Tag Archives: Catherine Ochoa

Battle in Black and White

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Amy Fox’s piece “Battle in Black and White” was similar to the Bagli piece in many ways.  We are seeing another case where housing becomes difficult for groups in a minority race. In her article, Fox talks about the challenges veterans and people of color faced when trying to live in Stuyvesant town as well as relocate when they were driven out of their current apartments. Bagli’s piece focused on the high rent prices that were driving out the current residents and making it challenging for relocation. Through these two articles, it is clear to see that they emphasized how challenging it was to relocate for minority groups. Fox backs up her point of view by analyzing and reporting on the stories of her past, while Bagli uses the current situation at hand in order to get her point across. I really enjoyed Fox’s piece, because she gave the reader an inside look on her family tree. The bravery of her grandparents to try and integrate Stuyvesant Town years back was truly remarkable.

Lights Out In Washington Heights: Local Business Shutdowns

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A wall scribbled with graffiti is all that is left of the strip of local businesses located on 163rd Street and Broadway. The Dominican family-owned restaurant which served the typical arroz con habichuelas y pollo alorno (rice, beans and chicken) lunch for over 40 years, along with the barber shop where hundreds of locals got their haircuts, were left with no choice but to close down. Facing the same issue on the block was Sebastian Income Tax and Multiservices Inc., an agency many would use to send money to their native country and file their yearly taxes.20151209_132932

Now, facing the tough task of starting their businesses all over again, this recurring issue is evidence of gentrification in the neighborhood. Small business owners who once catered to the people of Washington Heights were forced to relocate after the landlord who bought the new property refused to renew their leases.

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Fruteria El Buen Camino

One business remains. Fruteria El Buen Camino is the lone fruit market left standing, something even the owner, Thelma Santana, describes as a “miracle.” She recounts how it all happened. “Three years ago, this strip changed landlords, and every couple of months we would get notices saying that our leases would not be renewed.”

After multiple meetings between the business owners and Coltown Properties LLC – the new real estate company who bought the strip – her prayers were answered. Santana’s business would remain, while every other local shop on the block would be shut down.

Jose Campos, owner of Sebastian Income Tax & Multiservices, Inc. describes the relocation situation differently.  “We were like little children being bribed with caramel candies,” he said, when recounting how the previous landlord told the business owners their leases would be renewed, only to send them letters to vacate the premises within the month after the properties were sold. In 2012, investors Israel Weinberger and Steven Neuman of Coltown Properties LLC. bought five buildings from the previous landlord for about $31 million dollars, and business owners on the strip quickly saw the changes occurring. As to why Fruteria El Buen Camino is the last business standing, Mr. Campos believes it’s their location that brought them good luck. “We’ve heard rumors about the new lounge and real estate office that will take over where our small businesses once were, and I believe the fruit market’s square footage wouldn’t add or take away from their plans to remodel. In our case, we were on both sides of her business and had a larger space, something they needed to rent at a higher price.”

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Sebastian Campos in his new office

Washington Heights has gone through many changes in the last couple of years due to gentrification. With a rise in the non-hispanic population in the neighborhood, the cost of living is rising and as a result, rents for both businesses and apartments are increasing, uprooting locals and forcing them to relocate.

According to the 2010 census, 48.4 percent of the White/Non-Hispanic population is over the $60,000 yearly income range. This is in stark contrast to the Hispanic/Latino population with only 24.3 percent making over that amount, and an average 75.7 percent making under $50,000 in yearly income. Washington Heights has quickly become the new “it” neighborhood due to the now low crime rate and affordable rent by New York City standards. Chain businesses and cafes offering free wifi and espresso lattes are increasing in quantity, leaving the beloved ethnic spots who served the community for years at a loss.

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Punta Cana Restaurant stood on this corner for over 40 years

Angel Santos, owner of Punta Cana – The Dominican food restaurant – was paying $7,900 in rent before they closed down, instead of the $5,000 they were accustomed to. “We were told that if we wanted to keep this business, our rent would increase to $9,000 a month. We could barely afford the current rent. Now I’m 80 years old and retired,” says Mr. Santos. He recounts the crime and hardships he faced to open his business 40 years ago, driving a taxi day and night in order to save up to rent the space. In an effort to save his business, Mr. Santos took Coltown Properties, LLC. to court, a case that resulted in the judge’s ruling in favor of the new landlord. Representatives at Coltown Properties, LLC. were not available for comment, but of the case’s ruling, Mr. Santos says “In the blink of an eye, it was gone….we had to struggle here, and now I have nothing.”

