The Polish Community of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Then and Now: A View from the Street

Abstract

Abstract This article examines the changes that have occurred in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, throughout the years. Greenpoint became home to many Polish immigrants who sought economic opportunities in the U.S. and who wanted to escape from Soviet-era political unrest. Greenpoint became known as “Little Warsaw.” With economic restructuring in the U.S. and globalization, Greenpoint was affected. Factories and industrial work employing the Polish and working-class community was replaced by a service economy. The latest trend is gentrification and large scale, luxury development. The Polish community, to a large extent, has been priced-out. Polish retail, entertainment venues, and event spaces have also diminished because of dramatic commercial rent increases and shrinking population. The Polish community is found re-establishing itself in more affordable neighborhoods of New York City.