All posts by Christine Chen

Project Update

April 28, 2016Updates - Flushing WestChristine Chen

Overview of Key Project Ideas:

We are currently working on the white paper and have equally divided the work. Wilian is in charge of the introduction and research methods. Claudia and I are in charge of organizing the research. Erica is in charge of the political context and Brian is in charge of the policy recommendations and conclusion. For our white paper, we are going to argue in support of rezoning. We are aware that there are many drawbacks of rezoning but as pointed out by the Flushing community members, not rezoning would be more detrimental and would bring about less benefits than if they were not support rezoning.

Updates on Current Progress:

During the research process, we have found that while many are not supportive of rezoning because of the lack of affordable housing units, the danger of displacement and harassment due to a rise in land values, and the lack of community member input, the Flushing community members have come to the consensus that while they are not totally supportive of all aspects of the rezoning, it is better to have rezoning. From the census data collected, we have found that the area median income is around fifty thousand dollars per year. However, the cheapest MIH option is for affordable housing units that cost 40% AMI. This amounts to approximately thirty-one thousand dollars. Even with this option, a portion of Flushing community members will still not be able to afford these residential units because according to the data from 2014, about 47.6% of the households in Flushing have an income less than thirty thousand dollars. From this, one would probably wonder why the residents support rezoning. This may be befuddling but upon further consideration, one will better understand why so many people support the rezoning. If the residents were to vote no on rezoning, there would be no affordable housing units at all. All of the residential units would be sold at market price, which would not benefit the residents in any way. In addition, we are planning to look into the amount of green space in the area as well as the pricing on the housing units in Sky View Mall as a comparison. We are planning to determine how much green space is available to the residents, if possible, because according to some of the residents, there is not enough green space for the people in Flushing. Although there is Flushing Meadows Park, it is rather inaccessible for some people. This was one of the reasons mentioned in support of rezoning at the town hall meeting, as one of the requirements of the rezoning process is the establishment of green space.

We have also found the draft scope, which includes the goals of the rezoning. The draft scope, in addition to containing all of the project goals, delineates some possible effects of rezoning that need to be further assessed. These include business and residential displacement, material hazards, the generation of building shadows, and interference with traffic operation and mobility. In addition to the draft scope, we have found the NYC Department of City Planning website to be extremely helpful as it includes the powerpoint presentations from various meetings and a general overview of the rezoning plan. I found this to be useful in helping me figure out what the rezoning project actually encompasses.

Some of the readings we will possibly incorporate include: “Communities Develop: The Question is, How?” “The Real Estate Capital of the World”, “Planning and the Narrative of Threat”, and “The Armature for Development.” These readings will be important in setting up the background or foundation for our white paper.

Interesting Findings:

According to an article I found online, Jung Rae, one of the members of MinKwon said that Flushing residents earn an average of thirty-nine thousand dollars yearly but based on census data, the median income earned by residents in Flushing is approximately fifty-two thousand dollars per year. Perhaps this discrepancy is due to a difference in the areas, as social explorer does not provide information on solely the area involved in the rezoning project. Rather is provides data on a bigger land area. Using census data from social explorer, I have also found that there has been a general increase in the percentage of households that earn less than thirty thousand dollars per year.

Challenges Encountered:

It was rather difficult to find out more information about Sky View Mall. More importantly, Jung Rae still has not provided a response and thus we do not have access to the surveys he mentioned during the last town hall meeting. This data would have been a valuable addition to our white paper, unfortunately, it seems that we will not be able to draw from the survey data. Erica made several calls to Jung Rae in addition to writing an email but those attempts proved to be fruitless. Another problem is that social explorer does not provide data for the year of 2015 and so that is not included in some of the graphs we generated for our research findings.

Remaining Tasks:

We are currently working on our white paper and we will need to work on our project deliverables. We will continue to reach out to Jung Rae in hopes of obtaining a response so that we may include the information from the surveys they conducted. We have not made much progress on the deliverable yet as we have been preoccupied with the white paper. We are also planning to look at the policy recommendations made by the Bronx Coalition for Community Vision, as Professor Caldwell suggested, in order to draw inspiration for our own policy recommendations. The notes that we took during the town hall meetings will also be incorporated into our white paper.

