I like the way the writer began with Amanda Burden’s physical appearance. The details that the writer focused on such as the 60s style hair and her sheath dress immediately puts a picture to mind to what Burden might be like upon first impression.

It’s interesting how the writer focused a bit on Burden’s past of being a socialite and a fashionable “it girl.” These images of her are quite surprising given her job description. It also helps define her image of New York City and her goal to rebuild and update its neighborhoods to better suit the modern times.

Burden’s take on gentrification as “improvement of neighborhoods” rather than as a burden (no pun intended) sheds light on its positive aspects, such as making the city more livable and breathable despite the many buildings that seem to be sprouting up everywhere.

The last statement of hers really struck me since she mentioned maintaining the identities of the neighborhoods. I think despite the development and gentrification that’s being done, it’s important to keep their distinctive characteristics (i.e. small businesses).  Those identities really depend on the residents themselves that have lived and built their lives in these neighborhoods.