Brooklyn IS G.E.N.T.R.I.F.I.C.A.T.I.O.N.

How do I start? Okay....well, since moving to Brooklyn 3 years ago, I've encountered a LOT of changes in the borough.  Firstly, having grown up in Long Island (may I say, "Shelter Island" haha), I never imagined that I would choose Brooklyn as my ideal location.  My father used to work in Red Hook, and based upon his experiences (back in the 80's), he literally thought of Brooklyn as a horrid, crime and drug-infested, thugged out, poor area of NY.  Therefore, as a youngster that's how I viewed it as well.  It was always seen as darker than Manhattan, or the other boroughs for that matter.  Now, at present day,  I must say I fell in love!  Like most people say, Brooklyn is the "mini-Manhattan". Personally, I find that Prospect Heights is one of the most gentrified and eclectic neighborhoods of the city.  Of course, there are positive and negative opinions to the gentrification process.  Positives: more wealth, better standards of living, more stores/cafes/restaurants, and diversity.  Negatives: Brooklyn-born individuals and families feel less pride about their neighborhood, consistent change isn't always desired,  too much diversity, and the "we were here first, and you can't take over" attitude.  Now, both are understandable.  However, being that I'm living in this powerful movement, I am a fan of gentrification.  NYC is all about diversity, cultural differences, and all of the things a city should thrive on.  I was never a closed-minded individual who shut their doors to someone because of their race, so I deem it appropriate that I live where I am now.   For so many years, Brooklyn had a terrible reputation, maybe even of the worst of the boroughs.  Manhattan was always seen as the "heaven" of NYC, and still is seen the same way, but the financial burden of living there simply becomes overpowering to the point that its limitless.  The idea of being able to rent an affordable apartment, the ability to get to Manhattan under an hour, and still have the urban/city life is incredibly appealing, isn't it?  More and more each day, are artists/intellectuals/teachers/creators moving here to flourish.  I feel very grateful that I am here NOW for a reason.  I chose the perfect time to become part of history and to adore all of the changes.  Brooklyn IS gentrification and there's no stop to it.  It's sad to say, but if you're not all about it, you will get driven out.  Such is life!!  I'm here to stay, and so is all of the thousands of hungry artists.