- How can you document or better understand the issue? Do you need “hard” numbers (quantitative data) and/or stories of personal experience (qualitative data) or both?
– We will need both quantitative and qualitative data for our project. We need to start off by using metrics such as ridership of other rail systems and other data points such as number of stations, fare/tax revenue and the like. We will also need data such as what people think of the BQX plan, how they think it will affect their communities, and how communities with streetcars feel about them. Also, it would be helpful if we can get some hard numbers as to the number of people who live along these lines. - How are you going to give legs to your research? What action strategies could you employ to make the research and report as impactful as possible?
-We will conduct our quantitative data to start which will give us hard number for our research to stand on, then we will use public opinion polls to give it legs. This way it should provide a logical and emotional rational to our conclusions in order to inform the reader. We will also scout out the areas that the BQX will be going through to understand the types of communities that live there. - Who are the stakeholders in the issue? Who has interest? Who is affected? – The main proposed benefactors will be the people who live and commute along the Brooklyn-Queens waterfront. Real Estate owners and developers will benefit from the increased land values along the lines as well as possible easing of zoning restrictions. Finally, Mayor De Blasio has a bit of his political reputation on the line to get the project going although he is likely more interested in providing equitable transportation.
- Who needs to have their voice be heard?
– The people who live and commute in the neighborhoods that will be served by the BQX. - Who are you trying to influence? Who has power over the issue?
– We are looking to both inform the public and to potentially to influence those who are planning the BQX line. The planners are the power behind the project which includes De Blasio, city officials, and the proposed investors. - Who is your target audience (community members, elected officials, media)?
– The general public and city officials. - Who will collect your data?
– We all will collect the data through research. - Where can you find the people you need to talk to get your data?
– We have community contacts who are more knowledgeable about these issues, but for quantitative data we may also research online. - Where can you find existing information that is relevant to your research?
-We will be looking online for reputable sources, both scholarly and editorial, that cover both the BQX plan as well as our comparison projects. - Where can you go for support and assistance (non-profits, universities, government agencies)?
-We will seek help from our community contact at Transportation Alternatives for more information as we see fit.
Based on your answers to the above, which of the following community-engaged” methods are most appropriate for your group’s project?
-We will likely conduct a combination of interviews and community mapping in our project in order to collect portions of our data. Interviews will provide insight into those who will be affected by the BQX or perhaps those interested in building it. Community mapping will allow readers to understand why these areas are targets for new transportation, since they are a hotbed for gentrification and development.