Group Dynamics:

All of our group members have an assigned task and are working to write the white paper. We are also communicating through use of a group chat to clear up any misconceptions or things that we have difficulty understanding. Through the group chat we also share any sources that we come across that may be useful for other group members.

Flushing West Rezoning

April 13, 2016Clarifying Key ConceptsChristine Chen

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?

An End to Communities?

April 4, 2016Clarifying Key ConceptsChristine Chen

Both pieces are similar in the way that community is defined. Where the people share difficulties, experiences, and concerns there is a community. These commonalities are what make communities tight-knit and interdependent. In understanding the definition of a community, one can better understand how so many people from various backgrounds can come together and protest changes that are made to their community . Their opposition to private development projects can be understood in terms of individual interests but these interests are often interests held by others in the community. They are thus brought together by these individual yet common goals. One such instance is the rezoning of Flushing West. Many community members are opposed to rezoning Flushing because of the lack of affordable housing units and their concerns for the rise in land value. While this opposition is motivated by their concerns for their own livelihoods, this concern is not unique in that many other members in the community feel the same way. Thus, it’s inspiring to see how similar goals can serve to bring so many different people together. However, the reality is that these efforts often prove to be futile.

As stated in DeRienzo’s piece, the amount of community organizing that goes on and the amount of control that community members have over local institutions is indicative of the presence or absence of community. While one defining characteristic of a community is the commonalities, the fact that community members have very little control over what goes on in that “community” shows otherwise. Again, this is demonstrated in the Flushing rezoning case because despite the efforts made, community members actually have very little say and control over what happens in their communities, not to mention the local institutions.

Is there really no way for community to exist if community members have no control over local institutions or what happens in their communities? Does that mean that redevelopment and community planning projects will bring an end to communities?

Project Update for Monday March 28

March 28, 2016Updates - Flushing WestChristine Chen

1. 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?

To better understand the issue, aside from attending community events, we would need both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data that we would need to collect include the average income of the people living in Flushing, as a major complaint is how the affordable housing units are in actuality unaffordable for many people, and the cost of living in the area. We can also examine how the development of Skyview Mall has increased the land values in the area or how its establishment has effected change in the area. Using this information, we can then perhaps predict the effect that the rezoning of Flushing West will have on the area. To supplement this data, it would be useful if we could gain a first hand account from people who have been directly affected by the development of Skyview Mall. In addition, so that more voices can be heard, we can perhaps hand out a survey asking what people would like to see from the rezoning project and the stance they have on the issue.

2. 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?

Our main priority is to speak for the community members of Flushing West. To do so, we will research the history of Flushing and the issues with other past rezoning projects. Then we will attempt to connect the personal stories of people we interview with the issues seen in the past projects. By doing so, we may be able to convince Councilman Peter Koo to restructure the current proposed plan because he will realize that the past rezoning consequences can very well happen again. In our report, we plan to provide a list of possible outcomes of the Flushing West rezoning. In addition to this, we will provide any possible solutions that we think community members may support. To sum up, we will use the events of the past to show that the current proposed plan must be restructured in order to remain fair to the community members.

3. Who are the stakeholders in the issue? Who has interest? Who is affected?

Local stores that are located within the rezoning area will be affected by this rezoning. However, the residents of Flushing will be mostly affected. The current rezoning will displace the current community members because they will have no way of paying for the eventual increases in rent. Apartment building owners will be heavily interested given the fact that they will be receiving larger sums of money due to increasing rent.

4. Who needs to have their voice be heard?

Our primary objective is to bring attention to what Flushing’s inhabitants have to say. Despite the efforts that Peter Koo has made to relay their concerns, the anticipated changes have not occurred because in reality, their opinions and hopes for the future of Flushing remain ignored. This is unreasonable considering the fact that their lives will be the most greatly impacted by the changes that rezoning will bring. It is imperative that the city take the knowledge of Flushing’s denizens into account and listen to what they have to say so that they may create a Flushing suitable for both the community members and the private developers.

