Residents of the West Village are voicing concerns over the declining quality of life in their neighborhood, particularly due to the influx of restaurants catering to non-residents. During a recent government meeting, a local resident and president of the Greenwich and Perry Street Housing Corporation highlighted the challenges faced by long-term residents amid the transformation of the area into a dining hotspot.
The resident, who has lived at 118 Perry Street for 17 years, expressed frustration over the lack of community-focused establishments, stating that the current dining options do not serve the needs of local residents. He noted that the neighborhood has seen significant deterioration, with chaotic scenes outside popular restaurants like Canto, which attract patrons from outside the city.
Despite his initial reluctance to attend the meeting, the resident emphasized the urgency of the situation, describing how the noise and activity outside his window prompted him to leave his apartment. He indicated a desire to gather opinions from the 52 shareholders and residents of his cooperative, suggesting that the sentiment against the current trend is likely to be strong.
The discussion reflects broader concerns about the impact of commercial establishments on community dynamics, as residents seek to reclaim a sense of belonging in a neighborhood increasingly dominated by transient visitors.