NYC is a shadow of its former self…
I was fortunate enough to live in Manhattan from the late-60’s to 2003, some of the most vibrant, decadent and creative years in the history of the city. The decline began in the late 90’s, and continuing evidence was obvious during our visits over the last 15 years. The decay is now a cancer.
Warren Wilhelm, who goes by the alias Bill DeBlasio, and is often referred to as Bill DeBozo, is the worst mayor in the history of the city, and it shows. All the quality-of-life issues so masterfully addressed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg have been undone, and filth, crime, and lack of services are blatantly obvious no matter where you look. Long-cherished institutions are gone, replaced with homogenized and soulless chains like Starbucks, H&M, and The Gap. There is no identity anymore – the style and panache are gone. You might as well be in Chicago, for fuck’s sake!
I love New York. (I like Chicago too). Sadly I was never there when it was raw and covered with graffiti, when CBGBs was a place to see the punk bands and Times Square was full of porn… the good old days!
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The homelessness on the trains is becoming a huge problem now, too. They’ve taken up residence on the new E trains on cold days. We have the grit but the culture is being taken over by salad spots, banks and blow dry spas (wtf?). I’d gladly wade through shit, if I were on my way to a concert at a venue that wasn’t a chain or a bar that hasn’t been taken over by FiDi blockheads.
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Unfortunately I’ve only driven through NYC without stopping 🙁
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How great to catch up with you again. The decline is everywhere. So sad.
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I was there 86 to 97. And I saw the beginning of what you describe but I think it started with Rudy Guiliani. There was a real character to the streets of New York which is almost entirely gone. Also the population was full of dreamers and artists and actors. In my building (midtown Hell’s Kitchen) everyone was actor. That’s all gone now.
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I miss the old gritty grimy New York of the 1970’s & 1980’s. I know how nothing stays the same but when the Strand modrenized and the narrow stairway was blocked up for a new modern entrance to the basement stacks I realized it was all over. Walking on the High Line past the old nasty meat packing district to see pristine restored buildings is sad to me. There was such an undercurrent of energy in those dirty outcast off areas. Times Square is now a Gentrified Disney Horror Show….the magic is gone now. Glad I was able to enjoy it when I did….
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Hahaha sooo true!!
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