With the 18.4 increase in the non-Hispanic population increase in Washington Heights over the last five years, new chain businesses are weeding out the current small businesses in the neighborhood. “We have no small business laws on our side” said Mr. Campos, who also filed a case against the new landlord along with Mr. Santos of Punta Cana Restaurant. “Thankfully we’ve relocated now, but we’re not on Broadway anymore, causing a drastic change in our foot traffic.” Sebastian and his wife remain hopeful that business will pick up, now that they’ve posted their relocation sign where their agency once stood.

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Victor Campos- owner of Fruteria El Buen Camino

For Thelma Santos of Fruteria El Buen Camino, the blessings “continue to pour.” The new landlord, Mr. Weinberger, of Coltown Properties, LLC has decided to renovate her entire market, to make the strip more appealing to the public. “It’s more than we could’ve asked for.We thank God everyday” she says. With the help of her husband, Victor Campos, she hopes to remain in the area for years to come,  offering the people of Washington Heights fresh, local produce.

For Punta Cana Restaurant and Sebastian Income Tax & Multiservices, Inc. the situation ended differently. In the midst of gentrification, Washington Heights is a neighborhood changing right before residents’ eyes. The beloved local spots are rapidly disappearing, and being replaced with mainstream shops and restaurants. The increase in income and non-Hispanic population has been a crucial factor in causing the gentrification, changing Washington Heights from a predominantly Caribbean population to a more diverse one. When asked what their thoughts were on the events happening in the neighborhood, all the small business owners had a similar opinion – change is always welcome, but Washington Heights is no longer the same neighborhood they once knew.

A.J Liebling

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Critic Philip Hamburger has described Back Where I Came From as a “love letter to the City of New York.” Do you agree or disagree? If so, how and why does Liebling express his views? What techniques does he use as a reporter/writer?

I agree with this view because Liebling’s fondness of New York is evident through his writing. His description of the people of NYC, the streets and how every day is different in the city shows how much he enjoys it. As a reporter I noticed that Liebling uses descriptive language to provide the reader with a visual of what New York City is like. He also tells us how the city has changed, and follows a timeline to let the reader know what he’s experienced in NYC during his time here.

Local Businesses Being Shut Down in Washington Heights (Draft Lede and Nutgraf)

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163rd St and Broadway

A wall scribbled with graffiti is all that is left of the strip of local businesses located on 163rd Street and Broadway. The Dominican “mom-and-pop” restaurant which served the typical arroz con habichuelas y pollo alorno (rice, beans and chicken) lunch for over 40 years, along with the barber shop where hundreds of locals passed through for a haircut, were left with no choice but to close down. Facing the same issue on the block was Sebastian Income Tax and Multiservices Inc., an agency many would use to send money to their native country and file their yearly taxes. Now facing the tough task of starting their businesses all over again, this issue is all too common in the neighborhood due to gentrification. Small business owners who once catered to the people of Washington Heights were forced to relocate after the landlord who bought the new property refused to renew their leases.


One business remains. Fruteria El Buen Camino is the lone fruit market left standing, something even the owner, Thelma Santana, describes as a “miracle.” She recounts how it all happened. “Three years ago, this strip changed landlords, and every couple of months we would get notices saying that our leases would not be renewed.” After multiple meetings between the business owners and Coltown Properties LLC – the new real estate company that bought the strip, her prayers were answered. Santana’s business would remain, while every other local shop on the block would be shut down.

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Fruteria El Buen Camino

Jose Campos, owner of Sebastian Income Tax & Multiservices, Inc describes the relocation situation differently.  “We were like little children being bribed with caramel candies” he said, when recounting how the previous landlord told the business owners their leases would be renewed, only to send them letters to vacate the premises within the month after the properties were sold. In 2012, Coltown Properties LLC bought five buildings from the previous landlord for about $31 million dollars, and business owners on the strip quickly saw the changes occurring.

