Letter to the NYT in Response to "So Hip and So Loud"

I wasn't the only person put off by the tone of this New York Times article that sought to contrast the happenings of election eve through that of gentrification. According to those that I've spoken to that were there, it was a wide range of the community celebrating. So I wrote this letter to to the editor that at this date is unlikely to be published:

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Old and new Williamsburgers have more in common than separates them ("So Hip and So Loud, and Stirring Up Williamsburg", Nov 7, 2008). We all care about improving our quality of life, keeping our neighborhood affordable, and preserving the unique mixed character of our neighborhood.

The events of election night in Williamsburg are best viewed not through the lens of gentrification, but through the lens of community needs. There is a clear need for a new civic space in Williamsburg--where old and new residents can meet, mingle, and yes, even celebrate an election victory together. Old residents bring experience and their long-term perspectives, while new residents bring passion and energy. If the Obama/Biden ticket can encompass both qualities, surely our neighborhood can as well.

Michael Freedman-Schnapp
Co-Chair, Neighbors Allied for Good Growth