the battle for midtown.

i feel like my little neighborhood is fighting a constant battle between progress and sketchiness.  on one side of the fence, we’ve got new york fried chicken pizza subs where people (occasionally) get shot, the weird hybrid cellphone/t-shirt/custom dunks shop next door, and then there’s our lovely alley which is host to a rotating cast of exciting characters.  on the other side of the fence, you have all the awesome art galleries, some really great restaurants, and - i’m biased here - but one of the best rooftops in the city.

i’d like to think i fight for the side of non-sketchiness.  don’t get me wrong, i like a little grit.  otherwise, what’s the point of living in a city?  i could move out to the west end and hang out at applebee’s.  but, i’ve had enough neighborhood sketchiness to know that i fight for the side of art, good food, and being able to walk around after dark.

so i got just a little bummed when team sketchiness unveiled their latest victory right across the street from my house.  “johnson’s bail bonds” is now advertising in bright neon.  prior to the neon sign, i had no idea what that building was at all.  so as a person who appreciates marketing and advertising, kudos to you johnson, for increasing awareness of your business, where currently there was none.  but alas, i just can’t feel too stoked about my block being a great place to get your bail bonds taken care of.

oh well.  this round goes to team sketchiness.  we’re gonna get the next round.