Jumping on the book review bandwagon...

I’m reading Tom Angotti’s New York for Sale for one of my classes, and I wanted to share this little excerpt with you guys: “New state legislation in 1974 marked the beginning of the end for strict rent controls and the phasing in of rent stabilization, which allowed for gradual rental increases. One of rent stabilization’s unforeseen consequences, however, was that is extended the life of tenant organizing and rent strikes, now a virtually permanent fixture in community life.”

This strikes me as a theme throughout the book—though constantly faced with the prospect of displacement, gentrification, the prospect of a waste treatment plant in their neighborhood, etc. communities in New York have organized heavily to try to create the city they want to live in. As an outsider, I am frequently struck by the culture of activism that exists here. Last year I think I attended more demonstrations in New York than were even held in Miami in that time period (and I didn’t even go to that many.)  I imagine this has a lot to do with the history of the place—it has had a lot of time to generate that kind of culture—and of course the sheer density of people. But also I think the city promises so much, presents itself as the center of the universe even, so it seems natural for its residents to allow themselves to have high expectations. Whatever the reason, I feel grateful for all these organizers past, present and future that make sure New York is a city worth living in.