
































Finalized Digital Files.pdf


COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII  |   95   94  |  COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII 

INSPIRATION FOR ARTICLE

I have lived in the Bushwick community for five years, and during this 
time, I have witnessed several changes. The chance to regain some of 
the power within an ever-changing process has inspired me to write 
this paper. I use the photovoice methodology to integrate images into 
the narrative and highlight the intersections and real consequences of 
redevelopment and policing in my neighborhood. The paper was written 
within a year, and the challenges posed by the changes within the city, 
such as budget cuts and fluctuations in the number of police, were 
constant. I hope that readers can understand the impact of gentrification 
and the significance of community through this piece.

During my twenties, I worked as an educator and gained valuable 
insights that prepared me for a career in social work. After two 
empowering years in Columbia's MSW program with a significant 
emphasis on community-focused, evidence-based interventions, I 
am thrilled to begin my studies toward my Ph.D. in Social Policy and 
Practice at the University of Pennsylvania this fall.

AYANA
COLVIN



COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII  |   97   96  |  COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII

REDEVELOPMENT AND POLICE PRESENCE IN BUSHWICK AYANA COLVIN

ABSTRACT

The relationship between redevelopment and police presence is 
demonstrated in many neighborhoods by the influx of new residents 
from suburban or rural areas and shifts in police response. As property 
values increase, police may prioritize order maintenance policing, 
also known as "broken windows" policing (Beck, 2020, p.247). This 
is disproportionately felt by Black and Brown residents who often 
suffer the consequences of rising costs, displacement,  increased 
surveillance, and police presence. This paper explores the relationship 
between urban redevelopment and policing in one of the most popular 
neighborhoods in the borough of Brooklyn–Bushwick. As a social 
work researcher of color, I want to share the narratives that often go 
overlooked. I felt secure and empowered to conduct research and report 
my findings as a community member who is seeking to support and 
collaborate with my community. Photovoice allows me to do just this 
by highlighting the daily realities in my neighborhood. However, having 
more voices from long-term community members is imperative and will 
be essential in further exploration of this topic.

Keywords: gentrification, redevelopment, policing, police presence, 
Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York City, photovoice, etc.

PART I: RESEARCH QUESTION 
BACKGROUND

After years of protests against police brutality and what 
critics called a racial reckoning in the summer of 2020 
(Payne, 2021), the urgency to center racial justice, 
community, and police relations has shifted in the past four 

years. Before taking office, current New York City Mayor Eric Adams 
campaigned heavily on a tough-on-crime platform that emphasized 
prosecuting low-level offenses and reducing gun violence by pledging to 
spend up to $5 billion on the New York City Police Department (NYPD) 
(Goldenberg & Anuta, 2022). New York City has recently announced 
budget cuts that will affect the funding of important community services. 
While the NYPD will not face any budget cuts in 2024, New Yorkers 
will have to adjust to significant reductions in services such as library 
services, school summer programs, and universal pre-kindergarten 
(Cramer, 2024).

The NYPD has increased its presence in all five boroughs, especially 
in areas with Black and Brown populations (Morales & Nickeas, 2022). 
According to the NYPD's end-of-year citywide crime statistics, the 
overall decline in crime can be attributed to their policing strategies, 
including deploying more officers in the neighborhoods deemed 
most needed (2024). One of the neighborhoods where I have felt an 
increase in police presence is Bushwick. As per the NYC Planning 
(2018) publication, Bushwick's growing population was about 121,000. 
I have been residing in Bushwick since the summer of 2019; however, 
the current heavy police presence in the area under the Adams 
administration has changed the way many of us, including myself as a 
Black woman, navigate our neighborhood.



COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII  |   99   98  |  COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII

INFLUENCE OF REDEVELOPMENT

Bushwick has a diverse history. It was originally a Dutch settlement in 
the 17th century; later, through an influx of European immigrants around 
the turn of the 20th century, it became known for its small family homes 
and factories (Valli, 2015). The neighborhood significantly contributed 
to the brewery industry but never fully recovered after the prohibition 
era (Saraniero, 2022). The Great Migration resulted in the influx of Black 
people from southern states, Mexicans, and Puerto Ricans moving to 
northern cities, including Bushwick. This caused many white working-
class families to leave the neighborhood (Valli, 2015). Despite becoming 
desolate to some, the neighborhood remained a significant residence for 
Black and Brown families and small business owners. During the early 
2000s, The Bushwick Initiative was introduced to enhance the quality of 
life and promote economic growth within the neighborhood (City of New 
York, 2006). These initiatives encouraged several new businesses, and 
redevelopments were established. As of 2019, the white population has 
more than doubled, while that of Latinos has shrunk from 70% to 54% 
(Murphy, 2019). This research aims to find an answer to the question; to 
what extent does community policing influence redevelopment?

