Amazon is coming to town! Since the tech giant announced its plan to establish a new headquarter in Long Island City, local politicians have been busy making their opinions known on the news media. How will this effect local job market? How about housing, public transportation and schools? For better or for worse, clearly, things will not be the same.
My first brush with “progress” happened in early 1970s. The two-lane street in front of my house was widened into a four-lane road, with paved sidewalks on both sides. Changes were made mostly on our side of the road. Shops on the nearby block closed. The small compound of white-collar-worker housing separating our house from the street was leveled. The residents relocated. I was too young to understand the full impact on the people. What changed in my life was discernible.
Our garden was dug up. Even the persimmon tree was cut down. Our casual bamboo fence was replaced by a new brick wall, only a few yards from the front windows. The front porch became a cover for the new front gate. Our secluded surrounding was replaced by the hustle-bustle of a busy street. A residential neighborhood became commercialized overnight.
Since the garden was a big part of my young life, I felt insecure and empty without it. Although, with the house facing the street, mom was able to open a small business. For years, I wished that there was a way for me—for us—to save the garden and our tranquil life. I suspected that dad might have felt the same way I did.
I am very curious of what the Amazon effect will be for Queens residents.