St. Marks was a hip, if not a bit seedy, place to live 15 or 20 years ago. It was a beautiful blend of artists and Central European immigrants. The block had a true neighborhood, communal feel. These days, St. Marks is about high-priced boutiques, lousy bars, and college kids who are living on their mommy and daddy's dime.

Building stoops aren't blocked with old-timers writing in notebooks nowadays; rather, they're littered with the vomit of little brats who have decided to turn the block into their playground. They have no respect for history or aesthetic. Alphabet City is dead.