Figuring most of the muggers/ gangsters would be home with their Mama's eating turkey, I took the opportunity over Thanksgiving to have a proper look around my current neighbourhood. Beautiful weather brought all the familes with their kiddies and Latino nanas out, and it certainly felt a lot more friendly than I had seen over the last few days :)
New Haven is "special" in its ability to turn from centuries old wealth (think YALE) into a ghetto (think armed neighbourhood patrols) within one block- extreme streets have a "good" and "bad" side to walk on. Kids are growing up 2mins from Yale knowing that they are never expected to be the ones studying there- closest they get to the lecture theaters would to clean up all the rubbish after the students leave. Not for me as a visitor to judge, but seriously Yale. Don't pretend your neighbours don't exist.
Apparently its improving- a lot of community based organisation are trying to improve nieghbourhood environments with charter schools and street cameras/ patrols. My neighbourhood is interesting- a historic trust has done up a whole lot of these huge old colonial homes, and leased them to low income families. looks all well- till you learn there are probably about 25 people living in each of these homes. Being told I shouldn't go outside if I didnt want to be shot was an interesting introduction to this country, but getting my head around some of the differences in life here. its pretty tough for everyone.
Certainly cause for hope though- I reckon this is an area on the way up. just needs some time. People are real friendly, you always make friends at the bus stop!
A few pics of the hood :)
New Haven is "special" in its ability to turn from centuries old wealth (think YALE) into a ghetto (think armed neighbourhood patrols) within one block- extreme streets have a "good" and "bad" side to walk on. Kids are growing up 2mins from Yale knowing that they are never expected to be the ones studying there- closest they get to the lecture theaters would to clean up all the rubbish after the students leave. Not for me as a visitor to judge, but seriously Yale. Don't pretend your neighbours don't exist.
Apparently its improving- a lot of community based organisation are trying to improve nieghbourhood environments with charter schools and street cameras/ patrols. My neighbourhood is interesting- a historic trust has done up a whole lot of these huge old colonial homes, and leased them to low income families. looks all well- till you learn there are probably about 25 people living in each of these homes. Being told I shouldn't go outside if I didnt want to be shot was an interesting introduction to this country, but getting my head around some of the differences in life here. its pretty tough for everyone.
Certainly cause for hope though- I reckon this is an area on the way up. just needs some time. People are real friendly, you always make friends at the bus stop!
A few pics of the hood :)
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