- Many towns of Queens, such as Forest Hills and Howard Beach are known for its calm residential settling, as for Richmond Hill, the increase in public transportation, meaning having lines of buses run down ever other street and avenue makes it a larger commuter area.
- Also Richmond Hill is known for its many stores on Lefferts Blvd. and Liberty Ave. The uprising of new fast food joints and the expansion of chained companies have all made a home in this commercialized area. i.e McDonals, JP Morgan Chase, etc.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Thesis Statement
Unlike the many towns of Queens New York, Richmond Hill has indeed evolved from being a homey residential community to becoming a busy commuter town with the increase of public transportation and the rise of new businesses.
Interview with Mrs.Shelly Kuchar
I interviewed Shelly Kuchar. Mrs. Kuchar is 28 years of age and is a Medical Laboratory Scientist. She lives with her husband Thomasz Kuchar and her 13 month old daughter, Gabriella. The following is how the interview was carried:
1) How long have you been living here?
“I’ve lived in Richmond Hill for 12 almost 13 years now".
2) What are some changes you have bear witness too or have experienced first hand during your years in this neighborhood?
“The only changes I can really recall are those of businesses. Such as the local banks, they have changed a lot in the past 5 years from Bank of New York to Chase. There have been other fast food stores buying over the local pizza shops, etc. And well there have also been street signs that have just recently changed, most roads did not have a four way yield, and now they do. The street signs near the Van Wyck have also been replaced".
3) What attracts (attracted) you this neighborhood?
“Well, I grew up in this neighborhood. When my family migrated from Trinidad, my parents settled here because it felt just like home, and I haven't moved out of the area since. But I do not plan to stay here, the neighborhood is good, but I believe it is still too busy to raise a family".
4) Since you have taken residence in Richmond Hill, has it changed for the better or for the worse?
“I would like to say for the better, I haven't really been living here too long to know the difference to be quite honest. But if I had to make an inference, I'd say for the better. The area has indeed built up a lot in the past 12 years. It has gone from a suttle residential area to a more industrial area".
5) How is the ethnicity flow affected?
“There are a lot of West Indian people living in this area. I'd say it’s very diverse. It has a majority of Indian residence but there are also a fair number of black, Hispanics and a few white families here and there".
6) If you’ve gone to school here or currently have children in the schooling system, do you think it is beneficial?
“I went straight into college when my family moved to New York, so the local schools I am not very familiar with. However, I have two younger sisters that have gone to the Public Schools in the area and they benefited greatly, in my opinion".
7) How is the food diversity in this neighborhood?
“There is plenty diversity I believe. We have a lot of West Indian restaurants as you can imagine, because the majority of people in the area are of West Indian decent. But then we have our Asian selection, the famous Chinese food restaurants, we have Italian restaurants and many American fast food restaurants".
8) Would you consider Richmond Hill as a residential area or a commercial area?
“Like I mentioned before, it is gradually changing into a more commercialized area, because of all the new businesses that have recently settled into the community and the many sources of public transportation".
9) Is this a comfortable environment for you, or do you choose to take residence in Richmond Hill because it’s affordable?
“Well, there really isn't any place in New York that is affordable, but I have not moved from this neighborhood just yet because my husband and I are trying to save what we can to move into a more residential area to raise our family. The place we have right now doesn't run our pockets dry, so we are content with the area for the meanwhile, until we can officially settle down in our own home".
10) Do you find it hard living in Richmond Hill financially?
“No, for me at least it is not at all hard living in this neighborhood, but I do believe that the people living in this area would have to be working for a significant amount of money to maintain their payment on their property mortgages. Considering the drastic increase on how much their property is now worth. You see, years ago, housing was not as expensive as it is in Richmond Hill now. When my family bought their house it cost only 100 grand, now their property is worth 5 times the amount".
1) How long have you been living here?
“I’ve lived in Richmond Hill for 12 almost 13 years now".
2) What are some changes you have bear witness too or have experienced first hand during your years in this neighborhood?
“The only changes I can really recall are those of businesses. Such as the local banks, they have changed a lot in the past 5 years from Bank of New York to Chase. There have been other fast food stores buying over the local pizza shops, etc. And well there have also been street signs that have just recently changed, most roads did not have a four way yield, and now they do. The street signs near the Van Wyck have also been replaced".
3) What attracts (attracted) you this neighborhood?
