The borough, which 'once epitomized working class America,' faces intense gentrification.
In the Williamsburg neighborhood, "Rents, running $300 to $500 a month before 2000, jumped to $1,500 and even $2,000 as hipsters moved in to escape Manhattan prices." Many original residents were displaced as a result. "With the Bloomberg administration pushing a new waterfront zoning plan that will accelerate the rapid rent hikes in Williamsburg, it will only get worse for plenty of longtime local residents." City planners claim that an inclusionary zoning program will preserve affordable housing in the area, but only a fraction of the original residents will be able to take advantage of it. One community activist "is rankled when news accounts refer to the neighborhood as a 'frontier' and the newcomers as 'pioneers.' It's 'like Columbus.'"
Thanks to David Gest
FULL STORY: 'Discovering' Williamsburg

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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie