I Give Up

I tend, as longtime readers know, to find broad claims about “gentrification” to encompass too many distinct concepts to be useful. I think Phoebe Maltz’s term “blandification” could be potentially useful in distinguishing between serious problems (shortages of expensive housing, lack of reasonably-priced grocery stores, etc.) and aesthetic issues that are not really questions of public policy (shitty chain restaurants, corporate espresso, etc.) I also agree with Maltz that it’s a little odd that Starbucks, in particular, has become the symbol of gentrification, particularly with emphasis on the price of the coffee. Even here in unhip western Queens there are plenty of independent European-style cafes. I’m happy they’re here and generally patronize them rather than Starbucks (not out of any principle but because they’re better), but they certainly aren’t any cheaper.

Having said all that, though, I admit it: the fact that a Whole Foods will be opening at Bowery and Houston just seems profoundly wrong. I’m sure before the end of 2006 CBGB will be replaced with a Bath & Body Works…