Washington Heights has gone through many changes in the last couple of years due to gentrification. With a rise in the non-hispanic population in the neighborhood, the cost of living is rising; as a result rents are increasing, uprooting locals and forcing them to relocate.

According to the 2010 census, 48.4 percent of the White-householder population is over the $60,000 yearly income range. This is in stark contrast to the Hispanic/Latino population with only 24.3 percent making over that amount, and an average 75.7 percent making under $50,000 in yearly income. Washington Heights has quickly become the new “it” neighborhood, due to the now low crime rate and affordable rent by New York City standards.

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Corner where Punta Cana once stood

Punta Cana – The Dominican food restaurant – was paying $7,900 in rent before they closed down, instead of the $5,000 they were accustomed to. “We were told that if we wanted to keep this business, our rent would increase to $9,000 a month. We could barely afford the current rent. Now I’m 80 years old and retired” says Angel Santos, owner of Punta Cana, the last restaurant that was forced to shut down after not finding another spot to relocate to.

 

American Girl

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What is the theme of Ta Nehisi-Coates’s profile?

I felt like the theme focused on a side of Michelle Obama that the public rarely gets a glimpse of. A lot of the profile went in depth as to where Michelle comes from in Chicago,  and how her childhood and earlier years influenced who she became and the choices she made later in life.

Is there an overarching narrative?

In general, this article goes more into depth about the black population in Chicago. Not only did the writer elaborate on Michelle’s life, but also on many other blue collar worker families in the area. Coates shows how the first lady’s story growing up is similar to the rest of those in that specific demographic.

What surprises Coates about Michelle Obama?

I think that what surprised Coates the most was how open Michelle was about her life growing up, and how she “says what she means,” she seemed very down to earth.

How does Coates contextualize Michelle in the context of his own background growing up in Baltimore?

In the context of his own background growing up, Coates states that Michelle was not that affected by the racial and economic issues going on in Chicago at the time. For example, he writes about her side of town held onto their economic income when Chicago was struggling, as well as how she was “surrounded by a cocoon.” From my perspective, it was almost as if Coates believed she was more fortunate than others around her, and because of this he “mistook her for white,” when he first met her.

Sweet Life Pastry Shop: The New Bakery for A Gentrified Washington Heights

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She fills the pastry case with Mexican “conchas,” a sweet yeast roll topped with a sugar shell, as she takes the next person’s order, while handing the last customer his cappuccino. Located on Broadway in between 162nd and 163rd street, Sweet Life Pastry Shop is at its peak rush hour, with a constant stream of customers creating a never-ending line at the small shop.

This family-run bakery led by Ignacia Hernandez offers more than just pastries. Inside, there are signs advertising their authentic Mexican food, espresso lattes and even green juices for the health conscious customer. The main display case shows a wide array of sweets; from cake slices, to breakfast scones, to the famous “flan,” the ever so popular custard treat in the Washington Heights area. Many menu items are completely customizable, and Ignacia and the Hernandez family pride themselves in offering such a wide variety. While her husband runs the meal kitchen, her sister is baking cakes, her daughter runs the counter, and her husband’s uncle delivers the latest online order that was just completed.

coffeetaco2Behind the counter, Ignacia offers free samples of her “pastry of the day.” Customers gladly accept a treat along with their coffee, as Ignacia beams with pride and asks them what they think about the pastry. Her personalized approach to customer service sets this pastry shop apart from the competition in the area. “We pride ourselves in using the freshest ingredients, and it makes me happy to give someone a treat and hear what they think. This improves my baking.” Having worked in the bakery business for years before starting Sweet Life Pastry Shop, Ignacia transitioned from working for someone else, to achieving her American Dream and owning a business.

Sweet Life Pastry Shop has quickly become the bakery hub for the gentrified demographic in Washington Heights. As opposed to the Dominican bakery which caters to the Caribbean population down the block and the Dunkin’ Donuts on the other end of the street, those who enter the bakery walk out with an espresso latte for a fraction of the price. Currently, the drinks at Sweet Life Pastry are about 1/3 the price for a latte at the local chain coffee shop, charging $1.75 for a Mocha latte as opposed to the $5 price tag at the local Starbucks.

