Finding a little of Puerto Rico shouldn't be that difficult when in the Bronx. The boroughs leader, Adolfo Carrion Jr., wants several local "casitas" declared city landmarks. This would definitely be a nice parting gift as he leaves for his new position in the Obama Administration. These "casitas" are definitely are part of Puerto Rican culture that have been around for a long time and bring the feel of home for many who have left the island.
Read the full article at The New York Times by C.J. Hughes: In Bronx, Little Houses That Evoke Puerto Rico .
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While I think some casitas must be preserved, I find that those running the casitas must make them more welcoming to the community at large. Yes, I know some casitas sometimes do community cultural events, but I'm talking about the daily operation of the casitas. Visitors shouldn't feel as though they are disturbing those who are there. Casitas should feel as a welcoming place, a community cultural center. Sometimes they just don't. Sometimes they seem to be a place for cliques, a place for only a few to hangout.
ReplyDeleteTo me, only casitas that are for, about and by the community should be preserved as landmarks.
Casitas should have posted hours or something. I find that many people don't go to them because they just don't feel comfortable. They don't feel at home. Better administration, better public relations is a good idea for some of these casitas.
Excellent point of view. I personally haven't spent enough time in The Bronx to be able to comment from that perpective but with that being the case I can only agree.
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