The South Bronx (New York, York: condo, co-ops, buying)

[SeventhFloor]

Originally Posted by Guywithacause

Cyrus..it's not that it can't be all that negative here...because it can. However, if all you choose to see, feel, and regurgitate is the negative..then that is all anyone will ever hear and see...and that is not an accurate assessment of the community.

and neither is talking about just the positive. address both sides of it and live in reality.

[irothste]

I have a job interview at Hostos Community College. Can someone give me some idea as to what that area is like? Will I feel comfortable later at night in that area?

[apvbguy]

Originally Posted by irothste

I have a job interview at Hostos Community College. Can someone give me some idea as to what that area is like? Will I feel comfortable later at night in that area?

no, you will not be comforatable commuting at night, the area is typical bronx ghetto

[Hustla718]

Originally Posted by Guywithacause

THF: I agree that Capitalism is the best way, however it is certianly not perfect. If money were not the primary motive for much of this society, we would not have such an abysmal, entrenched ghettoized culture that has infiltrated much of our society. Of course, I do not believe we would also have the dynamic economy, superior innovation, and be the super power of the world were we not so darn greedy either...alot of good has come from it also....so there are 2 sides.

Capitilism is all about greed. What you can do for yourself. Often at the expense of others. However many societies live comfortable across the world without the massive amounts of violent crime and disparity you will find in the USA. Way off topic.

Originally Posted by Guywithacause

I think there is a new focus on the inner city, and a new preception of these communities as well. I think the city has learned from its mistakes, at least this administration has, and is trying to bring back the Bronx, as well as the other Boroughs, through investments in private and public ventures....and I see it paying off in spades whenever I walk to the train, or shop at new local stores, or supermarkets, or the new housing all around. The areas are far more liveable than they have been in the last 35 years...and I am glad to be a part of the revitalization of these communities. It certianly is far from perfect...but there are now community members, activists, and the city actively involved with improving the areas...and with the funds to back their proposals..the changes are having a dramatic impact!

The focus today is about rapeing inner city communities and displacing residents.

The positive changes in these communities are minimal and insignificant, there is no reason to stress improvements. The poor will move into the South Bronx regardless.

Originally Posted by Guywithacause

I look forward to all the changes and development that will come to fruition in the next 5 years in this borough!

In 5 years things will be virtually the same as today or 5 years ago.

Originally Posted by Guywithacause

Agreed 7thfloor....there is no doubt I am biased and I do not hide that fact, which is why I do say that you should see for yourself and not listen to much of the doom and gloom that some claim is the only correct and true perspective of these areas.

Gloom and doom? Try reality.

Originally Posted by Guywithacause

I am also not claiming things are rosey, perfect, and idyllic....my posts have never painted that picture and I have never asserted that. I say things are changing, and the hurdles that exist are being addressed, whereas before they were ignored and left to fester. I make no claims other than that...and my post history will show them.

Your post are exaggerations. You make undesireable areas sound desireable.

Originally Posted by Guywithacause

I too do not see SoBro as becoming a gentrified paradise of Starbucks and Gucci stores in the next 5 years, and no rational or reasonable person suggests that to be the case. But what I do see is an increasingly attractive area that is affordable, close to the city/easy commute, with a strictly urban feel that is improving, and becoming a viable choice for those looking to stay in the city and live cheaply and close.

People don't want to live in the South Bronx. Too many social problems and the current housing situation encourages that. It's the ghetto. It will be the ghetto.

Originally Posted by Guywithacause

I stand by all of those assertions. And of course I am biased, but I do not pretend that the hurdles don't exist...however I choose to focus on things that are improving and the more positive aspects instead of rehashing the same old story.

When describing undesireable neighborhoods, you should at least try and make them sound undesireable.

Originally Posted by Guywithacause

If there were nobody else addressing the negatives I would most certianly do so as well, however there are a number of people who go to great lengths at only addressing the negatives..so we do not need a chorus of people chanting the same old routine.

Again, when describing undesireable neighborhoods, you should at least try and make them sound undesireable.

Originally Posted by Guywithacause

I am giving the perspective that is not as common, voiced, or even popular, however it is just as "real" as the other posters. I do not ignore the obvious challenges of these communities, however I am voicing a different side. I am fair and balanced, I cannot say the same for others on here.

Fair and balanced? You just admitted to only saying positive things about the communities. Communities where negatives far outweigh the positives, which is why they are undesireable.