5. Who are you trying to influence? Who has power over the issue?

We are trying to influence the community and elected officials so that they understand the potential issues with the plans to rezone Flushing West. Councilman Peter Koo seemed to think that displacement would not be an issue with the development of the waterfront because no one currently lives there. While the community members present at the Flushing Rezoning Community Alliance meeting seemed to be deeply concerned and aware about the effect of the development on affordability of living in Flushing, Peter Koo had to be told how the development would cause gentrification and displacement. We hope to educate people of displacement and gentrification and hopefully increase the number of attendees at these meetings. Councilman Peter Koo has a vote to approve or disapprove the plans to develop Flushing West so he seems to have the most power over preventing displacement and gentrification. However, community members may have just as much power as him if enough show their concern over the issue.

6. Who is your target audience (community members, elected officials, media)?

Our target audience is for community members. If we educate Flushing residents and increase awareness of the potential issues of gentrification and displacement then hopefully there would a greater pressure on elected officials to comply with their demands.

7. Who will collect your data?

Each of us will collect the different types of data that we will need to support our project. Wilian will collect data concerning workforce needs and employment, Brian will collect data concerning affordable housing, and Christine will collect data on the effects of gentrification. We will get quantitative data, and it will cover Flushing and other rezoned areas we consider relevant. Claudia will help us with data from Flushing’s history that she finds. Erica will get qualitative data from community centers that are involved in the Flushing West rezoning.

8. Where can you find the people you need to talk to get your data?

One of our strongest resources has been the MinKwon Center for Center for Community Action. At the recent Town Hall meeting in Flushing, members of the MinKwon center who organized the event had a lot of information readily available and when we approached them for some resources such as their PowerPoint presentation from the meeting, we got a quick response.

9. Where can you find existing information that is relevant to your research?

Some of the most effective information is in statistics. The best place to get this information would be from census/ demographics collections as well as just finding the exact current zoning rules. In most of our sources zoning rules have been generalized and aside from the plan to turn the vacant spaces along the waterfront into residential/retail spaces, it is a little hard to tell what else is exactly changing. Because Flushing is such a specific area in New York, book sources on the History of Flushing will be a little hard to come by, however there are plenty of credible online sources such a Thirteen and the Wall Street Journal that have written on the history and evolution of Flushing.

10. Where can you go for support and assistance (non-profits, universities, government agencies)?

Since the start of this project the MinKwon Center has been a great resource for information on the Flushing West rezoning. MinKwon is a part of an organization, the Flushing Rezoning Community Alliance, which includes six other organizations that want a fair rezoning. These groups can help us understand the position of the Flushing community. The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of City Planning can help us understand more about the ULURP process and the step of the process that we are currently in.

11. Based on your answers to the above, which of the following community-engaged” methods are most appropriate for your group’s project?
Tentatively, it seems that Community Mapping/Canvassing will be the most appropriate option for the educational deliverable that I (Claudia am considering). The plans for the project have not been thoroughly worked out as I want to see what information the group gathers and what would be the most effective way of representing it. I would like to take a unique approach with the deliverable, and instead of just giving people numbers on a flyer, I think an interactive approach would be interesting.

The Art of Deception

March 21, 2016Contemporary Planning in NYCChristine Chen

Larson’s comparison of planners and the tactics involved in selling their plans to the act of telling a narrative is a suitable one. This is because planners often attempt to secure support for their plans by making it seem as if they are doing this for the good of the city and its inhabitants; however, the underlying agenda for most of these city plans is economic profit. As mentioned throughout the chapter, the city plans never truly considered the opinions of the poor or lower classes but because they needed the support of the people, planners often resorted to deception. They sold their plans under the guise of improving the city and making it a better living space. In reality, they wanted to attract more skilled workers and and increase the value of land. They made it seem as if the success of the city was contingent on their redevelopment projects.

In talking about the third regional plan, Larson mentions the true goals of the plan. One of the main goals was, as aforementioned, increasing the value of the land. For instance, the preservation of green space was a decision made because they “significantly enhance rents, property value, and property taxes.” This decision may have inadvertently benefited the inhabitants but the issue is that the original motivation for these plans was not the well-being of the inhabitants. Even so, planners continue to consider themselves, as Larson cites, “moral guardians.”

