Much of what Angotti mentions in the first chapter accurately describes the situation in Flushing West. As Angotti mentions, social injustice and the differences in perception of land use are some of the factors that give birth to community planning. In terms of social injustice, many of the redevelopment projects mainly affect the poor in the area. Flushing community members currently face problems such as overcrowding, a lack of community centers, jobs, and affordable housing, and displacement among many other problems; yet, little is done by the city to fix these problems. These common problems that have persisted is what motivates community members to become more active in bringing about change in their community. However, in addition to sharing common goals, another likely reason for these community planning efforts is the meaning that land holds. To the developers, land is a tool for generating profit but to community members, it’s more than that. Community land is significant because it’s where they settle down and  build their lives.

Another thing mentioned by Angotti was affordable housing and how workers often need affordable housing. This is the main issue that community members in Flushing have been focusing on. With the current rezoning, they have successfully pushed for more affordable housing units through the MIH or Mandatory Inclusionary Housing, where an additional option has been added to provide affordable housing to more people. Even so, there are still concerns that some Flushing residents won’t have access because of income issues and  the current overcrowding that is occurring in Flushing.

Many of these problems arise due to conflicting interests. Developers want to maximize profit but having more affordable housing units limits that. Residents want more affordable housing units but at the same time are in danger of facing the consequences of gentrification. Is there a medium between the two? Can both sides be satisfied?