Alphabet City

The tension between the residents of Alphabet City and the local authority has left a lasting impression on the community. It has bred a generally independent community. When Sandy hit, it was ultimately the residents that restored Alphabet City.

Our documentary introduces the East Village and how it was shaped into the neighborhood it is today – filled with a unique culture and daily interaction between residents and tourists. We study how the events Hurricane Sandy altered the social identity of the neighborhood more than anything else. The disaster turned the lively downtown atmosphere of the East Village into empty streets that resembled what residents described as New York Cities more quiet uptown neighborhoods.

Our documentary explores the change in the demographic of the Financial District in the last decade. Previously thought as an area primarily for business, the Financial District has welcomed new residents, including families. We explore these changes and how they have contributed to one of the fastest recoveries of Hurricane Sandy in New York City.

In our trip to the Lower East Side, we wanted to see how Hurricane Sandy affected not only the individuals, but the community as a whole. We found that in emergency situations, while crimes such as looting take rise, people also come together and help those who are in need of it. Both within the neighborhood and from surrounding areas, people of New York City were ready to aid the Lower East Side.