The third regional plan dates back to the 20th century; yet, the underlying problems still persist. Economic driven redevelopment projects like the third regional plan were the beginnings of gentrification and relate to many of the project issues explored in class. One such example is the plans for the rezoning of Flushing West, which involves the redevelopment of the water front area. This is a problem because this would not be the first instance of gentrification occurring in the area. Flushing has experienced many redevelopment projects and while this would bring in revenue, these projects do not bode well for those living in the area. In reading Larson’s chapter, one can better understand the roots of gentrification.

Discussion Question: Larson mentions that gentrification benefits the middle and upper classes. Because land values increase, the poor are forced out but aside from that what are the other effects of gentrification? Can people perhaps benefit from gentrification?

How to Survive a Plague

March 13, 2016UncategorizedACT UP!Christine Chen

From the readings we have done in class and from what I have observed in real life, I came to the conclusion that instances where organized protest actually bring about change are unlikely to occur. But upon watching the documentary, How to Survive a Plague, I realized that despite its scarcity, there are times when people can win against those with power. It was inspiring to see that through the efforts of the members of both TAG and ACT UP, changes were brought about and millions of lives were saved. Unfortunately, this came with the cost of millions of lives as well.

The whole issue with the lack of drugs and policies for dealing with the increasing number of people infected by AIDS is reminiscent of the community planning and rezoning issues. They are similar in that dealing with these issues is impossible without the input of those directly affected and involved. For instance, without the input and efforts of ACT UP and TAG activists, many of whom were infected with AIDS, perhaps millions of more people would have died before scientists came upon the revelation that a combination of AIDS drugs would work. Likewise, community planning and rezoning are things that cannot be done without the opinions of those who understand the area the best.

As I was watching the video, I found it baffling that the development of AIDS was associated with one’s sexual orientation and that this was one of the reasons why there was a lack of drugs for the treatment of this disease. It was also horrifying to find out that AIDS patients were often rejected from funeral homes and merely placed in black bags. Many people often compare themselves to people in underdeveloped countries and consider themselves more civilized. They refer to those in underdeveloped countries as savages but I cannot help but think, what about those who are blinded by their homophobia? One such example is the man in the documentary who told homosexuals to keep their business to themselves rather than protesting for policies that could save millions of lives. Nevertheless, despite opposition from such people, it is comforting to know that the after six years of protest and demonstrations, the activists of ACT UP and TAG achieved their goals.

Discussion Question: Although I agree with the missions of ACT UP and TAG, there are some things that I do not agree with. For instance, I do not agree with how they decided to protest in the church. Thus, I was wondering if such actions are the only way to bring about change. Are they necessary or are there other methods?

Pseudo Progression?

February 21, 2016The Roots of Community Planning, UncategorizedChristine Chen

Community planning and redevelopment should be done for the purpose of improving the lives of its inhabitants but from the readings we have done thus far, it seems that these efforts do very little to accomplish this. Instead, redevelopment projects seemed to be done with the rich in mind.

In examining the history of community planning, the colored and poor constituted a large portion of those displaced because early redevelopment projects often allowed those involved with the planning to identify the communities that needed to be redeveloped; however, these evaluations were often made based on the people living there rather than the environment itself. Afterwards, conditions started to improve slightly, as dissatisfied tenants and citizens banded together to protest the unwanted changes made to their communities. One such example is when the inhabitants of Morningside Heights and Columbia students successfully prevented the establishment of a gym in place of the community park. Other events that marked an increased involvement of citizens in community planning projects include the Model Cities Program and the establishment of Community Boards. These developments seem to indicate a progression in the fight for greater involvement but upon closer inspection, one will see that these advancements were met with setbacks. The Model Cities Program ended after President Johnson’s term and members of the Community Board, in reality, had very little say. In the end, their words had very little power in causing the changes that actually occurred.

This can be extended to the current problem of rezoning. Current rezoning efforts are said to involve the residents as much as possible through meetings which are held to determine the direction that redevelopment should go. But as mentioned in Savitch-Lew’s “Will the City’s Rezoning Plan for East Harlem Heed Community’s Vision?” , many residents are complaining that involvement is in fact minimal. While it is clear that community planners can no longer exclude residents from their plans, the question is: have we really progressed in terms of resident involvement?