no more Syd's Serious Sandwiches

Looking at it differently - Would it be okay if Jews complained back in the day when synagogues started changing to churches (for the most part).  Would it have been right for them to request that they all be preserved (along with all the delis, etc. which likely dotted the area) for the sake of "culture" and avoid "changing in a way that conforms to fit the white [new] people who have moved in," as @rikilynnso eloquently put it?

And just because I found it interesting... Brownstoner: Walkabout: The Temples of Bed Stuy and Crown Hts North - http://www.brownstoner.com/blog/2010/02/walkabout-the-t/

If one argues "culture," it shouldn't be dependent on whether those who created the culture left voluntarily or not.  It's not about why they left; it's about the history of the area.

Side point - you may want to watch the documentary discussed here - http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/44261/great-documentary-on-pbs-this-week-my-brooklyn/p1; some may argue that "they" were forced/kicked out, albeit under different circumstances/market conditions.

And the whole premise of the argument bothers me.  It seems that the argument is that when landlords take action to do what is best for them (their families, or with companies, for investors/shareholders), it is wrong.  Sorry; arguing this is antithetical to capitalism.  This argument is basically demanding "charity," which I find absurd.  

No one is "kicking" anyone out.  The landlords have a right to charge market rate, and the tenants have to adjust accordingly.  Again, demanding that one take less than they "deserve" (determined by supply and demand), is demanding that they give you what is rightfully theirs, i.e., charity.

And about the retail - again, supply and demand.  Retail will follow demand and profits.

Based on your username, you appear to be a homeowner so you are definitely not being "kicked out."  But if you will miss the current retail environment, remember supply and demand.  I've wanted a Gap within walking distance for 30 years, and I didn't get it.  Can you guess why?  I would have also really liked to have that CH theater district still around while I was growing up, but alas, it's gone.  Can you guess why?  How about all the car dealerships?  Free markets and the supply and demand curve that comes with it! And we can't complain; it's one of the main things that makes this country so great.

And although it may not seem like it at times, my arguments are not intended to shout down the voices that aren't unilaterally thrilled against change.  I totally understand where they are coming from.  As with any cycle, there are times when one is on the bottom and times when one is on the top, and I'm trying to highlight this.  Sometimes it goes your way, and sometimes, it doesn't.  My family has experienced this ourselves over our time living in CH and still experiencing it today.  While there are things that we may embrace, there are many, what I may perceive as, negatives that come along with it.

Using words like "kicked out" or "greedy" (not in this conversation, but I'm sure you've heard it around). etc. is wrong and incorrect.  It just creates and contentious environment.

And what bothers me most is the sense of entitlement that people show at times; and that it is so shocking that this phenomenon is taking please.  If one wants to have an influence, one can't just scream and complain and create an environment of negativity.  One has to do something productive; and shouting, is not productive, and so isn't applying unnatural economic pressures.  Your suggestion, however, of providing demand, is.

And to your point that people can't just scream and complain, I'd suggest that many of the people of whom you speak are simply frustrated. They have lived in this neighborhood for many years, understanding that if they wanted a meal at a sit down restaurant or to shop in a local thrift store it might require a trip outside of the neighborhood. When these types of businesses have finally come to where they live, rather than welcoming their patronage, these businesses seem to not want to cater to current residents. If they don't fit the demographic (young and hip) they find that service and attention is often lacking. Even if they do fit the demographic, service and attention is often sub-par. 

So, what can they do? They can choose not to patronize these establishments, but that seemingly has zero impact. So they rant at CB meetings, at their churches and block association meetings and in their living rooms about how the neighborhood is changing. And then they are told that they should shut up. That they should be happy and are accused of being everything from ungrateful to uneducated criminals that simply don't know any better. If this happened to you, wouldn't you be negative as well?

I think you and I (and @whynot_31 for that matter) are on the same page for the most part (at least when it comes to this subject ).  We may just be focusing on different aspects.  I totally get the frustration.  I just can't accept the "rant" as well as you seem to be able to.

Also, side point - I am also focusing on CH in particular; not Brooklyn as a whole or even Central Brooklyn.  Not that it changes anything but it may help you understand where I'm coming from.  As an example, if someone moved (willingly or unwillingly) from Fort Greene or Clinton Hill, or anywhere else in Brooklyn for that matter, to CH, during this generation and is now complaining about the change, please!  The same way they moved here, other are moving here, and with the others, may come change that is more pronounced than the change that they brought; such is life.  Everyone should really ask themselves how they got here and what change they brought with them, however slight; be it something new or strengthening something old.