the rix mix

I went with a friend to deliver some artwork to a development on Jersey's Hudson River Gold Coast, West New York near "Port Imperial[ist]." Miles of former factory & pier waterfront turning into apts & condos - huge projects. We wondered how there could be so many rich people to fill these spaces, & all in their twenties & thirties, not to mention overwhelmingly caucasian & rail thin. Well, you don't have to be "rich" - you can get a 700 sq foot one bedroom with postage stamp balcony, & kitchen big enough for a microwave, & no river view for $1,800-a-month. From there, sky's the limit. Swimming pool & fitness club membership are extra. I also saw the new tunnel through the palisades & the light rail line NJ Transit kindly constructed for these folks. The place we visited had a lobby with beautiful marble floors, nicely appointed sales & rental offices, & classical music coming out of the ceilings. Everyone was friendly to us, & why not? Just like the hard hats on the half-finished project across the new cobblestone street, they didn't live there either.