Most scholarship on redevelopment explores the process of 
gentrification as a response to public investments in fostering 
environmental sustainability. Gentrification reinforces the dominant 
methods of creating physical space while neglecting the disempowered 
ones. In areas undergoing gentrification, gentrifiers and developers 
exercise their power to shape the environment while economically and 
socially vulnerable groups have limited access to space production 
capabilities (Stabrowski, 2014). Studies concern the growth of new 
residents in urban areas from more suburban or rural areas, arguing 
the link between redevelopment and police presence in low-income 
neighborhoods intensifies during these periods (Beck, 2020). These 
changes make lower-income neighborhoods more desirable for 
inhabitants who previously lived outside of urban areas (Harris et al., 
2020). The research shows that criminalization disproportionately affects 

Black and Brown communities, often leading to the displacement 
of communities of color due to systemic inequalities (Beck, 2020; 
Fayyad, 2017; Harris et al., 2020). Social dynamics and expectations 
undergo a shift when higher-income residents move into low-income 
neighborhoods, which can lead to long-term residents being targeted 
by the criminal justice system for minor offenses deemed "quality of life" 
crimes (Fayyad, 2017, para.7).

PART II: METHODS

This study was conducted independently through photovoice, a 
qualitative research method. The research was conducted in my 
neighborhood, which gave me a better understanding of the photos 
selected. I am familiar with the areas where the police are usually 
present and have witnessed people recycle cans at local stores. I 
have personally visited the locations that represent the tension and 
unity within the community. Photovoice captures images that portray 
a research topic's realities. This methodology was chosen because 
it emphasizes visual aspects over written words, uses photography 
for knowledge development, and is a powerful tool for critiquing 
law enforcement in a safe and accessible way (Evans-Agnew & 
Rosemberg, 2016). It is a strategy for advocacy and can assist in 
raising awareness of community needs and showcasing the structural 
barriers imposed on achieving those needs. Over three days in March 
of 2023, I photographed everyday life and its intersections with signs of 
redevelopment and police presence in the neighborhood of Bushwick in 
Brooklyn, New York. The photographs were analyzed in conjunction with 
scholarly research. As a woman of color living in the neighborhood, the 
images I captured showcase the impact of redevelopment and policing 
in my community. 

More than seven photos were taken, but the ones included in this 
study highlight the topic of policing and redevelopment. There was a 
significant police presence on the three days the photos were taken. 
To grasp a better understanding of the information obtained from the 
captured images, I searched for supporting materials, academic articles, 

REDEVELOPMENT AND POLICE PRESENCE IN BUSHWICK AYANA COLVIN



COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII  |   101   100  |  COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII

and research studies using relevant keywords like "redevelopment and 
policing," "gentrification and policing," "displacement," and "Bushwick." 

Although the images in this paper were taken individually, photovoice 
can also be done collaboratively with colleagues and members of 
communities. This allows more people to participate in research 
meaningfully and can lead to advancements in areas that may have 
remained hidden from the direct experience of readers. By incorporating 
participant voices, themes that reflect a wider range of perspectives 
can be developed (Evans-Agnew et al., 2016). Photography is a quick 
process that allows images to be captured for research purposes. 
This approach also ensures safety when the research subject is 
unpredictable. As a Black woman who moved from low-income to the 
fringes of the middle class as an adult, I have always been cautious 
of law enforcement, recognizing the implications of their presence 
and the challenges of navigating it. This caution has only increased as 
my research aims to hold our current legal systems accountable by 
documenting what is truly happening and focusing on individuals and 
communities that may be overlooked. This is especially important during 
times of redevelopment and increased policing, when communities may 
be subject to displacement and over-surveillance without any say in 
the matter. Through photovoice, I can support my community without 
risking getting too close to or aggravating law enforcement.

