Langer reminisced about his childhood in MacArthur Park, an urban oasis he spent hours in before it fell into disrepair, stating, "I grew up in the park. I'd play in the park, go for boat rides, take naps." The contrast between his fond memories and the park's current state highlights the loss of community spaces that once served as safe havens.
As Langer notices the park's decline, he reflects on how challenging it is to reconcile the past with the present, saying, "...how disorienting it can be to grow old in a world unlike the one we remember or the one we imagined." This thought captures the bittersweet nature of nostalgia amid urban decay.
Although Langer feels the pressure to close his deli due to the park's decline, he says, "I consider my customers and employees 100% safe." His commitment to his business and community reflects a resilience that many long-standing establishments embody amid changing urban landscapes.
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