Changes in Crown Heights

Upon reading the introduction to Race, Class, and Gentrification in Brooklyn, I took particular notice of the section regarding Crown Heights, as it is a neighborhood I’m familiar with. I first encountered the neighborhood about 5 years ago, while accompanying my older sister while she was looking for apartments. Then, it was an area with a lot of brownstones, local businesses, and a lot of construction. I’ve recently returned to the area and noticed that the construction I saw has transformed into high-rise luxury condominiums. After reading the introduction, I can assume that this is a direct effect of the up-zoning of Crown Heights, and I’ve seen it’s direct change on the neighborhood. The neighborhood was once plentiful with local businesses like bodegas and hair braiding shops has gone from “up and coming” to almost as gentrified as Williamsburg. Walking down Franklin Avenue is a similar experience to walking down Bedford Avenue; one will now see the old establishments replaced by bars with brunch specials, juice and smoothie shops, and organic grocery stores.