The Neighborhood

Williamsburg is one of the most environmentally troubled neighborhoods in New York City. In addition to past and current industrial activity, the large number of transfer stations in the area and a sewage treatment plant, contribute to its significant environmental burdens. Its proximity to an expressway and the pollution from cars travelling over the Brooklyn bridge add to this picture. The Williamsburg neighborhood is part of the city's “lead belt,” areas with high concentration of this toxic chemical.

A poor, multi-ethnic community, Latino (especially Puerto Ricans and Dominicans) and Hasidic Jews constitute the majority of the population in Williamsburg. These two groups have been longtime adversaries. Particularly, scarce housing is an area of almost constant contention. Latinos claim that Hasidim receive preferential treatment and more access to subsidized housing. Resentment over housing has led to violence between members of the two groups. They have also fought over representation on the local school board and police protection.

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