Fullilove MT, Green L, Fullilove RE. Building momentum: an ethnographic study of inner-city redevelopment. American Journal of Public Health. 1999;89:840-845.
This article documents the evolution of the Harlem Congregation for Community Improvement's Bradhurst redevelopment project from 1994 to 1998. Ethnographic data, including field notes, maps and photographs of the streetscape, focus groups, and interviews were used to document community changes and effects on residents. Analysis revealed several themes. Families who moved into newly renovated apartments enjoyed their clean and safe apartments, became active in tenants' associations, turned from concerns about shelter to other areas of their lives such as job training and spending more time with family and friends. While the lives of these families improved in many ways, the redevelopment efforts left much of the area in a dilapidated condition, and even those who were doing well often "felt like they were drowning in the sorrow of others" in the community. Loss of housing had led residents to become isolated from one another, as residents moved, became homeless, and experienced disruptions in their social networks. Many residents were nostalgic for the strong social ties and other positive aspects of the neighborhood that had existed before it declined.
Overall, the authors found that the renovation efforts were a positive experience for residents. Living conditions improved, and there were more positive social exchanges and reduced dominance of the drug culture. One resident commented, "Everyone is in a new environment. People have a different attitude." The authors suggest that restoring homes and stores create opportunities for greater social cohesion and attachment to the neighborhood. To make this happen, the authors highlight the need for community organizing efforts. The authors also discuss the need for processes that will allow residents to "mourn their losses, join in a new search for meaning, and commit to rebuilding efforts" as they work to reestablish trusting relationships after years of trauma-a result of community disintegration and related health problems like drug addiction. They highlight the need for partners beyond the neighborhood to help with restoration efforts.
 |
 |
 |