Originally Posted by Guywithacause

Cyrus..it's not that it can't be all that negative here...because it can. However, if all you choose to see, feel, and regurgitate is the negative..then that is all anyone will ever hear and see...and that is not an accurate assessment of the community.

There are many positive things, and I have spoken of some. It is important to be balanced when discussing places, and not just focus on the negative or positive. However, I also recognize that one man's garbage is another man's treasure....I have learned that first hand in seeing the renewed interest in areas that were formerly "off-limits." I don't see the value in buy a comic book for $25,000, but there are many that do, and are paying far more than that. The same holds true for these types of communties, whereas many do not see the value, there are many that do, and are placing their bets. Is it for everyone? Heck no...neither is paying $25,000 for a comic book. But that does not mean others don't see the value, so writing off a whole community as "off-limits" has not only proven a detrimental social policy, it is also just plain foolish economically and financially....but that's changing.

When discussing an undesireable neighborhood, most comments should back the fact it is undesireable. Not the reverse. If you want to change the world fight for schools and low income housing in the community. Don't tell clueless middle class people looking on the internet for answers the place is great. That is misinformation. Especially people whos concern is safe neighborhoods with things to do in the community.

The average poster here is no hood rat or struggling single mother, the average person is middle class and looking for a safe neighborhood to experience the best NYC has to offer. Not an area like South Bronx where they need to look over their shoulder twice and deal first hand with all the social ill's in the community.

I also don't understand what you see that makes you think the South Bronx will be middle class in 10 years. If anything it will be an even poorer place in 10 years if the city living cost continue to skyrocket.

Originally Posted by irothste

I have a job interview at Hostos Community College. Can someone give me some idea as to what that area is like? Will I feel comfortable later at night in that area?

It is a rough neighborhood but lucky for you the school has places to eat litterally across the street. The subway station is also located below. Of course once you leave that immidiate block it gets really dicey real fast. Not an area you will want to walk around in at night.

[irothste]

Thanks for the information. I'll keep that in mind.

[Guywithacause]

7thfloor....if you look back on my posts I address the good and the bad..so we are really going in circles. I do not spend my time addressing the bad as there are plenty that do that for me.....if that was all we did there would not really be an interesting forum. I voice the other side, without ignoring or exlcuding the obvious challenges.

I cannot address your opinion any further, as we are going in circles. What else can we discuss now?

Irothste...I actually like the area around Hostos for a few reasons. It is part of the Yankee stadium redevelopment zone..so in about 2-3 years you will see a big transformation in the area, including a brand new waterfront shopping center thatn will host mid-range retailers like Bed-Bath and Beyond, as well as outdoor dining options. In addition, the waterfront will be opened up and there will be great waterfront esplanades and parks all the way up to Yankee Stadium itself.

It is also part of the Bronx's main government district, which includes the Borough's main post office, court, Hostos and a major Hospital. It is also extremely convenient to the city via the 149st station just across the street. There are also a couple good eats including the Zagat rated Giovanni's (G-Bar) and some cool drinking establishments as well. The area at the moment is in transition, but you will find it just fine.

[SeventhFloor]

Originally Posted by Guywithacause

I stand by all of those assertions. And of course I am biased, but I do not pretend that the hurdles don't exist...however I choose to focus on things that are improving and the more positive aspects instead of rehashing the same old story.

this sums up the majority of your posts. the problem is not that people on here just bad mouth the south bronx but you seem to put it up on a pedestal like its sliced bread. at the end of the day, it is what it is. the hood. if one new flower sprouts up in st. anns park you act like the neighborhood is gentrified now......

[Guywithacause]

7thfloor....that is a gross misstatement not only about my posts, but aboutmy opinions of these neighborhoods. I challenge anyone to look back at my posts and find any such silliness in my threads....that flower comment was dumb and an example only of your sarcasm.

I do agree that the statement does sum up my view towards these communities..I look to the positive in the community, and the changes that are occuring without ignoring the challenges.

[SeventhFloor]

let me help you out for your sake. if u really want to speak on the south bronx address the challenges too so that they can be recognized. change is good but without addressing whats bad, that can never be changed as well.

and i thought my sarcasm provided a good example. glad to see you only took it as sarcasm. lol.

[irothste]

Thanks again, my main concern, being a non-New Yorker and not really familiar with the area, is getting out of class at 9pm and being able to get home without being harrased. I am mixed white-latino if that makes any difference. I pass for either.

IME there are two types of bad area's, one's that you do not want to live in but you can go in and out without a problem and then there are those areas you don't even want to go into.

Is the area around Hostos the former or the latter?