Gentrification is a loaded term. I think most of the people who live in Jackson Heights want to see the continued improvement of our commercial district – in terms of the quality of stores and their aesthetics. Stores (regardless of who owns them) that adhere to the Landmarks Law and appeal to our diverse community are certainly welcome. On January 15, 2008 Betwa Shama of The New York Daily News’ wrote an article about the opening of Starbucks in Jackson Heights. (Betwa is on my blog from December’s Starbucks post on this blog)
Starbucks a work in progress….1/15/2008
As a Jackson Heights native, it is about time that more upscale stores return to the community. After all, we did have Schraftt’s, Horn & Hardart, and a variety of specialty stores on 82nd Street back in the 50s, 60s and 70s. That is when shopping in JH for fashionable merchandise was still possible. Long-time residents of the Heights remember when we could shop for a party dress, some hose and a pair of fancy shoes on 37th Avenue or 82 Street at stores such as Clark’s, Field’s, Dorothy Zucker’s, Florsheim’s, Rauch’s, and Hartman’s Luggage.
Yet, after all these years, Jackson Heights still has family-run and -owned stores: Armondo’s Restaurant, Newman Jewelers, Lety’s, La Portena, Rudy Volcano, Ricky’s Cafe, and Espresso 77. Our commercial streets add a true “Family Vibe” to our community. Thanks again to Julie and Afzal for taking the plunge and opening a neighborhood haunt/coffee house on 77th Street.
Our community has had its’ share of 99 cent, phone center and money-wiring stores. The creation of the Jackson Heights Historic District in 1993 did improve the look of a good stretch of 82 Street and 37th Avenue. JHBG assisted with design standards for 37th Avenue and the awnings’ restrictions. New stores that appeal to all of our residents will be welcome, whether they are owned by individuals or corporations.
For some reason, the press continues to “talk down” Jackson Heights… The New York Times tends to focus on illegal immigrants on Roosevelt Avenue and the problems that can occur at night! So why is there so much controversy over a national coffee purveyor that will employ local residents and offers health benefits. I am happy to see Starbucks joining us in Jackson Heights…Welcome… Benvenidos, Ben-venue, Starbucks we appreciate your business ethos! Growth is important to the area.
In fact, Signature Bank is another corporate neighbor at 78-27 37 Avenue (which is where Beaudoin Realty Group has its office). I am sure that they are excited about their new neighbor.
| 78-27 37th Avenue 2nd Floor Jackson Heights, NY 11372 |
Private Client Group Hours: Teller Service: ATM: No |
9:00am – 4:00pm 9:00am – 4:00pm |
Here is the article in The Daily News: Starbucks perks angst, excitement
I think Ms. Sharma’s article was off-mark completely, but then, she’s probably not a resident of the community. She should have been more specific about the mom and pop stores she refers to in her article. As a long-time Jackson Heights resident, will I be devastated to see all the 99 cent stores leave? Not on your life! Also, what’s this she writes about the “once working class community”? As far as I know, Jackson Heights is still a working class community, or did I miss the boat somewhere on that one?
I think the article was pretty broad and fair, she posted opinions from store owners to residents whom lived in JH for years. Big picture, there are choices. Only time will tell the impact Starbucks will have for the neighboring mom & pop shops. As I have mentioned before, I would not spend my monies on their coffee and as long as I have an alternate coffee shop to go to… I can’t complain. Starbucks doesn’t need my $5 anyways
I happen to like Starbucks. I am also glad there is a debate over this, because it means that some of the residents of the neighborhood may be concerned about leaving intact the diversity and uniqueness of JH.
Maybe some of the “working class” are concerned that won’t be able to afford living where they have for many years, if things change too much.
This is a working class neighborhood! Yes people are threatened by the cache of Starbucks! You get what you pay for in business. Cheap stores give their employees cheap wages and no benefits. That is the trouble with the world. Discount brokerage company, such as, Foxtons went out of business because it is not practical to give away your services! Although they did not have much service that is why they are out of the RE Brokerage business. They were too cheap, inexperienced staff, & poor ethics. cheap is expensive if you need to purchase it twice. Everyone forgets the big picture…Yes JH retail & real estate is affordable in NYC terms. NYC & vicinity is advertising Real Estate in Canada and Europe so we can get more foreign monies into our economy. Change is healthy. We are far from gentrification. I am glad to see the upward swing toward fun neighborhood haunts.
Starbucks “cache”? LOL Sorry, I had to say something!
Hello.
The natural photo of the new arrival, taken by Emma Tallulah’s dad,
Bye.