PART III: NARRATIVE OF PHOTOS

During the mornings of March 1-4, 2023, I walked around the Bushwick 
neighborhood to explore the impact of policing and redevelopment in 
the area. I planned to capture photos showcasing police tactics such as 
patrolling the neighborhood streets and subways. Additionally, I aimed 
to document examples of redevelopment and how it has affected the 
historically Black and Brown communities. I walked between subway 
stops on the L train line from Dekalb Ave. to Jefferson St. and captured 
numerous examples of policing, redevelopment, and community impact. 
The following best represents my findings.

POLICING IN THE COMMUNITY 

Three images were selected to depict the current police presence in the 
Bushwick community. Figure 1, taken on the morning of March 1, 2023, 
shows two officers standing beside their squad car. Graffiti, a common 
sight in the neighborhood, can be 
seen in the background. Apart from 
a delivery man, no one else is on 
the street. It is common for men to 
spend time socializing by listening 
to music, smoking weed, and 
drinking, especially during warmer 
weather. Although their group may 
have evolved, they have always 
been present. Since Figure 1 was 
taken close to where I live, I better 
understand what their presence 
means.

On this day, there was no sign of these men or anyone else on the 
street corner, raising the question of where they had gone. Studies 
have shown that as more white and middle-class people move into a 
neighborhood, the level of policing tends to increase (Harris et al., 2020).  

In a recent article by Brenden Beck (2020), the impact of police 
presence on low-level arrests in gentrifying neighborhoods is explored.  
Beck highlights the correlation between rising housing costs and 
increased police spending, particularly in terms of order maintenance 
policing, which concerns maintaining social order and the monitoring of 
minor offenses.                                                                   

Figure 2 regards the police presence in the community, which was 
captured near subway stations within walking distance. I have noticed 
that most people use the train stations during weekday mornings to 
commute to work or school. I spotted two police cars parked near the 
entrances, which may result from the current city administration's efforts 

REDEVELOPMENT AND POLICE PRESENCE IN BUSHWICK AYANA COLVIN

Figure 1. Cops on corner.



COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII  |   103   102  |  COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII

to crack down on lower-level 
crimes such as fare evasion.

Being a woman of color with 
my own experiences of law 
enforcement, I maintained a safe 
distance while capturing these 
photos. It was unclear whether 
the officers were in the car or 
inside the station. Being able to 
document such an apparent police 
presence during commute hours 
is concerning given that their presence results in the absence of others 
or induces stress if one cannot pay the current $2.90 fare for a subway 
ride. Figure 3 depicts the police presence in a Bushwick community 
that is prominent and appears to focus more on minor offenses, which 
will have a disproportionate impact on the lives of the Black and Brown 
residents.

REDEVELOPMENT IN THE 
COMMUNITY

The community is connected 
to Manhattan via four different 
subway lines, making it an ideal 
location for development. By 
the time the 2007 recession hit, 
redevelopment was underway 
and continued as the vulnerable 
conditions that followed the 
recession allowed many 

developers to take advantage of the situation (Parés et al., 2017). The 
change in the community continues rapidly, and more local businesses 
are closing their doors due to rising costs, further accelerating the 
transformation of the community. While walking home, I came across 
Figure 4, an infrastructure with development for sale sign, nestled 

between the Jefferson St. and 
Dekalb Ave. L train stops. Seeing 
signs of redevelopment in my 
neighborhood makes me reflect 
on my positionality, as I belong to 
a demographic that is privileged 
in terms of economic status but 
underrepresented in terms of 
ethnicity.

My economic status grants 
me access to established 
businesses that are owned and 
run by the community, as well as 
new establishments. However, 
community members who look like  
me but are not as economically 
privileged may not have the same access.

Figure 4 could represent the beginning of many things for the Bushwick 
community, such as a new bar or business. However, there is reason to 
question the intentionality when new infrastructures appear, as Figure 
4 illustrates. “In what Wilson (2018) terms the ‘racial development 
machine’, gentrification in once low-income communities of color 
become an intentional strategy to create capital accumulation as 
low-value properties are replaced by infrastructure valued by white 
newcomers” (Harris et al., 2020, p. 3).

