Interviews
From Decoding New York
Samuel DeVargas, 32. Puerto Rican. Lived in the East Village since childhood, believes that East Village as it is today has a more varied personality. Sees East Village as ever changing. He fears that one day soon the rent will be too high and he will have to move out. DeVargas told me that he supports a wife and two children working at a restaurant in Alphabet City.
Mike Gaggliarti, 27. Greek.
Student at SUNY Binghamton. Home for Spring Break to visit his parents who live in the East Village. Came to America with his parents at the age of five. Grew up in the apartment they have in the East Village. Mike has many friends here with whom he grew up. He likes the artistic vibe in the East Village. Believes it is a good place to "just go out for a beer with a few friends."
Jamie Martino, 29. Italian.
Moved to East Village two years ago from Long Island. Grew up in Long Island, both parents came here from Italy. Her parents were liberal, but taught her Italian and about her Italian roots. She moved out of her parents house into a small apartment in St. Mark's place. "I try to be independent, but work is hard to find for me right now, so my parents help me with money at times." Jamie loves the shops, the theater and the overall atmosphere of the East Village, but believes that this influx of artists and new personas is bringing a neggative connotation to the atmosphere of the East Village. Despite this, Jamie enjoys spending time in cafes with her friends and wandering the village at night on the weekends.
Hulia Samul, 28. Egyptian.
Grew up in Egypt with both of her parents. Came here two years ago, to try to find a new life. Works in a Moroccan restaurant in Alphabet City, called Maia (now Layaly) on the weekends. Spends her weekdays taking English classes at Columbia University. Hopes to become a teacher one day. Hulia likes the East Village. She lives in an apartment on First Avenue. Spends her free time with her friends, walking around the area or going to lounges to enjoy the atmsphere.
Mathew Savoy, 25. Spanish/ Italian.
Came to America five years ago from Italy where he grew up and his parents remain. He chose to come to America to get a degree as a doctor and is currently attending NYU Medical School. Savoy lives in the East Village, but chooses to spend as little time there as possible. "I live here because it is a good location, and I got a fairly decently priced apartment, but it's not my place. I don't feel like I belong." Despite this fact, Mathew still attends performances such as Stomp in the area, and on occasion enjoys a night out at one of the many bars in the East Village.
