Gentrified South Boston neighborhood not same place where Whitey Bulger once reigned

BOSTON – As reputed gangster James "Whitey" Bulger (BUHL'-jur) heads to trial, South Boston is sure to be the backdrop for much of the testimony.

Bulger's former stomping grounds are where authorities say he ran a criminal enterprise responsible for illegal gambling, loansharking and the deaths of 19 people in the 1970s and '80s.

But South Boston is longer the neighborhood of Bulger's heyday. The once blue-collar, Irish-Catholic neighborhood known as "Southie" is now an ethnic melting pot invaded by young professionals.

Property values have gone up and some longtime residents have moved out.

Bulger's old haunts are unrecognizable. Triple O's, the bar where he did business, is now a sushi bar.

Jury selection in Bulger's racketeering trial is scheduled to continue Monday. Opening statements are expected Wednesday.