In August 1996, police finally drove the squatters from 13th Street, and, soon after, the city gutted and refurbished the squalid buildings they had occupied. Now they look clean, safe, and well managed. Police cruisers patrolling now are a common, and benign, sight. I'm no longer afraid to walk after dark in my neighborhood. Other neighborhood benefits have followed the squatters' removal.
Restaurateurs are now willing to set up shop here.
Back in 1994, a high-end French bistro, like the new Caf Margaux that today flourishes on 11th and B, couldn't have enticed even the most intrepid of the uptown taxi set to el barrio . Now the swells come willingly and often. Last October, the popular rotisserie Radio Perfecto opened its doors on Avenue B between 11th and 12th Streets. Every night it draws friendly, clean-cut crowds of young professionals. I stop in often to chat with owner Peter Dupre, whose ebullience is catching and will, no doubt, flow out into the street this spring, when Radio Perfecto rolls up its entire facade a glass garage door and serves the masses alfresco .