Patrice Brown

Presentation windshield

Transcript

1. Dorchester Windshield Presentation By Patrice Brown Due: January 24, 2025
2. Boundaries - Dorchester is one of the largest areas in Boston (encompassing over 6 square miles) . Dorchester is bordered by South Boston, Dorchester Bay, Neponset river, Mattapan, and Roxbury. - Dorchester was founded by Puritans when their ship, the Mary and John, landed at Columbia Point (also known as Harbor Point) in June 1630. - America’s first town meeting was held at Mather Elementary School (which is still open today) in 1633, the nation’s first free public elementary school
3. Housing and Zoning In recent years Dorchester has seen huge change in the construction of homes. Most of the older homes in Dorchester were built with bricks and had wooden stoves. The newer whole homes are more modern. Many of the newer homes utilize central air and gas stove. Pluming has improved through the years. Nowadays conserving energy is one of the main goals when it comes to housing and zoning. In recent years we have seen an increase in homes being built in the city. Many homes are under going renovation. Making housing affordable is another incentive for the government and the people who live in Dorchester. Despite the city’s efforts Dorchester is one the majority hot spot cities in Massachusetts.
4. Housing and Zoning
5. Open Spaces Dorchester used most of their open spaces as community gardens. • Community gardens provide access to fresh fruits and vegetables especially in areas where healthy foods are limited. • Help bring people in the neighborhood together • Provide job training and economic opportunities for low income individuals • Provide education by teaching people about nutrition and food and enrich academic learning for kids. • Help reduce crime in the community
6. Commons Most people in Dorchester congregate mainly in restaurants on the weekends such as Lucy's, sports bar, churches, franklin park, the golf course.
7. Transportation People in Dorchester get around by train, buses, cars, bicycle and by walking. Train: redline- every 10 minutes Commuter rail : Purple line- every 30 -60 mins Trolley: transport from Dorchester to Mattapan- every 10 mins City Bikes: Provided the city ( different areas around Dorchester) Buses: 22, 23, 28, comes every 10 minutes.
8. Social service Centers Franklin park and zoo Codman square health center: Dorchester Neighborhood service centers: • Food Stamps/SNAP • Tax Assistance • Utility Bill Advocacy • Summer Works • Youth Engaged in Action (YEA!) • Work SMART Walgreens / CVS
9. STORES Local grocery store that caters to all ethnics groups American food basket Happy grocery store Local meat market
10. Street People and Animals Dorchester is considered to be a walk friendly city. Most individuals if they do not own a car, will most likely utilize public transportation. You will also find many individual jogging or running during warmer weather in the city. At every corner you will find Dunkin Donuts which is another staple in the city. Most animals are seen being walked by their owners.
11. Condition of the area Dorchester is typically a clean neighborhood. Dorchester has numerous trash cans through out the neighbor making it convenient for individuals to properly dispose of their trash. In recent years the city has been adamant in keeping the city clean, which means ticketing abandon car and also ticketing individuals who do not keep up with their property. In addition, graffiti writing is not as present, which is all apart of making the city look inviting.
12. Race and ethnicity In 2019, its estimated 43,000 people living in Dorchester Massachusetts were born outside the U.S. 40% foreign-born residents are from the Caribbean, 23% from Asia and 21% from Africa. The racial and ethnic composition is 35% Black or African American, 22.4% non-Hispanic white, 20.7% Hispanic, 10.9% Asian, and 11% other races. Population: Estimated at 122,191 according to a census in 2020 (one of the largest most diverse neighborhood in Boston). • African American: estimated at 24% • Non Hispanic white : 20.7 % • Hispanic :10.9 % • Other races :11%
13. Religion Dorchester is a very religious town and is made up of variety of religions due to all the different ethnicities that migrated here. What I noticed was there were at least three churches on one street. • Buddhist • Christians • Hindu • Jewish • Muslim • Pagan • Atheist and agnostic
14. Health indicators Codman square health center Blue hill ave health center Upham’s corner health center Shattuck Hospital- Lemuel Shattuck Hospital ensures access to quality healthcare through daily medical and behavioral health clinics, social services and referral to community resources. Substance abuse and homelessness is a major problem in Dorchester. There are several treatment facilities in the Shattuck hospital such as Andrew house detox, men's stabilization unit, Marisol healing center.
15. Politics Dorchester Districts City Councilors John Fitzgerald, District 3 Brian Worrell, District 4 Tania Fernandes Anderson, District 7
16. Media Lucy’s Tavern in Dorchester is a staple in the city. Individuals gather together for lunch or dinner while socializing. This area allows individuals to be free while leaving all their worries at the door. Sport bars: During sports season individuals gather together to have a drink while supporting the Celtics, Patriots or Bruins Boston public library: After school children will go to the library to complete school work or meet with tutors. The library now offers children the ability to not only rent books but also video games or movies. The library also provides computer classes for individuals in the community. With the advancement of technology, individuals are now able to easily access resource directly from their phones
17. Business and industry There were restaurants for all ethnicities, grocery stores, beauty supply stores, barbershops, mechanics, small retail businesses.
18. Interview I interviewed Marsha Waugh, per Masha some of the weaknesses she has observed in the community is the increase of rent. Due to the increase of rent many foreigners are leaving and moving to more affordable areas. Over the years Dorchester has become gentrified, which is bringing more business to the city. Due to COVID numerous business had to close down. Some of the strength of the community is more minorities are opening up businesses in the area and the government is putting a lot of resources into transportation, for example updating the trains/buses, and adding new stops.
19. Interview # 2 I interview a teacher Nadia Cyprien at Boston Collegiate charter school. Some of the weaknesses she has seen is the lack of resources for teachers, which prevents them from doing their job effectively. Some of the strength is improving student and school life balance. Teachers and parents are able to communicate more effectively thought Black Board or even through text, which is crucial in making sure children are on the right path. Another positive is making sure every student has access to food, even during vacation. There are numerous programs in place such as PEBT.
20. References Home. First Parish Dorchester. (2017a, August 14). https://www.firstparishdorchester.org/ Margaux. (2022, April 17). The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the healthcare sector. Generation. https://www.generation.org/news/the-importance-of-diversity-equity- and-inclusion-dei-in-the-healthcare-sector/ Barresi, S. (2023a, September 5). Dorchester boston : Living in dorchester ma guide [neighborhoods, Crime & More]. Mass Bay Movers. https://massbaymovers.com/blog/dorchester-boston-massachusetts/ Pierce House (1683). Historic New England. (2025, January 6). https://www.historicnewengland.org/property/pierce-house/ Humanity, O. N. (2023, August 17). The benefits of Community Gardens. One New Humanity CDC. https://www.onenewhumanitycdc.org/blog/the-benefits-of-community-gardens