Located in Jamaica center, this stop off the E train has the lowest median income in comparison to all other stops on the E line. While the area does not in general seem unkempt, the buildings are in rather poor condition and the stores seem cluttered together. Most stores in the immediate area seem generally smaller than average and aside from fast food chains there were not many “name-brand” stores. In certain areas the sidewalks were aligned with trees but generally the area was bereft of vegetation. In terms of food, street vendors were numerous and often sold falafels, hot dogs, gyros and other foods that are typical of NYC food trucks. In general, the presence of fast food chains was overwhelming and grocery stores seemed limited to bodegas.
In terms of the demographic, most people seemed to be either black or Hispanic with very few white people. The age range was entirely mixed and consisted of children accompanied by young to middle aged parents and elderly men and women in and around grocery store fronts. Typically people were gathered outside local food chains such as McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts. On the streets, people didn’t interact much and most kept to themselves, often traveling alone or with young children. I hadn’t come across any parks or open public spaces with the exception of a cemetery that was located nearby Jamaica center and even this area was private.
Large groups of people surrounded all bus stops and few taxis drove by this area in comparison to most areas in Manhattan. Located directly above the E train is the LIRR station and airtrain to JFK which seemed to be the area in which white people were most populous. Additionally, located below the E train station are the J and Z trains.
There was a large police presence outside the LIRR station when I had gone (however, as a commuter from Queens Village I can say that this police presence varies periodically.) Otherwise outside the immediate area there was not a noticeable police presence.
In terms of the demographic, most people seemed to be either black or Hispanic with very few white people. The age range was entirely mixed and consisted of children accompanied by young to middle aged parents and elderly men and women in and around grocery store fronts. Typically people were gathered outside local food chains such as McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts. On the streets, people didn’t interact much and most kept to themselves, often traveling alone or with young children. I hadn’t come across any parks or open public spaces with the exception of a cemetery that was located nearby Jamaica center and even this area was private.
Large groups of people surrounded all bus stops and few taxis drove by this area in comparison to most areas in Manhattan. Located directly above the E train is the LIRR station and airtrain to JFK which seemed to be the area in which white people were most populous. Additionally, located below the E train station are the J and Z trains.
There was a large police presence outside the LIRR station when I had gone (however, as a commuter from Queens Village I can say that this police presence varies periodically.) Otherwise outside the immediate area there was not a noticeable police presence.
I've been around Sutphin Blvd/Archer Avenue many times and there is an IMMENSE amount of taxi cabs occupying the area. They aren't yellow cabs however, just random taxi's trying to make a few extra dollars, and their prices are usually lower in comparison to yellow cabs. The average income definitely reflects the appearance of the area.
ReplyDeleteI live about 15 minutes away from this area, but never really go there. I was surprised to learn how different the demographic is there, compared to where I live. There are more white in my area compared to your stop (from observation), but still the majority is black or hispanic. The median income around my area, according The New Yorker Subway charts, is about $56,000. I'm surprised there was such a drop in income after only about 15 minutes of driving.
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