Greektown develops Latin flavor

E. Baltimore enclave is somewhat awkwardly absorbing new immigrant group

Others say the two groups interact just fine. Jason Filippou is director of development for the Greektown Community Development Corp., which has begun an outreach to Latino entrepreneurs. "When the Greeks first got here, it was predominantly Polish and German, and the Greeks moved in and flourished," said Filippou, who grew up in Greektown for eight years and moved back four years ago. "We have a Spanish explosion now ... and we certainly would be hypocritical if we didn't welcome them."

Earlier this year, his group walked around to Latino-owned businesses, accompanied by Spanish-speaking representatives from the police and City Council president's office, as well as Hertzfelt, talking about the organization and the help it could offer.

Another organization, the Greektown Neighborhood Alliance, has created a new position. Its vice president of Latino affairs is Alejandro Necochea, 31, a Peruvian physician who moved to Greektown about three years ago.

Necochea has translated material for the group so it can distribute information in Spanish and says there is talk of holding part of the meetings in Spanish.

"The Latino community is not even involved in some of the planning and some of the neighborhood initiatives," said Necochea, speculating that might be because of its rapid growth. "It's a little challenging. ... How do we mobilize the Latino community to participate and to feel like this is their neighborhood, too?"

In Bonicker's view, the Latino-owned businesses are thriving in comparison with the Greek shops. He foresees a future in which Latino businesses will become dominant, as in parts of Fells Point and Highlandtown.

"Kentrikon in Greek means center," said Bonicker. "I joke to my wife that pretty soon they're going to call it Centro."

Sumathi Reddy is a former reporter for The Baltimore Sun.