“Well, I grew up in this neighborhood. When my family migrated from Trinidad, my parents settled here because it felt just like home, and I haven't moved out of the area since. But I do not plan to stay here, the neighborhood is good, but I believe it is still too busy to raise a family".
4) Since you have taken residence in Richmond Hill, has it changed for the better or for the worse?
“I would like to say for the better, I haven't really been living here too long to know the difference to be quite honest. But if I had to make an inference, I'd say for the better. The area has indeed built up a lot in the past 12 years. It has gone from a suttle residential area to a more industrial area".
5) How is the ethnicity flow affected?
“There are a lot of West Indian people living in this area. I'd say it’s very diverse. It has a majority of Indian residence but there are also a fair number of black, Hispanics and a few white families here and there".
6) If you’ve gone to school here or currently have children in the schooling system, do you think it is beneficial?
“I went straight into college when my family moved to New York, so the local schools I am not very familiar with. However, I have two younger sisters that have gone to the Public Schools in the area and they benefited greatly, in my opinion".
7) How is the food diversity in this neighborhood?
“There is plenty diversity I believe. We have a lot of West Indian restaurants as you can imagine, because the majority of people in the area are of West Indian decent. But then we have our Asian selection, the famous Chinese food restaurants, we have Italian restaurants and many American fast food restaurants".
8) Would you consider Richmond Hill as a residential area or a commercial area?
“Like I mentioned before, it is gradually changing into a more commercialized area, because of all the new businesses that have recently settled into the community and the many sources of public transportation".
9) Is this a comfortable environment for you, or do you choose to take residence in Richmond Hill because it’s affordable?
“Well, there really isn't any place in New York that is affordable, but I have not moved from this neighborhood just yet because my husband and I are trying to save what we can to move into a more residential area to raise our family. The place we have right now doesn't run our pockets dry, so we are content with the area for the meanwhile, until we can officially settle down in our own home".
10) Do you find it hard living in Richmond Hill financially?
“No, for me at least it is not at all hard living in this neighborhood, but I do believe that the people living in this area would have to be working for a significant amount of money to maintain their payment on their property mortgages. Considering the drastic increase on how much their property is now worth. You see, years ago, housing was not as expensive as it is in Richmond Hill now. When my family bought their house it cost only 100 grand, now their property is worth 5 times the amount".
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Historical Component II
Dean e. Murphy. City's Population Changes Are on Vivid Display in Queens. New York Times. (Late Edition East Coast). New York, N.Y.: Mar 19, 2001. pg. B.1http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=69793973&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1191346203&clientId=13031 October 2, 2007
This article explains the rapid changes of the population in Queens. In accordance to the article, there has been a major increase in the Indian population in Queens. The article interviews a store owner who moved to the Richmond Hill New York, from El Salvador. He uses ads such as milk to attract the Indian consumers of his business. This is indeed interesting for me because, I always assumed the larger population in the surrounding area was indeed Spanish.
The article then goes on to describe another area of Queens that has attracted many African Americans to the community. According to the article, a salon that is frequently occupied by American residence holds a sign that is in Spanish as well. Which implies that, although the appearance of the community may seem to hold a large population of African people, but also has diversity with Latin Americans.
Finally the main and most important information obtained from this article would be the increase of minority in major areas of New York City. The city is already known for its multiplicity but now it is factual in the sense that it has been observed and recorded. The city large import of immigrants add the cultural mix many cities desire.
David M. Herszenhorn. Panel's Proposals to Divide A District Divide a District.
New York Times (1857-Current file). Dec 11, 1994. ProQuest Historical Newspapers the New York Times (1851 - 2004) pg.CY10 http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=116545078&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1191349068&clientId=13031 October 2, 2007
The main focus of this article is the large population of students in public schools surrounding in Queens. The conflict of the article discusses how crowded the district of 27 is and has been debating on making it two different districts. It is a must considering the rapid growth in the city. Richmond Hill is one of the towns in Queens, mentioned in the article, like all the rest, Richmond Hill has an increase in children flocking into their neighboring school.
Because of community affairs the argument to convert the district into two has been in remission. There is conflict between neighboring towns that have slowed the transaction from district to district.
