Sunday, May 30, 2004
Cultural clash evident throughout Lakewood
The neighborhood in southern Lakewood is rapidly changing from a family-friendly area to a low-income rental district run by absentee landlords. People living there say if they don't get out now, their home value and quality of life surely will plummet. Some longtime homeowners in the neighborhood are selling their houses to members of the Orthodox Jewish community. Orthodox men usually are identified by their distinct traditional dark suits, hats and beards. "We feel we're being pushed out," said Mrs. Arias, a 33-year-old school aide who has lived in Lakewood most of her life. No one is being pushed out, members of the Orthodox community say. They say they are merely buying properties where they want to live, and, in many cases, homeowners are offered above-market prices for their houses. Lakewood, one of the fastest-growing communities in New Jersey, has become an attractive area for the Orthodox to live in because housing is cheaper than in New York, where many have moved from. It is also home to one of the largest rabbinical colleges in the world, Beth Medrash Govoha, which attracts hundreds of new students each year. Maybe the Goyim who really like Lakewood can stay and the Beth Medrash Govoha.
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The neighborhood in southern Lakewood is rapidly changing from a family-friendly area to a low-income rental district run by absentee landlords. People living there say if they don't get out now, their home value and quality of life surely will plummet. Some longtime homeowners in the neighborhood are selling their houses to members of the Orthodox Jewish community. Orthodox men usually are identified by their distinct traditional dark suits, hats and beards. "We feel we're being pushed out," said Mrs. Arias, a 33-year-old school aide who has lived in Lakewood most of her life. No one is being pushed out, members of the Orthodox community say. They say they are merely buying properties where they want to live, and, in many cases, homeowners are offered above-market prices for their houses. Lakewood, one of the fastest-growing communities in New Jersey, has become an attractive area for the Orthodox to live in because housing is cheaper than in New York, where many have moved from. It is also home to one of the largest rabbinical colleges in the world, Beth Medrash Govoha, which attracts hundreds of new students each year. Maybe the Goyim who really like Lakewood can stay and the Beth Medrash Govoha.
Link to full article
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