There are few places that can claim the same degree of civic duty and pride than the Lower East Side. Its activist past is legendary and has left a significant physical mark across the neighborhood.
The rapid gentrification of the area and the exodus of lower-income families and individuals, however, have caused this heritage to quickly fade away. Its underprivileged population has shrunk and with it the robust and historic grassroots movements to fight for better working and living conditions, battle corruption, and resist gentrification have weakened.
Local journalism, whose fate is inherently tied to these tight-knit social and activist groups, has suffered and led to the end of one precious Lower East Side publication: Bowery Boogie.
While my time in New York did not happen to coincide very long with their existence, I want this outlet to provide even a fraction of the commentary they did. This section, however, will deal specifically with the politics of the area. That means extensive coverage of our beloved Community Board 3 and observing the wonderful, if not theatrical, role of local politics in these 4 or 5 square miles we call home.
What I’m most excited to say is that I’ll be there at your side at every moment. I’m no expert on how community boards work or why councilmembers do what they do, but I hope my informal and earnest commentary helps inform on what’s happening and why.