Learning Places Spring 2017

Dumbo’sChanges

 

COVER IMAGE:

 

 

Aissa Sonko

03.03.2017

For this site visit, my group members and I visited the Dumbo neighborhood. We decided to compare and visualize the similarities and differences between Dumbo and Vinegar Hill. We started coming up with hypothesis and conclusions as to why the neighborhoods we were visiting were being gentrified and the art forms that were chosen to represent the “new look” of the neighborhood. We had a chance to speak with a manager of The Shops which were rented spaces for people trying to start new businesses. She works apart of Green Desk and she explained how their project was to help people and give them beginner opportunities.

Describe Scope of Activity

PRE-VISIT REFLECTION

Prior to my visit, I did not really know what to expect. During our first visit to Vinegar hill. I saw many different thing. The neighborhoods were really diverse from each other yet so close to each other.

SITE DOCUMENTATION I: MAP OF AREA OF INVESTIGATION: We decided walk along John St walling down to Bridge St. Then we turned on Water St and kept walking along it till reaching pearl St. Next we turned back to Jay St walking back to John St.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SITE DOCUMENTATION II: photos/sketches for 2-3 significant stops. These photos showed significance to be because it represents the art and Artist of Dumbo. These people have a free space to show off their talent and do what they love doing. It gives a space for people to express themselves.

 

 

 

Brooklyn Bridge                                              Small winery

This place is connected with Green Desk. It gives people the opportunity to open up small spaces and assist them in starting their small businesses.

SITE OBSERVATIONS: Note conditions you found and explain how they relate to the topic of your investigation

1. Town Houses next to apartment building: Looks like gentrification is growing
2. Floor stones being covered up or removed
3. Busier streets with more residents taking walks.
4. Lots of parked cars
5. Empty stores and shops
6. Not much grocery stores
8. QUANTITATIVE DATA:

Subject	Data
Food trucks	3
Town houses	2
Pizza shop	1

 

QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESIS Consider the data found during your site visit and review the material you included so far in this report.

QUESTIONS:

1. I would like to know how the residents feel with all the changes going on in their neighborhood.
2. How did the owner of most of Dumbo being his journey?
3. How will the Dumbo neighborhood look in ten years and how will the residents adapt to it?
4. HYPOTHESIS: How do the residents feel with all the changes that is going on in their neighborhood?

1. Some residents may like and accept the changes because they may feel like they are getting their money’s worth
2. Some residents may not like it because they are being removed from their homes and may feel like they are being set up for failure
3. Some residents may feel neutral and not really care because the changes may not affect or harm their livesThe next step for my group members and I is to visit Vinegar hill again and compare the differences between the two sides. We will also analyze whether the gentrification is a good thing or a bad thing and why. We will also talk to the local residents and get their feedback on how they feel about the changes being made in their neighborhood.
4. PRELIMINARY REFERENCES TO EXPLORE HYPOTHESES: List articles, websites, public or government documents, or other information resources you have found that might help you explore your hypothesis. Try to find a variety of sources; 2 newspaper articles, 2 magazine articles, 2 websites, 2 public documents, etc.
5. SUMMARY / POST VISIT REFLECTION / NEXT STEP? —

1. The Changing State of Gentrification
2. Fulton Ferry Landing. Dumbo, Vinegar Hill Neighborhood History guide
3. Grade school entrepreneurs brainstorm big ideas in Dumbo
4. Thank goodness for the new Brooklyn: For all its pains and strains, gentrification has been healthy for the borough
5. If You’re Thinking of Living In/Vinegar Hill, Brooklyn; On Cobblestone Streets, History Lingers
6. Brooklyn’s Sleepy Enclave. Vinegar Hill, Awakens