The location of the building situated between two patrolled stations 
raises the question of whether there are any underlying reasons or 
advantages for those who support the presence of law enforcement 
beyond addressing low-level crimes. Only time will reveal the true 
nature of this new infrastructure; however, the concerns and questions 
that arise within communities like Bushwick represent the tension that 
gentrification presents and its links to police presence.

REDEVELOPMENT AND POLICE PRESENCE IN BUSHWICK AYANA COLVIN

Figure 2. Cops at subway.

Figure 3. Additional cops at subway.

Figure 4. Redevelopment.



COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII  |   105   104  |  COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII

IMPACT ON COMMUNITY 
ECONOMIC EFFECTS

New spaces may not be inclusive to people of color in gentrification. 
It is incumbent upon people of color to prove their credibility and 
justify their use of these new spaces. Figures 4, 5, and 6 showcase the 

Bushwick community and illustrate 
the impact of redevelopment in 
different ways.

Figure 5 depicts a woman bundled 
up for the cold morning weather 
and placing recyclable cans and 
bottles in plastic bags. A large 
shopping cart, which had come 
from a nearby grocery store, 
accompanied her. There are a few 
places in the neighborhood where 
one can exchange recyclables for 

money. What caught my attention the most about Figure 5 was the size 
of the bags and the significant number of recyclables she had gathered. 
Juxtaposed with myself as a fellow community member, the quality of 
life also comes into question. It again brings up how positionality plays 
a role in what is expected of us to navigate within our neighborhood. 
Questions came to mind such as how long this woman had to work to 
collect as much as she had and how much she would be paid for her 
labor. As the cost of living continues to rise, the compensation for the 
number of cans collected in the reverse vending machine should shift 
to match a shifting economy. The current budget cuts are having a 
noticeable impact on city agencies which need help to provide essential 
benefits and services to New Yorkers at historically high levels (Honan, 
2023). This will affect everyone, but the extent of the impact may vary 
depending on individual circumstances.  

INCREASE IN POLICING

Figure 6 shows a smoke and convenience shop, which has become 
a familiar sight across the city since the legalization of recreational 
marijuana in 2021. It is located on 
the same side of the street as the 
development site that is for sale. 
The shop faces a subway entrance 
that is regularly patrolled by law 
enforcement. The presence of 
police and ongoing redevelopment 
activities have no end in sight.

An immigrant man from India owns 
this convenience shop. He was 
able to employ a recent immigrant 
as a store clerk. However, the store 
has faced numerous challenges 
from law enforcement since its 
inception. Such attention can 
be detrimental to smaller businesses like this one which may lack the 
resources to recover from financial losses and the potential for increased 
surveillance. As Eric Adams enters another year as mayor, he remains 
focused on establishing robust policing (Cramer & Mays, 2023). Figure 
6 symbolizes his commitment to this promise. It highlights the impact of 
these changes on primarily Black and Brown neighborhoods, including 
their businesses.

SOLIDARITY

During my walk, I came across the contents of Figure 7, which caught 
my attention. The scene depicted a painting, Our Lady of Guadalupe 
(unknown, n.d), enclosed by candles, plants, and debris. Although 
Figure 7 does not relate directly to redevelopment or policing, it reflects 
the community's solidarity amidst the transformation.

REDEVELOPMENT AND POLICE PRESENCE IN BUSHWICK AYANA COLVIN

Figure 5. Woman recycling.

Figure 6. Smoke shop.



COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII  |   107   106  |  COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII

"Our Lady of Guadalupe" is a 
significant icon in Mexican culture 
(Janzen, 2020). It can be seen 
throughout the neighborhood as 
artwork in store windows or printed 
on candles in bodegas. When I 
see this symbol, I see the people 
in my community. The painting 
was placed outside the Bushwick 
flea market and has been there for 
quite some time. The flea market 
is only open on certain days of the 
week and is home to many plant 
shops, record collections, antiques, 
and vintage finds. The flea market 

is one of the few places in the neighborhood where you may see people 
of all demographics existing in the same space as people who work and 
sell at the flea market are from the community. "Our Lady Guadalupe" is 
ubiquitous within the neighborhood. The artwork stood out as a symbol 
of different cultures and an appreciation of those who have historically 
been here.

PART IV: DISCUSSION 

By showcasing the Bushwick community, I aim to encourage 
conversations among those who find themselves at the intersection of 
representation within our communities. In various boroughs of New York 
City, you may encounter people who live their lives differently than you, 
and that is a chance to examine what privileges our social positions 
offer us. The photographs portray individuals from the community 
who may be negatively impacted by increased police presence and 
gentrification of their neighborhood.

