place? It never seemed plausible to me.
What happens is that The What spontaneously combusts.
“The crash is happing in slow motion.”
Make up your mind…is happening FAST or SLOW? You’ve been posting about a year now, so please get it straight so we can all be ready for the big crash EXACTLY when it happens.
A big problem in Red Hook is that the city won’t grant variances to build residential. Most of the back of Red Hook is still zoned M-1 and the city slapped an IBZ on top of that. There are real wars over what Red Hook is to be from a city planning perspective. Therefore, the hood is at a standstill. No people, no services, no retail. That is the problem. BTW, the Bus goes right through Red Hook to many subways. I take it every day with 2 kids and a stroller. Not much hassle considering that I get the best light and views by living there.
I always see Steve Buscemi on the subway, wearing a jean jacket. He is hot, hot, hot.