Gentrification in Bed-Stuy: What's Next?

In a recent blog post on mybedstuy.com, the blog's writer pens the subject of gentrification in Bed-Stuy. The article, entitled, "Get Over Gentrification," extols the virtues of what the changing neighborhood has become in the last 15 years.

These changes include a revitalized, or rather, revitalizing community that has benefited from new and improved businesses that provide for residents the opportunity to invest their dollars back into their community (rather than shop in a neighboring 'hood).

The blogger asserts that these new business owners "could have opened anywhere else, but chose Bed-Stuy because they were tired of having to leave their neighborhood when they wanted a good cup of coffee, a good meal, or a good bottle of wine. They live in the neighborhood, hire locally, and participate socially, civically and politically."

Basically, the author says "piss or get off the pot."

What do you think? There are certainly a litany of both pros and cons that accompany gentrification. But all in all, do you believe the pros outweigh the cons, or do you see the changes as more of an erosion of the people and culture that define Bed-Stuy's authenticity?

Take our poll and tell us what you think: