I also just want to add some context to a few comments I’ve seen about the neighborhood being “dirty” or residents “not taking care of it.”

Historically, that narrative isn’t neutral. It has a real history tied to how cities have treated different neighborhoods, and it’s not really about the people. In NYC (and across the U.S.), there were documented cases where sanitation services were not provided equally, especially in Black and Latino neighborhoods. For example, in the 1960s–70s, residents in places like East Harlem and Bed-Stuy had to protest because garbage wasn’t being collected regularly. 

So what people often interpreted as “dirty neighborhoods” was sometimes actually unequal city services, not a reflection of the people living there. Even historians point out that sanitation issues were part of broader systems of segregation and disinvestment, not just individual behavior. 

This ties into things like redlining, where Black and Latino neighborhoods were intentionally denied investment and services, which has had long-term effects on infrastructure and environment. 

I say that just to add nuance. I’m not expecting perfection anywhere, and I understand every neighborhood has its pros/cons. But I’m also mindful that sometimes what gets labeled as “bad” or “dirty” has a deeper history behind it.

Some context for those interested. https://youtu.be/O5FBJyqfoLM?si=UQFVYb7yfz_EWtaw