The community of Bushwick in Brooklyn has undergone multiple 
restructurings over time, and this article aims to shed light on the 
effects of redevelopment and policing in the area within the context 

of the broader changes taking place in New York City. The photovoice 
methodology provided me with a better understanding of the context 
of the images as the photos were taken in my neighborhood. The 
redevelopment of an area can have lasting impacts on the community 
and demographic composition. Scholarly research has found a link 
between rising housing costs and increased policing spending, 
particularly order maintenance policing, which focuses on maintaining 
social order and monitoring minor offenses (Beck, 2020). Community 
members congregating outside may feel uncomfortable due to loitering 
interpretations and economic pressure from rising metro costs as 
aspects of daily life in the community are scrutinized more closely. 
Communities often undergo changes which may result in individuals 
being marginalized and neglected, and there are opportunities to 
consider the privileges our social positions afford us, learn about our 
communities' history, and show solidarity with them in various boroughs 
of New York City.

PART V: LIMITATIONS

While this research method allows for an extended investigation beyond 
the location of a photo, which in turn provides more time for reflection 
and a thorough interpretation of the research data, some things could be 
improved by this methodology. One significant limitation is the risk that 
my own bias as the photographer and researcher affects how the data 
is collected and interpreted. Therefore, there is a need to expand this 
methodology and incorporate the voices of the community to achieve a 
more comprehensive approach.

I conducted my research in my neighborhood, which gave me a better 
understanding of the photos. I am familiar with the areas where the 
police are usually present and have witnessed people recycle cans at 
local stores. I have personally visited the locations that represent the 
tension and unity within the community. However, if the photographs 
are not analyzed in conjunction with scholarly research, they may not 
hold any significance. My insights might have differed if I had chosen 
to conduct research in a neighboring area. Using this methodology 

REDEVELOPMENT AND POLICE PRESENCE IN BUSHWICK AYANA COLVIN

Figure 7. Community art (Source: Unknown, n.d.).



COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII  |   109   108  |  COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII

challenged my positionality within Bushwick, shifting from neighbor to 
voyeur. Understanding one's social location and remaining cognizant 
throughout the process is crucial to avoid skewing the research. To 
enhance the understanding of the paper, it would be beneficial to involve 
long-term community members in the research process.

PART VI: CONCLUSION

This research sheds light on the relationship between redevelopment 
and policing in the growing neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn. 
Under current Mayor Adams, there has been an increase in officers on 
foot as part of his push to decrease crime; however, daily experiences 
are left out when understanding what this looks like on the ground. 
Many scholars and researchers have found that police behavior tends 
to change as the demographics of a community change (Beck, 2020; 
Fayyad, 2017; Harris et al., 2020). Additionally, much of the focus of 
police work is on order maintenance policing, which perpetuates harmful 
and inaccurate narratives about Black and Brown community members 
in Bushwick. Photovoice aims to promote advocacy through images 
to better understand a community's daily experiences. The selection 
of images showcased various aspects of policing, such as preventing 
loitering and fare evasion as well as signs of redevelopment and daily 
life experiences of community members. By observing these images, we 
can gain insight into the effects of increased policing on the area. 

By capturing and sharing visual representations of communities around 
us, people can effectively humanize issues and convey the need for 
policies that are truly inclusive and considerate of citizen needs. As 
a researcher using the photovoice methodology, I was aware of my 
social identity and privileges and how they could affect the results 
and interpretations of the study. Social work researchers like me must 
be mindful of our positionality when employing this methodology as 
photovoice can help document and advocate for overlooked individuals 
and communities, holding our legal systems accountable. Including 
a participatory component for long-term community members would 
further enrich the paper's insights. Ultimately, the paper emphasizes the 

potential of the photovoice method to generate critical knowledge so 
that the experiences of those often ignored can be heard. 

