Beacon, New York
April 2023- On Going Project
In 2003, Dia:Beacon - a large modern art museum, opened its doors in Beacon, New York. This kicked off an influx of artists who moved to this post-industrial city and, soon after, young people from New York City. Coined mini Brooklyn, you can find Beacon's famous Main Street buzzing with tourists, and depending on whom you ask, there are differing views on whether the city has succumbed to gentrification.
The opening of Dia was part of a larger plan to revitalize Beacon, and currently, residents are seeing another wave of buildings being sold and new buildings going up. The revitalization of Beacon's neighborhoods through new economic development has led to higher housing and commercial rent costs and displacement of the original residents.
Over the last eight weeks, I've documented the streets of Beacon as well as spoken to Beaconites in order to get their take on how the city's redevelopments have displaced long-time residents, the unhoused people, and what effects these have had on their mental health.
Fishkill Avenue is home to one of the assisted living buildings in Beacon. Tourists rarely frequent this side of the city. Saturday, March 18, 2023
Fishkill Avenue: Home near Hedgewood Home For Adults. Saturday, March 18, 2023
Fishkill Avenue: a man goes through a garbage container near a Mavis Discount Tire Discount parking lot. Saturday, March 18, 2023
J. was evicted from a box truck located in an area that used to be a lumber yard. The abandoned area is currently being renovated for a bike trail that will connect to the next town over. During the week, he collects cans and bottles to bring to a bottle return machine near the Key Foods grocery store. Monday, February 27, 2023
Coal Silos was built in 1931. Sunday, March 12, 2023
Chair set aside near a pile of other items by a fence. Recliner has been removed since this photo was taken. Friday, February 10, 2023
This area has been cleared out, and Don't Trespass signs have been hung up. Friday, February 10, 2023
Main Street: Monday, February 27, 2023
J.D. lives at one of the assisted living apartments in Beacon, and he shared his struggles with depression. "People won't talk to me because they think I'm homeless." Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Main Street: Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Main Street: Sunday, March 12, 2023
Main Street: Saturday, February 18, 2023
Main Street: Sunday, February 19, 2023
Two people with rolling bags stopped at this mural to take selfies. Sunday, March 12, 2023
Home under construction for over 2 years. Friday, February 10, 2023
According to a long-time resident of Beacon, Pink Unicorn of Beacon is considered "New Beacon". A term often used to describe someone who hasn't lived through the changes Beacon has experienced. Pink Unicorn of Beacon visits the streets of Beacon on the weekends. The goal: to make others smile. Saturday, March 18, 2023
Main Street: Saturday, February 18, 2023
Main Street: Sunday, March 26, 2023
Personal Note:
I moved to the Hudson Valley, New York area in 2007. I’m about 20 minutes from the city of Beacon, known to some as mini Brooklyn. A nickname that some Beaconites will give you a side eye for.
The only thing I knew of Beacon at the time was the street my husband’s grandparents lived on. Beacon was where they settled after WW2 since they were forced to leave Poland. Beacon would be where they would call home for over 50 years.
I’ve been interested in long-term documentation centered around changes that cities and towns have experienced and how it impacts residents.
During my many visits to Beacon, I was able to chat with a few long-time Beaconites. Many were apprehensive, and rightly so. My face, among the many tourists, was just another face wandering Main Street. But as they opened up, they shared the loneliness they feel from not seeing old friends since higher rent costs and evictions have forced long-time Beaconites to find a new area to call home.
This project takes a closer look at the interactions of the streets of Beacon, its tourists, “New Beacon” people, and Beaconites.
A big thank you to Reuben, David, Randy, John, Luke, and so many others for your conversations and thoughts and for being kind to this curious photographer.