Another major concern, other than the racial aspects of the delay to make the district into two is the opposal that having a smaller district wills not benefit those who will only have a minimum number of students. There is support from one of the communities being split, that perhaps the lower performing schools should be placed into its own districts because it has been affected the more elite schools. Though there is major conflict involved in this recent motion, many still do believe that is for the best that the district be divided into two so that it is easier for the children to commute to and from school and also it will decrease the amount of children being held in this one district alone.
This article explains the rapid changes of the population in Queens. In accordance to the article, there has been a major increase in the Indian population in Queens. The article interviews a store owner who moved to the Richmond Hill New York, from El Salvador. He uses ads such as milk to attract the Indian consumers of his business. This is indeed interesting for me because, I always assumed the larger population in the surrounding area was indeed Spanish.
The article then goes on to describe another area of Queens that has attracted many African Americans to the community. According to the article, a salon that is frequently occupied by American residence holds a sign that is in Spanish as well. Which implies that, although the appearance of the community may seem to hold a large population of African people, but also has diversity with Latin Americans.
Finally the main and most important information obtained from this article would be the increase of minority in major areas of New York City. The city is already known for its multiplicity but now it is factual in the sense that it has been observed and recorded. The city large import of immigrants add the cultural mix many cities desire.
David M. Herszenhorn. Panel's Proposals to Divide A District Divide a District.
New York Times (1857-Current file). Dec 11, 1994. ProQuest Historical Newspapers the New York Times (1851 - 2004) pg.CY10 http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=116545078&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1191349068&clientId=13031 October 2, 2007
The main focus of this article is the large population of students in public schools surrounding in Queens. The conflict of the article discusses how crowded the district of 27 is and has been debating on making it two different districts. It is a must considering the rapid growth in the city. Richmond Hill is one of the towns in Queens, mentioned in the article, like all the rest, Richmond Hill has an increase in children flocking into their neighboring school.
Because of community affairs the argument to convert the district into two has been in remission. There is conflict between neighboring towns that have slowed the transaction from district to district.
Another major concern, other than the racial aspects of the delay to make the district into two is the opposal that having a smaller district wills not benefit those who will only have a minimum number of students. There is support from one of the communities being split, that perhaps the lower performing schools should be placed into its own districts because it has been affected the more elite schools. Though there is major conflict involved in this recent motion, many still do believe that is for the best that the district be divided into two so that it is easier for the children to commute to and from school and also it will decrease the amount of children being held in this one district alone.
Interview Questions
1) How long have you been living here?
2) What are some changes you have bear witness too or have experienced first hand during your years in this neighborhood?
3) What attracts (attracted) you this neighborhood?
4) Since you have taken residence in Richmond Hill, have it changed for the better or for the worse?
5) How is the ethnicity flow affected?
6) If you’ve gone to school here or currently have children in the schooling system, do you think it is beneficial?
7) How I the food diversity in this neighborhood?
8) Would you consider Richmond Hill as a residential area or a commercial area?
9) Is this a comfortable environment for you, or do you choose to take residence in Richmond Hill because it’s affordable?
10) Is there diversity in this community or do you believe it is home for only one kind of people?
2) What are some changes you have bear witness too or have experienced first hand during your years in this neighborhood?
3) What attracts (attracted) you this neighborhood?
4) Since you have taken residence in Richmond Hill, have it changed for the better or for the worse?
5) How is the ethnicity flow affected?
6) If you’ve gone to school here or currently have children in the schooling system, do you think it is beneficial?
7) How I the food diversity in this neighborhood?
8) Would you consider Richmond Hill as a residential area or a commercial area?
9) Is this a comfortable environment for you, or do you choose to take residence in Richmond Hill because it’s affordable?
10) Is there diversity in this community or do you believe it is home for only one kind of people?
Friday, September 21, 2007
Research Paragraphs =)
Neighborhoods aren't always what they appear to be. Some may look old and worn out and some maybe newer and well kept. My neighborhood is right in between. It's one of the earliest neighborhoods, which I am sure of but it is still very well kept. There are a lot of things I am grateful my neighborhood provides. Not only is it considered a residential area but it's also a big commuter area. Where I reside there is easy access to public transport and in New York City that's always a good thing! My main focus however on this project it to determine whether or not the area has become or is in the process of becoming more of a commuter area and less of a residential Area. Also I'll be comparing and contrasting earlier and current demographics of this particular city, showing the various changes in it's surroundings, that have taken place in Richmond Hill, New York!
