RUNNING HEADER: M 7 FINAL PROJECT 1

FINAL PROJECT

Robert De Witt
McKnight
Community Organizing
CHS-253124-01
April 2016

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Overview
West New Brighton (also called West Brighton) is a neighborhood of Staten Island, New
York City, situated along the central North Shore.
The neighborhood borders New Brighton to the east, Port Richmond to the west, the
waters of the Kill Van Kull to the north, and the communities of Sunnyside and Castleton
Corners to the south. Originally known as "Factoryville," Islanders now commonly refer to the
area as West Brighton. Some parts of the neighborhood closer to the shoreline are referred to as
"Livingston" and or "Randall Manor". This area of Staten Island was originally settled by the
Dutch in the 1600s, who were then followed by English settlers.
During the American Revolution residents of West Brighton overtly remained loyal to the
Crown. Successive waves of immigrants to the US then led to the area becoming populated by
the Irish, followed by Italians. Today, the neighborhood consists mostly of Irish, Germans,
African Americans, and Hispanics. The oldest continually operating cricket club in the US was
established in West Brighton in 1872, at the site now operated as Walker Park. The Staten Island
Cricket Club still has matches there. This is also the site of the first lawn tennis court in the US,
built in 1873.
The neighborhood was transformed in the years following World War II. Two large public
housing developments were built. The first, the Markham Homes, was originally built to house
the families of shipyard & defense workers. The West Brighton Houses followed. Starting in
2004 tenants in The Markham Homes were evicted, so the site might be redeveloped. As of 2007
all tenants had been relocated. While claims had been made that many residents would be able to
return into the redeveloped area, few have been able to. Since the late 90s the area has seen a
reduction in some crime rates. Richmond Terrace, which is the main thoroughfare along the Kill

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Van Kull waterfront, is home to several shipyards and tugboat companies. The area south of
Forest Avenue, continues to be home to some of West Brighton's more affluent residents
including politicians, lawyers, judges and professionals (particularly in the "Sunset Hill" portion
east of Broadway).
Source: Wikipedia @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_New_Brighton,_Staten_Island
Although my focal community is the area of Staten Island known as West Brighton, I
have decided to concentrate on a small portion of that area for this project, as that will make it
more manageable and also because I actually have begun a community organizing project in this
area just recently. My general focal area is lies located between Castleton Ave. and Port
Richmond Terrace, and Alaska Street and Bement Ave., the street where I live. The specific area
that I will be focusing on for this project lies within the borders of Broadway and N. Burgher
Ave, and Winegar Lane, and Henderson Ave., and is centered around 704 Henderson Ave., an
abandoned residence that has become a base for the neighborhood drug dealers (see photos).

Focal Area

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704 Henderson Ave.

The above residence formally belonged to a man named Derrick Walker, a
neighborhood heroine dealer who was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2008, from what I have
been able to ascertain. Since his death the house has been abandoned and occupied by squatters
that sell drugs for the local dealers. The effects on the surrounding community have been
devastating. There are store fronts that landlords have been unable to rent for years, the streets
are dirty and there are a number of homeless and addicts that frequent the area. The community
is a mixed one, with elements from blue-collar, white-collar professionals, and those living
below the poverty line and collecting public assistance. There are three or four Bodegas (small
grocery stores) in the neighborhood, two have lost their license to sell beer because of sales to
minors, and one has lost its cigarette license for the same reason. The store on the corner closest
to 704 Henderson has become a hangout and stash-spot for the local dealers (the dealers will
stash their drugs inside of an opened can and stash it on the stores shelves until needed), with
P.S. 18 literally, right across the street.

