Gentrification on our Block

When I first landed on this block in 1995, 95% of my neighbors were black. All of these buildings were Section 8. During the last 1-5 years they've all been sold and rehabbed. 95% of my neighbors are now white. Some pay 1,400.00 in rent.
Many have Black Lives Matter signs in their yards or windows. Black lives can't afford to reside here anymore. Only three homes on my block are owned by black families.
The house with the Pride flag sold for 525K last year. The woman hwo bought it told me, I just raised your property value!
Ah, I replied, property value, the mantra of the yuppie!
There isn't any Section 8 now on my block. Two remodeled four families rent for 1,400 to 1,600.

A new white neighbor renting an apartment across the street told me she wanted to move to TGS because "There's people like me here" as she placed her Black Lives Matter sign on the lawn.

Hahaha

This city! Planning at its finest.

Spring #23

Redbud & Glazed Bricks

2015

Spring

Stargazers & Caladiums. 2018

World class Pet photographer, Ken Mostek.

Enhanced my photo of Golden Belle. We met when he and his partner, Glenda, stayed at our AirBnB.
The first photo is mine, the following are Ken's.

9th and Lami

I lived in Soulard whilst in college amd stalked this house back then.

St Louis Noir # 290

Yes, I will be your girlfriend

William and Mary style buffet

Spotted two days ago at St Vinnie's on S KHW for $600.

Gone. TGS

50s moonglow Lucite

Ah

The second floor with its built-ins.
Turning into extended studio space. Demanding buyers are asking for more work.
Don't need to work or rent but making the stuff is so much fun.

Is it Spring yet?

Bellie smelling.

Obtuse

Pist: Obtuse?
Me: Scalene triangle?
Pist: Let's do the front.
Me: Let's go home but say we did.

St Louis Noir. # 294

St Louis Noir # 293

St Louis Noir. #289. Homage to Spike Japan

Quoin Corner Brick & water-struck Bricks

Really gorgeous Water struck brick with contrasting quoin corners. Fabulous wood corbels. Crappy vinyl 'shingles'.

Portland Noir # 371

Dalmatian in the balcony of Engine 17.
Photo by former mate at 4350 McPherson house.

Baby Luster. 2017

Dreaming of the Man in the Moon

Hey Greg!

I saw your article. I've don't have your email or number please get in touch.

Marti's Memorial Garden

The Neighborhood Board, a group of people half my age, inherited The Marti Frumhoff Memorial Garden.
They appear unable to organize and care for it.
The last time I met with Jeff about the garden he complained, I could doing something else with my time!
I actually had to explain to him that volunteering is its own reward.

Over the years I also tolerated other dumfuckery such as, Was Marti your girlfriend?
No, she wasn't. She was however, a relentless volunteer.
This is how great it was looking in 2019.

Tell me a story about Mike Rancid

Asked Pist.
Me: What a dumbfuck. He once returned a bowl by placing it on the door threshold. When I opened the door it fell off the threshold and broke.
Pist: Whoa...How long do you give the marriage?
Me: Hahahahaha.
Me: Did I tell you he glued a framed photo to the PLASTER wall in the apartment
Pist: Ah...I'm giving the marriage less than 5.
Me: I raised the rent twice in one month to get him out.

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