With General Elections for New York City approaching in November of this year, issues surrounding Soundview neighborhood have been brought to light particularly through Walt Nestler’s campaign. Nestler is a current member of Bronx Community Board 9, servicing the neighborhood under research. The issues he proposes to address include jobs, small businesses, transportation, education and housing in the area, all of which affect the neighborhood directly as research shows.
Demographics:
According to the United States Census Bureau, there are 64,867 living in Soundview. The population of males is 30,316 and the remaining 34,551 female. Majority of the population is between the ages of 18 and 65, totaling 44,223. The community is predominantly made up of Black/African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos. With a total of 23,112 housing units, the majority of 18,421 are renter-occupied while only 3,319 are owned. The average household size is 2.97.
Examining the demographics, particularly age and home ownership, it is fairly easy to see why Nestler proposes to make sure rent is stabilized. Why are so many people renting versus owning homes? Is it simply a matter of age, or is it a bigger issue like education and jobs?
Education:
With 13 high schools in the Soundview neighborhood, a rate of 55.9% of the population is high school graduates. There are no colleges in the neighborhood which may explain why only 10% go on to attain a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Even though there are quite a number of high schools in the area, overcrowding in schools is a major issue. Walt Nestler points out that some schools have had to utilize trailers for additional classroom space and what was to be temporary is now permanent. How do parents feel about this? Is overcrowding part of the reason why there aren’t more high school graduates?
Jobs & Local Businesses:
While most neighborhoods are undergoing gentrification, Soundview to date remains fairly untouched. Sure there are the McDonald’s and other popular fast food restaurants, clothing chains like Old Navy and Marshall’s and even department store giants like K-Mart, but small business continue to flourish in the neighborhood. Bodegas are within a block or two radius, beauty salons, pizzerias, diners and more.
Despite the locals being able to “survive” gentrification, the availability of jobs and wages are still an issue. According to the most recent census data, 22,913 of the population over the age of 16 make up the labor force. The median household income is $23,565 (22,330 individuals live below the poverty line), and their travel time to work is an average of 45 minutes which means they are not working within the neighborhood.
What does it mean when locals of a neighborhood have to travel outside of their community for work and still only earn minimum wage? Probably less time with family, sacrifices we can’t even imagine and to the extreme: crime.
Housing/Real Estate:
It’s already been established that majority of residents in Soundview are renters. According to the New York City Housing Authority, there are eight developments within Soundview alone. This can be related to the number of persons living below the poverty line; they have the option of affordable government housing. BUT with the Section 8 program being affected by the recession resulting in the denial of any new applicants, what options do new residents have? Moving to a one bedroom apartment in neighboring Parkchester that can run up to $1,200 a month?
Other issues:
• Though the 43rd Police Precinct which governs Soundview has seen a decrease in crime, there has already been 1,565 to date, 992 have been theft related. Is this a direct correlation of low income?
• Transportation is also a major issue in Soundview. The 6 train is the only subway line servicing the immediate area, while there are 5 bus lines (Bx numbers 4, 5, 27, 36 and 39). With an increase in fare hikes and proposal to further raise them, service has been extremely poor. As a daily user of the transit system, I have witnessed firsthand the faults in the system. Should anyone have to wait on a train more than 15 minutes during rush hours, especially when you can clearly see the train at the next stop? The buses are no better.