Setting the Stage
The Elmhurst-Corona neighborhood has developed successfully over the last 50 years becoming one of the most diverse communities in the world. Elmhurst-Corona neighborhood's white population fell from 98% in 1960, to 18% in 1990 with 45% Latin American, 26% Asian, and 10% black. In an attempt at national urban decentralization, New York City created 59 local community boards were created in the1960’s. These political changes happened as the ethnic and racial diversity in Elmhurst-Corona grew, creating a strong foundation for diverse community involvement and sense of common goals. Following a federal housing discrimination suit at the 4,600-unit Lefrak City apartment complex in 1970, white flight occurred. By 1980 Lefrak City was 65% black.
Rumors and Resolution
By 1975 white residents, noticing the …show more content…
This civic action among Elmhurst-Corona residents focused on school crowding, lack of youth recreation facilities, housing code violations, drug sales, and dissatisfaction with police response. Involvement and communication of community members helped to solve problems and foster understanding of common concerns. This proactive approach has lead to successful integration creating one of the most diverse communities in the world. By the 1990’s Elmhurst-Corona's community government had become relatively representative of its population. As time provided successful improvements in the community through civic action, residents continued to work together creating a better quality of life for everyone in the community. Because many of the community leaders were originally women the main focus of many community groups was in uniting people to achieve change. Much of the external motivation to better their community was the result of negative government policies provoking community
The Elmhurst-Corona neighborhood has developed successfully over the last 50 years becoming one of the most diverse communities in the world. Elmhurst-Corona neighborhood's white population fell from 98% in 1960, to 18% in 1990 with 45% Latin American, 26% Asian, and 10% black. In an attempt at national urban decentralization, New York City created 59 local community boards were created in the1960’s. These political changes happened as the ethnic and racial diversity in Elmhurst-Corona grew, creating a strong foundation for diverse community involvement and sense of common goals. Following a federal housing discrimination suit at the 4,600-unit Lefrak City apartment complex in 1970, white flight occurred. By 1980 Lefrak City was 65% black.
Rumors and Resolution
By 1975 white residents, noticing the …show more content…
This civic action among Elmhurst-Corona residents focused on school crowding, lack of youth recreation facilities, housing code violations, drug sales, and dissatisfaction with police response. Involvement and communication of community members helped to solve problems and foster understanding of common concerns. This proactive approach has lead to successful integration creating one of the most diverse communities in the world. By the 1990’s Elmhurst-Corona's community government had become relatively representative of its population. As time provided successful improvements in the community through civic action, residents continued to work together creating a better quality of life for everyone in the community. Because many of the community leaders were originally women the main focus of many community groups was in uniting people to achieve change. Much of the external motivation to better their community was the result of negative government policies provoking community