Ashley Achan
ENG 110 316-A
Prof Micheal
The topic that I have chosen for my research paper is the reconstruction and gentrification of the South Bronx. In the last five years, the community has seen an overwhelming effort to reconstruct and improve the South Bronx. As a resident of the Mott Haven area, I have witnessed the spontaneous arrival of brand new condominiums, restaurants (including Starbucks..), parks, shopping centers, and much more. These new additions to the neighborhood may seem like wonderful options for dining, shopping, and even living, but locals know all too well that they are the warning signs of sky high rent and blue eyed invaders. The Mott Haven area was definitely in need of a face-lift, with beaten down neighborhoods and a failing shopping hub, 149th street and 3rd avenue (better known as The Hub) was a breeding ground for crime and poverty. However, it’s hidden potential has been rediscovered over the last decade, finally qualifying it as competition against nearby Fordham Road. The failure of small “mom and pop” shops and run down businesses, the financial crisis of 2008, and the overall inability to maintain a stable environment, can all be blamed for the bittersweet truth: gentrification is at our doorsteps. Although much needed, this face-lift comes at an expensive price, and the locals are the ones to pay. We already know the basics; these new buildings, new shopping centers, new restaurants have been popping up all around the neighborhood. However, what I hope to find out is “why?”, why is this the up and coming neighborhood, and what are the negative/positive effects on the community?
Category Archives: 316A T/R 11-12:15
Research Proposal
Maria Colon
Prof. Michael
English 110
28, October 2019
Research Proposal:
Trying to narrow down a topic for this digital essay proved to be a bit difficult, however after focusing on what is truly overlooked throughout cities, I thought of people. More specifically the individuals who are homeless and most unfortunate. (Where) New York City, for example, is one of the places where homelessness is most prevalent and uncatered to. People of all ages and conditions are constantly trying to get through each day wondering what they’ll eat where they’ll sleep, who might help, and even how to take care of their hygiene given their circumstances. To be in that position is a really scary thing, considering all the hardships one has to face on a daily basis, especially when the seasons change, and you don’t know how you’ll stay warm or how you’ll avoid heat strokes and burns. In regards to the when aspect of this particular issue, this is something that occurs every single day and (why) that most people ignore because it doesn’t affect their realities. (What Kind) The part of homelessness I want to focus on is how (how) easily dismissed these individuals are, (which part) and the assumptions that are associated with them. Essentially there’s a stigma that revolves around the unfortunate, for instance, people tend to think others who are displaced are mentally unstable, drug users, alcoholics, lazy, etc. It’s wrong to perceive these individuals in this light especially if you aren’t aware of their situation and their struggles.
Research Proposal
In my research essay I would be mapping the transportation in NY, the different types of transportation people use to move through the cities of the NY state. I will be answering to why now a day some people who live in Manhattans, Staten Island, Brooklyn and/or Queens prefer to take the subway, metro, a taxi, bus, walk or drive a bicycle instead of driving a car like most people do in the Bronx. I will be mapping the percentage of driven cars in the cities. In the Bronx for example some people choose to drive their own cars because of all the trouble that can happen in buses or train station. In Manhattans in the other hand you can see all the people walking on the streets, riding a bike or taking the subway. I will make a further research to know exactly what kind of transportation is most likely to use by the people on the different cities. To specify the amount of dollar people consume in gas, MetroCard, E-Zpass, etc. Also the difference in the time spent while traveling in a car, train, or taxi. And the amount of tickets charged to people who does not pay the train or bus ride. I am looking forward to make this essay and inform about the different types of transportation in the cities of NY and the reasons why people have preferences at the time to use one of this transportations either to go to work or different places.
