In a time where the “it” places to live change faster than fashion trends, communites all over New York are seeing drastic changes. But how does one know when the changes have gone too far? Where can the line be drawn between improving the quality of life in a neighborhood and transforming said neighborhood into the next trendy, happening place to live?
This is what residents of Kensington are worried about. Some fear that recent talk of bringing entertainment in the form of coffee shops, bars, and restaurants will turn the small neighborhood into a new hot spot, specifically another Park Slope. No offense to nearby Park Slope, but some residents prefer Kensington to keep its small town feel  On the other hand, some new and old residents alike are welcoming the idea of bringing in new businesses.
The battle for and against the gentrification of Kensington is fairly recent but has already stirred up much debate. Living most of my life in the neighborhood, I have seen it change and still remember the shock on people’s faces when they opened up a Subway sandwhich shop on Church Avenue. A newcomer to the neighborhood that I spoke to couldn’t see what the big deal was saying, “A little change isn’t so bad, is it?”
As the debate wears on, here’s a little bit of it from Kensington’s neighborhood blog started just over a month and a half ago. It starts out talking about the price of retail space and then becomes a heated discussion about the future of Kensington. Have fun.