Ignacia notes that the neighborhood’s changing demographics have greatly influenced the customers that currently eat at her bakery. “We have to keep the prices low for this area because we are small…right now we do well selling our pastries and Mexican food- we find that the Americans buy more food, and the Hispanics more cake.”

According to the District 12 census of 2010, there has been an increase in the white non-Hispanic population by 18.4 percent. As a result of this, incomes have increased from about $30,00 to $47,838. Ignacia says this has influenced her clientele, and the bakery has adjusted by offering different services such as online ordering for deliveries, free wireless internet access on their premises, and a greater array of pastries in order to appeal to the newer markets and survive in the area.

coffeetacoMeanwhile, Jose Rodriguez- owner of Estrellita Bakery located on 161st and Broadway faces a different challenge. Although he caters to the Dominican population of Washington Heights and has remained a “niche” pastry shop in the neighborhood, Washington Heights is changing rapidly with an influx of more ethnicities in the neighborhood. “Dominican pastries have kept this business running very well for many years. We are lucky that there is still a strong Caribbean population here, but things are very different now, and we’re hoping our traditional pastries are enough to thrive in this area.”

Many new and established businesses are now forced to diversify their business to adapt and cater to a greater number of customers. Ignacia recounts a specific instance where this was evident: “I had a customer come in and not want to pay taxes on her food because the other bakeries in this area don’t charge it. I don’t think customers understand that these taxes are not for me; they are to pay the government. It took us about a year to make ends meet, and now we are seeing positive changes and can only hope that continues.” In a neighborhood where new businesses face tough competition and hundreds of businesses close each year, Sweet Life Pastry Shop has held their own.

Sweet Life Pastry Shop is a new business trying to find its target demographic and consumer. They are trying to cater to any need a customer may have, and this strategy is successfully placing them on the map as a leading bakery in Washington Heights. IMG_6689Their online reviews rave about the customer service and family oriented environment. In an area full of bakeries- both local and chain- Ignacia takes the time to greet and get to know every person that enters her bakery. She talks about a certain customer that always leads to free pastries: “little children steal my heart, I have a boy who comes here and I have to give him a free muffin, I try and make everyone’s experience memorable so that they will want to come back.” With the increase in customers in the past year, one thing for Sweet Life Pastry Shop is for sure- they’re certainly on their way to becoming a local favorite in Washington Heights.

Valdez Enterprises: Serving the Washington Heights Community For Over 20 Years

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Latin music blares from the local bodegas and taxis that surround Valdez Enterprises, Inc. on 161st Street and Broadway in Washington Heights. Inside, Jose Valdez greets those who enter with a smile and inviting hug, never forgetting to ask them how they’re doing since he last saw them. As someone who immigrated to this country from the Dominican Republic, Mr. Valdez knows what it’s like to build a business from the ground up and work endlessly in order to reach that “American Dream.”

Jose Valdez traveled from the Dominican Republic to Washington Heights in 1985, a neighborhood that offered low rents for businesses and apartments, as well as a predominantly Hispanic culture. He recalls meeting friends on Broadway, often referred to as “la Calle Duarte,” a central street in the Dominican Republic where you could find everything from discount clothing, to food and electrical supplies. “Washington Heights helped me transition to America, it felt like home,” he said. In this neighborhood, Mr. Valdez interacted with people who spoke in his same accent, came from the Dominican Republic, and shared the same culture.

Three years later, 1988, Jose Valdez launched Valdez Enterprises, Inc. as a multiservice agency, offering accounting, immigration, travel and personal/business tax services. Since its founding, Valdez has seen the drastic changes to the area and has had to adapt his business to the “new” Washington Heights.

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Valdez Enterprises, Inc. in Washington Heights

There is now a more diverse Hispanic-American community including Central and Southern Americans, as well as a rise in the American population, running from West 155th Street to West 204th Street. What was once a cultural hub for Dominicans and other Hispanics immigrating to this country has decreased by 12.6% in the last ten years, while the American Non-Hispanic population has increased by 18.4%. According to the last District 12 census conducted in 2010, the Hispanic population in Washington Heights has decreased by approximately 19,438 people, as opposed to the Non-Hispanic population, which has increased by more than 5,200 people. This has led to rent hikes for both local businesses and apartments since there are now residents with a greater income residing in the neighborhood. Mr. Valdez is no stranger to these changes, as he has seen them right before his eyes. “I believe the reason why so many of us Hispanics have left Washington Heights is because there is simply not enough income coming into these small businesses, yet the rents continue to increase. This area used to be very affordable to all the minorities that resided here. Now, you have someone making $350 to $500 dollars a week in salary, yet they have to pay rent for a $1500 dollar apartment that is only worth about $600 rent at the end of the month, it’s simply not fair.”

