Overdevelopment and the Latino Community
From The Peopling of New York City
The Latino population used to be a more prevalent force in Flushing back in the 1980’s and early 1990’s. John Logan depicts in one of his studies where the Hispanic population used to be at a greater percentage within the Flushing community but diminished because of “Asianization”. However, the remaining cohort of Hispanics that remains in Flushing faces the same problems brought about by overdevelopment: unaffordable housing, congestion, spatial displacement, and eventual gentrification.
When asked about the Latino perspective for overdevelopment, District Leader and 33-year resident Martha Flores defined it as a de-beautification of Flushing’s once, suburban style and look. She recalls having moved here to escape the tall buildings of the city. She even stated, “When you have a multi-story building in the middle of 5 houses, that simply does not make sense.” In essence, Flores believes that these buildings look “asymmetrical” and create more traffic and congestion for current neighborhood residents. She, like Evergreen Chou, believed that Flushing is approaching a “Manhattanized” style and is “losing its historical structure.” However, she is hopeful that in the near future, the community boards, other groups, and constituents will be able to preserve the historical and suburban beauty that Flushing once was.
This congestion and overdevelopment also leads to racial tension. However, as opposed to Evergreen Chou’s position, Flores believes that racial tension is indeed caused by the opportunity of equal access. Chou felt that jealousy based on housing is a source of racial tension. But, Flores believes that racial and social relationships suffer as a result of unequal access to resources. Nonetheless, despite any present tension, she firmly supports that the inhabitants of a community should be a prevalent source of consent with respect to any community changes. And, they should use this consent to collectively slow down any more unfavorable overdevelopment.
Finally, in terms of overdevelopment and any advantages, Flores believes there are few or none. She views all this overdevelopment as a “business venture” that doesn’t have advantages for the community. The only way she would accept overdevelopment would be if social community services were offered to the benefit of the majority of Flushing’s inhabitants.