Neighborhood Intel

This interactive map helps Bushwick locals track gentrification as it happens

By Virginia K. Smith  | August 24, 2016 - 9:59AM

If information is power, Bushwick residents just got a whole lot more powerful, thanks to the North West Bushwick Community Map, a new interactive data map tracking new development, buildings that might be rent-stabilized, zoning, DOB violations, filings for renovation work, and more real estate goings-on in the neighborhood.

Put together by a group of community activists, the stated goal of the map is "[sorting] through all available databases to present the information most relevant to general community members and organizers in an easy-to-navigate and understand format." It's useful whether you want an overview of new developments coming to the neighborhood, or as in the map below, to see which buildings (including yours) are likely to be rent-stabilized: 

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You can also zoom in to get information on individual buildings (as pictured below), as well as links to audio interviews with current Bushwick residents concerned about displacement.

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The idea here is that neighborhood residents and activists can use the map to more easily track trends (and keep an eye on impending developments) in the rapidly-gentrifying neighborhood, the better to defend against foul play or displacement at the hands of unscrupulous developers.

The map's makers are also hoping to bring locals together, and to that end, are hosting an event tomorrow at Express Yourself Barista Bar on Central Avenue, featuring a workshop from 6 pm to 7 pm teaching attendees how to navigate the map; afterwards, there's a BYOB party with free food and a DJ from 7 pm until 9:30 pm. (Note: if you'd like to attend the 6 pm workshop, RSVP to NWBCommunity@gmail.com.)

(H/T Bushwick Daily)

 

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