Taking a walk in Richmond Hill is like taking a stroll down China Town! The only differences are cultural and if you continue to walk around Richmond Hill, you'll walk into a more family oriented environment as opposed to China Town which is just a commercial area. The reason I choose to compare Richmond Hill to China Town is because I am assuming many have been to China Town and have experienced the big crowd and busy shoppers. The big crowds of my town are usually found on Liberty Avenue. This one stretch of concrete house all the fast food joints along with vegetable markets and even clothing stores! If however one decides to walk down one of the grid like one way streets, they are walking into the homes of the people who currently reside in Richmond Hill.
Taking a walk in Richmond Hill is like taking a stroll down China Town! The only differences are cultural and if you continue to walk around Richmond Hill, you'll walk into a more family oriented environment as opposed to China Town which is just a commercial area. The reason I choose to compare Richmond Hill to China Town is because I am assuming many have been to China Town and have experienced the big crowd and busy shoppers. The big crowds of my town are usually found on Liberty Avenue. This one stretch of concrete house all the fast food joints along with vegetable markets and even clothing stores! If however one decides to walk down one of the grid like one way streets, they are walking into the homes of the people who currently reside in Richmond Hill.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Annotated Bibliography
Author Unknown. Richmond Hill Community Profile. "e Podunk." Tuesday, September 11, 2007.September 11, 2007. http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=1528.
The article in this website basically gives an overview of the city of Richmond Hill. The website specifically focuses on the history of the town in New York. By briefing through the site i was able to obtain information about the development of early Richmond Hill. I learned of the possibilities of it's given name and also the cultural aspects of the city in its past to present form.
I found this website rather informative because it not only gives the basic demographics of the city of Richmond Hill but it also gives a little history behind how the city came to be Richmond Hill and also the type of people that had taken residence in an earlier time and compares it to the types of cultures inhabit that area today! The website allows the researcher to get a little more than just the current status of Richmond Hill but also allow them to be able to compare and contrast different eras on this cities development.
Author Unknown. Zip Code 11419 (South Richmond Hill, New York). "Sperling's." 01/07. September 11, 2007. http://www.bestplaces.net/city/South_Richmond_Hill_NY-71141900010.aspx.
This website basically specifies the demographics of the the city Richmond Hill. The site was recently updated on the population, income. family sizes, ages, etc. It allows the researcher to get an insiders view of the sounding neighborhood. The information obtained from this site lets the reader in on important facts in the local area. It specifically indicates the current data on people, the economy,housing,health, crime,education, etc. By briefing through the information I already have a keen sense or idea of the lifestyles or rather life as a whole for the people of Richmond Hill.
Like the previous website this source is also a researches good luck. And I say this because the site elaborates on more than just the demographics of the uprising city but also helps to separate this particular city from the rest. It helps the researcher get a clearer and more personal view of this area. It also gives us a chance to compare current and earlier statistics of Richmond Hill.
The article in this website basically gives an overview of the city of Richmond Hill. The website specifically focuses on the history of the town in New York. By briefing through the site i was able to obtain information about the development of early Richmond Hill. I learned of the possibilities of it's given name and also the cultural aspects of the city in its past to present form.
I found this website rather informative because it not only gives the basic demographics of the city of Richmond Hill but it also gives a little history behind how the city came to be Richmond Hill and also the type of people that had taken residence in an earlier time and compares it to the types of cultures inhabit that area today! The website allows the researcher to get a little more than just the current status of Richmond Hill but also allow them to be able to compare and contrast different eras on this cities development.
Author Unknown. Zip Code 11419 (South Richmond Hill, New York). "Sperling's." 01/07. September 11, 2007. http://www.bestplaces.net/city/South_Richmond_Hill_NY-71141900010.aspx.
This website basically specifies the demographics of the the city Richmond Hill. The site was recently updated on the population, income. family sizes, ages, etc. It allows the researcher to get an insiders view of the sounding neighborhood. The information obtained from this site lets the reader in on important facts in the local area. It specifically indicates the current data on people, the economy,housing,health, crime,education, etc. By briefing through the information I already have a keen sense or idea of the lifestyles or rather life as a whole for the people of Richmond Hill.
Like the previous website this source is also a researches good luck. And I say this because the site elaborates on more than just the demographics of the uprising city but also helps to separate this particular city from the rest. It helps the researcher get a clearer and more personal view of this area. It also gives us a chance to compare current and earlier statistics of Richmond Hill.
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