REFERENCES

Beck, B. (2020). Policing gentrification: Stops and low–level arrests during demographic 
change and Real Estate Reinvestment. City & Community, 19(1), 245–272. https://doi.
org/10.1111/cico.12473 

Cramer, M. (2024, January 10). N.Y.P.D. will not face budget cuts after all, Adams says. The 
New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/10/nyregion/budget-adams-nypd.
html 

Cramer, M., & Mays, J. C. (2023, November 9). In N.Y.P.D.’s harsh tactics under 
Adams, critics see a broken promise. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.
com/2023/11/09/nyregion/eric-adams-nypd.html 

City of New York. (2006). Bushwick. Bushwick Neighborhood Plan - DCP. https://www.nyc.
gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/2748bushwick_initiative.pdf

Evans-Agnew RA, Rosemberg M-AS. (2016). Questioning Photovoice Research: 
Whose Voice? Qualitative Health Research, 26(8), 1019–1030. https://doi.
org/10.1177/1049732315624223

Fayyad, A. (2017, Dec 20). The criminalization of gentrifying neighborhoods. The Atlantic.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/12/the-criminalization-of-gentrifying-
neighborhoods/548837/

Goldenberg, S., & Anuta, J. (2022, December 24). 'Big brother is protecting you': Eric 
Adams pledges stronger policing, more technology in 2023. POLITICO. Retrieved 
March 5, 2023, from https://www.politico.com/news/2022/12/24/eric-adams-policing-
technology-new-york-00075359. 

Harris, B., Rigolon, A., & Fernandez, M. (2020). “To them, we’re just kids from the hood”: 
Citizen-based policing of youth of color, “white space,” and environmental gentrification. 
Cities, 107, 102885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2020.102885 

Honan, K. (2023, November 17). Budget cuts hit preschools, cops, libraries as mayor 
blames migrants. THE CITY - NYC News. https://www.thecity.nyc/2023/11/16/budget-
cuts-hit-city-hall-blames-migrant-crisis/ 

Janzen, R. (2020, December 10). Why the virgin of guadalupe is more than a religious 
icon to Catholics in Mexico. University of South Carolina. https://sc.edu/uofsc/
posts/2020/12/12_conversation_guadalupe.php 

Morales, M., & Nickeas, P. (2022, January 27). The NYPD has resurrected its controversial 
anti-crime unit. Success will be determined by avoiding mistakes of the past. CNN. 
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/01/27/us/nypd-anti-crime-unit-eric-adams 

REDEVELOPMENT AND POLICE PRESENCE IN BUSHWICK AYANA COLVIN



COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII  |   111   110  |  COLUMBIA SOCIAL WORK REVIEW, VOL. XXII

Murphy, J. (2019, July 14). Bushwick +10: A changing neighborhood faces a tighter 
housing crunch. City Limits. https://citylimits.org/2019/07/09/bushwick-10-a-changing-
neighborhood-faces-a-tighter-housing-crunch/ 

NYC Planning. (2018). Neighborhood snapshot. https://www.nyc.gov/assets/planning/
download/pdf/plans-studies/bushwick-neighborhood-plan/plan/03-bushwick-snapshot.
pdf 

New York Police Department. (2024, January 4). NYPD announces December 2023, end-
of-year citywide crime statistics. The official website of the City of New York. https://
www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/news/p00098/nypd-december-2023-end-of-year-citywide-
crime-statistics 

Parés, M., Ospina, S., & Frasier, C. (2017). Bushwick: Emerging innovations in a 
dramatically gentrified neighborhood. Social Innovation and Democratic Leadership, 
93–118. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781785367885.00016 

Payne, D. (2021). White America: Awakened?. POLITICO. https://www.politico.com/
news/2021/05/25/white-people-racial-justice-activism-george-floyd-490545

Saraniero, N. (2022). Inside the abandoned beer vaults of a former Bushwick Brewery. 
Untapped New York. https://untappedcities.com/2022/11/21/brooklyn-william-ulmer-
brewery/ 

Stabrowski, F. (2014). New-build gentrification and the everyday displacement of Polish 
immigrant tenants in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Antipode, 46(3), 794–815.

Unknown. (n.d.). Our Lady of Guadalupe. Brooklyn, New York.

Valli, C. (2015). A Sense of Displacement: Long‐time residents’ feelings of displacement in 
gentrifying Bushwick, New York. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 
39(6), 1191–1208.  

Wilson, D. (2018). Chicago's redevelopment machine and blues clubs. Palgrave Macmillan.

REDEVELOPMENT AND POLICE PRESENCE IN BUSHWICK AYANA COLVIN


