We should of all heard by now.  Real estate developers had a quite frankly disrespectful party themed around arguably the worst time in the Bronx’s history – the burning and abandoned buildings of the 1970’s.  Many parts of the Bronx were redlined because of their ethnic makeup, which led to low investment in these communities regarding property values, education, and job creation.  These issues where further exacerbated with Robert Moses’ Cross Bronx Expressway.  The effects of these policies and abandonment of the Bronx continue to be felt to this day; which is why the party held by these developers was an absolute disgrace.

Port Morris is changing rapidly, as vacant lots, factories and warehouses are being bought up to create luxury accommodations.  It’s an interesting area, especially in terms of NYC’s fight with gentrification and in particular the Bronx.  First, the area doesn’t have many options for mass transit, where other gentrifying neighborhoods have train service within four or five blocks from the area.  It’s secluded in a weird way, cut off by the Major Deegan and Bruckner expressways.  I could only guess that the seclusion is a draw for the developers, since along the other side of the expressways are housing projects in Mott Haven (Mitchell & Mill Brook houses) which is a clear sign of spatial inequality.  The area has just over 3,500 residents, with a median income of just over $35,000.  What’s interesting is that the area isn’t seeing a huge wave of gentrifying (middle to upper middle class) residents flooding the area in the ways Harlem and Washington Heights have experienced.  Even with the Clocktower renovations in 2000, there hasn’t been a massive influx of new residents because there simply isn’t a huge stock of residential units available in this mostly industrial neighborhood. So what does this have to do with a gentrification party?

Bronx Art vs Gentrification from The Bronx Brand on Vimeo.

After talking with Bronx activists as well as others who have witnessed firsthand the rebranding and gentrification of neighborhoods such as DUMBO, Willamsburg, LES and LIC, we’re seeing the same tactics being used by real estate developers.  In all of these places, affordable rents attracted artists and other creatives to these areas.  As culture makers created communities that expressed themselves, others who wanted to join these cultural enclaves decide to move in.  Real estate agents recognize the attraction of these places as “hot” and “new it spots” to live in and market them, and even rename them, to appeal to middle and upper middle class clientele.  Rents increase, artists move out and these areas are no longer a creative haven but transform into status symbols the wealthy can claim since only certain people can afford to live in these areas (TriBeca, East Village).   This brings us to the party for artists and celebrities in Port Morris, as well as the No Commission party Swizz Beats had at the same property.

Now, I have to admit that I went to the No Commission party, and even had a good time.  I also have to admit, I was oblivious to the location of the event as I signed up.  Nevertheless, it was great to see an event of that magnitude happen in the Bronx instead of another borough (I won’t mention Br__klyn here).  We should have more homegrown events in the Bronx, highlighting our culture (this is not to say there aren’t any, we’ve had the opportunity to attend these events and are encouraged to see more) and this event spurred that desire in me as well as many others.  However,  I refuse to be oblivious or naive to what events like this ultimately do.  First, with the disgusting “Bronx is burning” themed party there was a blatant rebranding and attempt to rename the area the “Piano District”, to which the community led by graffiti artist, activist and personal friend KayLove replied #WhatPianoDistrict. With the No Commission Party, the event tried to claim they were bringing art and culture back to the Bronx, although that narrative changed after a group of artist and activists sat down with Swizz Beats to work out any miscommunication or misunderstandings.  However, the tactic of using the arts as a way of “cultural currency” in these types of neighborhoods remains, and in no way do I think Swizz intentionally wanted to cosign this phenomena, the unfortunate reality is that this event can indirectly be used as a catalyst for the change developers want ti see in Port Morris.  And although their aren’t many residents in the area, and the influx of new gentrifying residents would only come after most of the developments in the area are completed, what happens in Port Morris will have a domino effect on the neighborhoods adjacent to the area and eventually the rest of the Bronx.

Mariposa Poem from The Bronx Brand on Vimeo.

A year later, it seems as if our fears of gentrification taking hold in the Bronx are coming to fruition.  Construction has ramped up in the last few months.  It was in this same area that Calientito restaurant was forced out of their location.  As Bronx residents, we need to continue to be informed about changes happening within our borough.  We need to support one another.  We need to continue to create events that highlight our culture, develop workshops that teach skills to our youth, and come alongside activists that are fighting on our behalf.  We need to support small businesses, collaborate with community leaders and ensure that our stories and our people aren’t going to be removed from the fabric of the neighborhoods we’ve lived in for decades.  We don’t have to succumb to the nightmare of gentrification, it’s time to wake up.