Published August 17, 2010
After a full week of labor, I finally finished moving from Coolidge Corner to Harvard Square. Here is my break-up letter to Brookline, inspired by Candice Reed’s “Dear John” to California.
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Dear Brookline:
I’m leaving you. We got into this relationship for the wrong reasons, and I should have ended it a year ago.
When I moved here from California in 2008, I needed a place for Sept. 1 on short notice. A mutual friend hooked us up. I was reluctant to commit to your exorbitant rent but was charmed by your tree-lined streets. You promised me a quiet refuge from the the city.
But you let me down.
I've had enough.
In just two years, your unforgiving rules, fees and rents froze out at least two dozen businesses from my neighborhood, Coolidge Corner. Built in their place — if built at all — banks and chain restaurants. What happened to your standards?
You jealously ticketed, even towed, my overnight guests. You made it impossible to have a drink late at night. You have become one big homeowner’s association.
Your “quirky” Green Line used to be an adorable flaw. But I’ve had enough of your late, slow, broken-down, overcrowded trains.
When my lease was up a year ago, I tried to go. But you lured me back. You were comfortable. The pain and expense of moving on wasn’t worth it.
You always seemed to snivel at my friends in Allston and JP. And when I started flirting with Cambridge, you told me that Brookline is “Cambridge for grownups.” Maybe I’ve left you for someone younger, but you know what? I’m happier now.
I want you to be happy. I want your business districts to thrive again. I want you to be a welcoming and unpretentious place. But I can’t stick around and wait while you figure that out.
Yours truly,
Andrew.
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PS, is it Brookline or is it me? There are two sides to every break-up story. Leave your thoughts in the comments.