The Los Angeles Times is the latest publication to weigh in on the gentrification of York Boulevard.
The piece--"York Boulevard, Highland Park: A hub of hip, really"--insists that despite the the looming presence of "auto-garages and marijuana dispensaries," York Boulevard has become a haven for the culturally avant garde.
The piece notes that The York and have served as anchors for a revitalization effort spurred by artists, restaurateurs, vintage clothing merchants and designers.
From York Boulevard, Highland Park: A hub of hip, really
Anyone who heard reports of Highland Park's revitalization a few years ago and headed to York Boulevard likely would have noted all the auto-body garages and the marijuana dispensaries operating with varying degrees of legality and asked, "Really?"
At long last, even a skeptic would concede: Really.
This isn't the first time a Times newspaper has recognized the development along York.
In 2009, a now-infamous New York Times article tracking the emerging gallery scene on York Boulevard proclaimed that "few would ever confuse Highland Park for a cultural district."
That's the same Highland Park that served as a hub for the both the Chicano Arts and arts and crafts movements.
Honestly, though, there a few things more petulant than a local editor/blogger groussing about how major publications "just don't get it, man."
We think the Los Angeles Times piece does a good job of documenting the new developments along York and pointing out that what's really happening in the gallery scene has more to do with design than art, right now.
What do you think?
Also, does this mean Highland Park is over?
Marijuana dispensaries are not even close to the negativity of auto repair joints and other obnoxious land uses.
Figueroa does need some restaurants, I agree. I bet if they remodeled the HIghland Theatere and make it like the Vista it can bring in a different crowd and people would want to grab a bite around there. Figueroa is a little bit more grundgy than York anyway. These auto shops won't be around that much longer anyway once York gentrifies.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/03/highland-park-gentrifying-.html
I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking our new neighbors ... All I ask is that you respect them as a human being.
As for Zane - I guess we can respectfully disagree! Yet, I guess I would say the same when I first moved into the community and how quickly it changed too ...well...I'd rather not dish out the disrespect; other than to say, "I just don't shop there!" I love the fact that I have options now! I would love to see the Figueroa Corridor improve! Whenever I think of the millions of dollars that were funneled through a few years back - and what we got....trees, a few awnings, and street brick crosswalks. What were they thinking??? Yikes!!! LA is a diverse city and respect is what we must all practice. The alternative is not an option!
Are you saying you feel disrespected by any particular business that doesn't cater to your specific needs? To say a record store doesn't respect you because it doesn't offer the kind of music you like strikes a wrong note with me.
Don't vote for "no way, Jose", another 12 years of Councilmember Ed Reyes.