What was once overlooked as a part of New York City is being completely affected by the looming threat of gentrification. As a more American population moves to Washington Heights, the Hispanic population is leaving. According to City-Data statistics, the median income in 2013 was $39,310. In this neighborhood, 27.6% of the population lives below poverty level, yet rents continue to increase in the area. Local business owners are no longer catering to the same customers; new cultures along with new services are needed.

Valdez Enterprises has had to adapt to these service changes occurring in the neighborhood. “Services that we offered before don’t exist anymore: airline tickets, long distance telephone services, my car insurance provider license which I returned to the State, fields that are very much technology based now…I have tried to change my business and use the highest technology out there to offer the best services to my clients that I can.” As a local business owner, Mr. Valdez recounts many instances when business took an unexpected turn, such as the economic crisis around 2008, which resulted in many local businesses shutting down.

Once thing that Mr. Valdez knows will always be needed – accounting services. “I believe that is what has held my agency open for so many years, the fact that local businesses need someone to keep their finances in order and guide them in opening their new establishment…but if rents continue to rise and local businesses keep shutting down, we will be at a loss here. I don’t provide services for chain businesses, we provide the small businesses with that.”

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  Mr. Jose Valdez, at work in his office at Valdez Enterprises, Inc.

Mr. Valdez believes the key to helping regulate this drastic change in demographics lies in commercial rent control. He recounts a recent experience with a client who closed their corporation at his agency the previous week: “The landlord told them- your lease is up today, I want you out next week. Rent regulation would not allow these things to happen.” Mr. Valdez points out that he can no longer identify the businesses surrounding his agency; they come and go every couple of years. “Dominican restaurants are now being replaced with upscale barber shops and juice bars… the new generation will never get the chance to experience this neighborhood as it once was.”

However, Mr. Valdez remains hopeful that Valdez Enterprises, Inc. will live on for another twenty years. “I have been preparing my personnel for the day when I retire, and I believe we have the skill set to continue and live on through multiple generations.” Rosy Alas, a senior accountant and insurance broker at the agency states that Valdez Enterprises “will continue providing key services to the local businesses in the area, maintaining customer service and adapting to technological changes.” One thing is for sure, Mr. Valdez is determined to remain a one-stop place for local businesses, and he has no plans to take a break anytime soon.

Joseph Mitchell

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What do you think of New Yorker editor Harold Ross’s calling Joseph Mitchell’s profiles: “highlife-lowlife” pieces?

I think that this is an accurate way to describe Mitchell’s works. When profiling Joseph Gould he does mention that Gould studied at Harvard, but I feel like he sees him in a different class as his own. In Ross’s article about Mitchell, he questions the authenticity of his writing stating that “it’s clear Mitchell did make things up,” in some of his profiles. Although Mitchell comes from a higher class in society, he does take an interest in investigating those who pertain to a lower standard of living. This can be seen from the profile on Joe Gould. However, I found myself wondering if these events in Mitchell’s writing are true, because some of them seemed strange and extremely illogical. I questioned a lot of Gould’s project- the “oral history,” and upon realizing that Gould’s secret was that this was all indeed false, I realized that Mitchell and him both ended up fabricating events and situations in order to make their writing more interesting. It’s ironic to see that both Mitchell and Gould originate from a higher class life, yet Mitchell chooses to stay in it, and Gould does not. They were both similar in that they were only trying to write good works, but did not use true material to do so. Gould chooses to live a bohemian life, although he comes from a Harvard University education, but rejects that to live more freely. Mitchell stays in his educated, high class life, but along the way encounters Gould and sees an extreme form of exaggerating the reality in order to intrigue someone. With that being said, I definitely agree with Ross calling Mitchell’s profiles, “highlife-lowlife peices.”