Photo Essayist: Eastside Pedal Pushers

I like Lee and I like his bike shop, so I can see why the peanut gallery is erupting over this. But gentrification isn't as bad as the neglect that precedes it. Secondly, no group of people ever has, or ever could be guaranteed a permanently depressed cost of living and protection from outside investment. Those who have taken pains to actually invest in a neighborhood or community want the opposite, especially when it results in an influx of revenue and safer streets. If we tried to artificially protect micro cultures and cap rent, it would undercut the good things we like about neighborhoods, which are the same things that incentivize economic improvement. Artificial controls just skew the fairest possible system, which is why, for example, a small business can't be guaranteed a roof and an address if it can't cover the costs. True, you can't always control how things develop. But capitalism, for all its faults and inherent injustices, is a pretty good mimic of natural selection: sustainable things will remain and multiply, the unsustainable will fail. I don't think Lee's shop has failed, it's moved. But this change demonstrates the unflappable will of urban humanity. Those who cry 'gentrification' at every step are writing themselves out of the process. It's like voting for Jesus, or not voting at all. I understand none of the currently available options suit your ideal conception of East Austin, but still, you ought to participate or hold your tongue. Otherwise, your opinion is just a distraction.

The fact is that espp has a much better location than they previously rented.The new location has mucho space ,a great work area & larger display area .Drop by and see Lee for all your bike repair and tune-up needs, Lee & Scott are great highly recomended

Markthepedaler

From what I have heard Lee was friendly to the new renters, or at least he has made attempts at friendship. So I don't think he's the source of the anger and ignorance. Of course I don't know for certain, but again that's what I heard and if you know Lee personally (which I kind of do) it's not hard to imagine him being a nice levelheaded guy.

However I have seen some fiery tempers along the sidelines. It's easy to jump on the gentrification bandwagon these days, especially since it has hipster cachet. Worrying about getting all the facts straight doesn't seem to be as cool or important.

Ridiculous! Im the new renter of this building that used to be ESPP. Lee and his Brouhaha have villianzied and harrassed us since we began renting this building. I think it is incredible that they are still on about being "booted", "gentrified", or whatever other hippy excuse of not "resigning a lease" with their landlord. And even furthermore to continue to blame us the new renters. huh? I hope no one has to endure the hell of renting a building that had previous hating tenants like the ESPP. We have done NOTHING wrong in renting a building that was for rent. If that is gentrification then we are guilty of that. Me and family are as small buisness, local, east Austin as it comes. This is MY neighborhood just as much as it is yours or theirs. And may I set the record straight here once and for all...Im a sixth generation Texan and I live in east Austin with my family. So if one more of you mother fuckers call us New Yorkers... And that goes for this Gideon Tsang who posted this article who is from fucking Canada...are you kidding me. And please get your facts straight before you start hating and sabotaging small buisnesses. F.Y.I. we are not a coffee shop!

It was weird how they took down the line about accusing the new tenants of being "New Yorkers". Apparently they aren't, but if they were, WHO CARES! Austin is against anything that isn't local or weird or Austin and honestly... it great to have more diversity in this town. It really needs it.

I am looking forward to whatever is opening there... can't wait.

I love that LoudMouth completely avoided the reality of the situation. I've missed him.

If someone can't afford to live where they're living because high income people look at their neighborhood and decide they want to move there, I don't give a fuck if those people are black, white, brown, or red, they just got gentrified.

I support these New Yorkers in their business venture. I hope they pour a cubic shit ton of money into their artcafe before it drowns in the mediocrity of modern-day-mono-Austin. That's exactly what we need - another shittified art galery/coffee cafe. How indie and original! Glory glory Hallelujah!

the comment that loudmouth said makes me sad & hurts my feelings.

I am the chef for the showroom & i have no cubic shit ton of money nor am i high income (were did that even come from?). I have a 15 year old son in the 10th grade who goes to LBJ (he & his friends have also put some sweat into this space). I live on Springdale & 290 & have been researching Austin produce farms in this area (as close as airport & springdale), meeting with & developing a close relationship with SFC and sourcing meat & dairy from farms within a 150 mile radius for the past three years. my challenge & passion as a chef is to prepare delicious foods sourced locally. I am prepared to abandoned my small catering business to have a venue on east 6th to practice my craft and my love of feeding people good food.

do not feed the trolls

lol

It's true, the fact is Pedal Pushers couldn't pay the current rent. Gentrification seems to just be a convenient word to use. God Bless Pedal Pushers for doing something positive, but saying they got "gentrified out" is just lazy and unfair. I've met the people setting up shop there and they are working their asses off to rebuild. They are Texas born and raised and I feel are going to be excellent members to the E. 6th community. I'm a biker, but I understand simple economics and i'm relieved this space is actually being worked on instead of turning into another vacant space. 90% of the people working on this building are East Austinites who are volunteering their time. Claiming gentrification is just too easy of a scapegoat for a lack of customers. Oh no, it's the boogey man! Whites replacing whites! Texans replacing Texans! Someone who can pay their rent replacing someone who cannot!

Ha! Are you kidding? Gentrified?? New Yorkers?

Get your facts straight:

1. This space was for available for lease for several months and the proprieter of Pedal Pushers was aware of this.

2. The new tenet is from Texas. Not New York.

3.Gentrification? Please... It was a white dude running a bike shop that wasn't profitable enough to continue leasing the space. That dosen't spell gentrification it spells bad business plan.

4. This isn't a Starbucks or Wallmart it's a small local business that hopes to rehabilitate a dilapitated building in a growing urban neighborhood. This is positive growth.

So stop shaking your fist in ignorance and start helping to build a positive community.