Miyares’ “From Exclusionary Covenant to Ethnic Hyperdiversity in Jackson Heights, Queens” chronicles the transformation of Jackson Heights from its pre-Great Depression days to the place it is today. Originally, the area was intended for an elite, white suburban community for the upper-middle and middle class. Even the name “Heights” promoted it as a place that exuded prestige and that had an elevated ambience as Edward MacDougall envisioned. It was initially the “first garden apartment community,” characterized by its private gardens; its financial plan of the co-op was reminiscent of the more upscale co-ops on Fifth Avenue. Despite MacDougall’s clear vision, Jackson Heights soon transformed in a way that he would never have expected. It became clear that what happened was completely out of his control and there could have been no way for him to determine Jackson Heights’ future.
The metamorphosis from being a homogenous, upper crust neighborhood to a diverse, bustling one resulted from the Stock Crash in 1929. The people could no longer afford to live there, and consequently vacancies and price cuts ensued. Those living arrangement changes, combined with eased immigration restriction policies and the availability of transportation, resulted in an influx of new dwellers in this particular area. Large multi story apartments and two story row homes, originally intended for the wealthy were subsequently divided, yet were still spacious enough for the new households. The leisurely aspect soon disappeared as the heterogeneous population took over.
As a result of the deluge of immigrants, Jackson Heights became marked by its immense diversity. Queens has the highest percentage of diversity out of all the New York boroughs, but there is an even higher percentage specifically within the area of Jackson Heights. Other areas experienced ethnic and racial change as a result of waves of immigrants, but only Jackson Heights maintained the distinction of being the only hyperdiverse neighborhood with no dominant cultural group or language.
The part of Jackson Heights that epitomizes the neighborhood’s essence is Roosevelt Avenue. Having never been to Jackson Heights, I can only imagine this place; I imagine that it is a microcosm of the world, a small land segment in which all cultures are represented. The shops are, among others, Indian, Korean and Latino. I find it ironic that a place that was intended to be exclusive now bursts at the seams with cultural diversity.
An important point the author wishes to make is that it is beyond the control of any human to determine what the future of a place will be. MacDougall envisioned Jackson Heights as a suburban neighborhood for the wealthier whites, but evolution uprooted this plan in favor of enabling it to become a place that welcomes all different immigrants.
