Because we bettered ourselves, Nicky. That's why. Why is that so hard for you to understand?

Why would I want my kids to grow up in what amounted to be a tenement at the time? Those buildings were old and cramped. That Italians got out is a GOOD thing. Sure, I miss the old neighborhood itself, but things change. And that's that.

I own (along with several family members) the very building I grew up in. Not to toot my own horn, but if that's not a testament to a guy from the neighborhood who "done good," I don't know what is. And for the record, the building is a lot better off now than when I grew up. The tenants have hot water today .