The Interview

1- How long have you lived in East New York?
It’s been too long, ha-ha. My entire life man, it’s about to be 22 years.
2- What would you say is a major difference between your youth in ENY and now?
WORSE big time! I could stay out late and not worry about a thing when I was young. But now there are drug dealers and helicopters with spotlight every other night. There are also ups to this place; many stores actually make it in this area.
3- What is your opinion on the growth of independent business?
As I said they do grow, but in order for them to survive those Kmart’s have to stay away! Imagine a McDonalds on Fulton, over here the Dominicans would go crazy.
4- Do you think race has anything to do with the development of more commercial stores?
The majority of stores are divided into either Hispanics or Muslims. I don’t think big stores come in caring about who buys their products. They just want people spending and spending.
5- Violence is a factor would you say this is a huge part of the face of East New York?

Brooklyn itself is violent so I think it’s always going to be a part of the city, you can’t escape it but you can keep it in check, there are more cops around.
6- Have you ever witnessed any robberies of local stores?
Yes my own, on the corner of my own block! I mean I don’t own a store but that should count. I know that the new Dunkin Donuts got robbed clean and now they aren’t open late, oh and the gift store too! They got robbed but they beat the robber up. Why would you rob that store any ways?
7- Do you know anyone who owns their own store within the neighborhood?
Well I guess our friend Gabby did, but recently his father who owns the meat market sold it.
8- How do you feel about the recent addition of the fast food chains?
Well the Wendy’s and White Castle and Mickey D’s on liberty have always been around. Lately there has been a jump of more big name stores. There are sprint stores a new radio shack, even a footlocker within like the last year.
9- How do you see East New York in 20? 30 years?
More businesses but these small shops are going to be gone if more big stores take notice. This will probably attract more people maybe less violent people, however that works.
10- Would you want to continue living here and create a family or have your own store considering the changes that you predict will follow?
Uh no, I’m out of here dude, if you see majority of the people don’t want to try, their too into that gangster lifestyle but that won’t get them anywhere, I don’t want my kids growing here with that mind set. Change has to start with each individual. I’d be taking risks staying here.