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Background
SUNSET PARK BROOKLYN, NY
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
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> Population of approximately 150,000 people > Since 1990 sunset park has grown twice as fast as NYC > Healthcare is the largest employment sector in Sunset Park
> In 2015 the city released a plan to invest $442 million to develop the industrial
and manufacturing sector over 10 years > Employment increased by 9.9% in 2 years (2014-2016) > School enrollment went up by 55% over 15 years (prior to 2016)
Image Source:“Welcome to Sunset Park.”
Image Source: Justice Map
Before Sunset Park was “Sunset Park” it was largely rural and consisted of native farm lands until it was sold to the Dutch in the 1600’s. The area began to grow at a very rapid rate becoming a major port for maritime trade. With the port established the waterfront became and industrial center for manufacturing. With the demand for workers this lead to the construction of the first co-op row houses. By the 1940’s road transportation grew and the Gowanus Expressway was established. The highway separated the residential neighborhood from the industrial communities and its waterfront. Which ended up leading to a decline in the area. Sunset Park has been built from on immigration of Dutch, Irish, Polish, Scandinavian, Italian, Latino, and Asian. These immigrants are what has given this area life. Historically Sunset Park has given them the chance to advance with economic opportunities. The success in the infrastructure development of sunset park has always been significantly carried by immigrants. The combination of cultures has given the area character and charm over the years, but only recently has been put back on the map as a place to “bring back to life” and “give back to the community”.
