last night ban

meeting, very well attended, very passionate---lots of talk re the anti-gentrifcation forum two Sundays ago, and plans for this Saturday's march through Flatbush. I will not be there, because of my fringe commitment, maybe kind of relieved about that, but also would like to be on that march. Lots of interest, which is very good. Lots of talk about neighborhoods under siege---the woman sitting next to me was from a group in Sunset Park---they are very frightened about the inroads from Industry City. A new realty company has just taken over---their expansion will bring in a lot of wealthier people to work in the area---and of course the fear is that they will also want to live there---raising housing prices, encouraging displacement and poor services---anything to move the people who are living there out. When I consider the vision of this company, there is something frightening about it. A total lack of concern for the feelings of those who they want out. I spent most of last night, after the meeting, just thinking about this---there are still so many "good people" on the upper west side, who know nothing of this, and who probably don't want to know. After the meeting, went to Dive Bar, for a meal, the third visit I have paid there this week. Why? Nothing great about the place, the staff is nice, all the time, but recently have had very few interesting conversations, nevertheless, it seems to be my "go to" place on the upper west side. Anyway, the bartender, who I had not seen in a while, gave me a very warm greeting---I felt very greatful for that---but his warmth seemed completely separate from the content of the ban meeting---could I explain to him that I was enraged by the goals of the Industry City people? Of course not---felt like I had to be "jolly" , just to go along with his warmth. But he did mean well---anyway, the split screen version of my life seems to be taking hold. Had the buffalo wings at the bar; had to because it was the only "realistically" cheap item on the menu---did not want to end up paying $16.00 for a blt with tax on tip.
After the meal, walked from the bar (96th and Amsterdam) the twenty blocks up Broadway to my apartment---filled with the five pieces of chicken---had no trouble making the walk.
Not a great sleep night, woke up at around 3, did not get back to sleep until around 5.
Three more days before the fringe---how to describe how I feel, remind yourself, cityboy, that you are not the only one working to stop the juggernaut that is threatening all New Yorkers of limited income--that elected officials can be talked to---but more people need to become aware and join the fight. Well, we will see what happens.
Today, will attend last work session of march on Saturday in Flatbush after my session at the library---then perhaps will stay around there and watch some baseball. Would like to try a bar that I have never been to---well we will see what happens...