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Activities Summary
Since beginning this project I have engaged in a number of activities that were focused
on having the residence in question permanently closed and sealed. To begin, it was first required
to actually examine the location and get a sense of the area and the activities taking place there,
in order to better present the particulars of the situation to those that could help to effect change
at that location and in the surrounding community. I attended a local Community Board meeting
to get a sense of what transpired at these meetings and to see if I could gain any assistance from
anyone there. I was met with support from those that were there, but what they directed me to do
I had already done or was in the process of doing already.
I contacted the New York City Buildings Department (DOB) to inquire as to the correct
procedure to follow to meet my goal, but despite many attempts to gain assistance from that
office nothing was done. A few weeks after visiting the DOB, I happened to see an inspector
examining another residence in the area and I questioned him about whether or not he could
assist with 704 Henderson Ave., he assured me that not only could he help, but that he was going
to place the house on the list to be sealed immediately.
The residence was partially boarded-up a few weeks later, but the drug activity that had
been going on inside of the house, has now moved to the streets in front of the residence and in
front of the Bodega that sits next door. This phenomena brought to mind the work of Zimbardo
(2007) where he examines how and why people engage in evil actions, as well as the broken
windows theory of crime (pg. 25, 305). This phenomena was further studied by Kelling and
Wilson (1982) who conducted a study in New Jersey in the 70s as part of the Safe and Clean
Neighborhoods Program, which was designed to improve the quality of community life in
twenty-eight cities (no page). What these studies proved was that urban disorder and

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vandalism, if left unchecked, has a norm setting and signaling effect on addition crime and antisocial behavior. What this means for my project is that there will be follow-through from the
local Police Department precincts in order to maintain any progress that may be made.
Micro-, Meta, Mezzo, and Macro Systems
Micro-systems are the major internal components or parts of a focal system
(McKnight, & McKnight-Plummer, (2012), pg.12). There are myriad micro-systems comprising
my focal area, since Micro Systems also include people systems, the different age groups,
different ethnic and/or racial groups, homeowners, renters, the rich, the poor, the homeless, the
criminal groups and gangs, etc. The concept of intersectionality will also have to be examined
in relation to the focal area so as to ascertain overlapping interests and/or concerns, whether
positive or negative. Meta-systems are other communities that are similar to the focal
community, with which it must both cooperate and compete (McKnight, & McKnight-Plummer,
(2012), pg.14). The West Brighton area is bounded by Mariners Harbor, Port Richmond, and
New Brighton, all similar in size, composition and makeup. These areas are all somewhat
depressed also and must compete for limited resources and assistance. Mezzo-systems are the
political, economic, and cultural systems that surround and support your focal community system
and have a direct or indirect impact on the success of your community organizing efforts
(McKnight, & McKnight-Plummer, (2012), pg.15). The political make-up is pretty much the
same as anywhere else, Borough President, council representatives, etc. A scattering of
community groups. There are many Bodegas (small grocery stores) in the area, and a
disproportionate number of liquor stores, as is commonly found in most low-income areas. The
infrastructure (the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., buildings,
roads, and power supplies) of the neighborhood is in a deteriorated state, sidewalks are broken,

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the streets are awash with potholes and faded intersection crosswalk outlines. The transportation
system runs fairly well and is pretty extensive, covering all areas of the focal area s well as the
rest of the Island. The main shopping areas seem to be located in areas of higher wealth, which is
not surprising, which requires residents of the focal area to have to travel farther to do their
shopping.
Staten Island has always been a white and blue-collar residential area and it seems that
the residents want to keep it that way. There are a large number of police and firemen that work
in all five boroughs and live on Staten Island. The low-income neighborhoods that have
developed over the years are basically a blight on the island and are not welcome. It is a struggle
to get any assistance to improve conditions in the low-income areas, much like any place else in
the city or country.
Initial Perceptions
My own personal perception, or the cognitive-emotional construct, of the focal is simply,
small areas of decay and crime, mixed with small areas where working-class people live. It
seems that most people in the area try to live in their own little worlds, trying to ignore the
blight, crime, and disorder around them.
Overview of Major Individuals in Focal Community
The major individuals that are in my focal community are the church leaders, business
men and business owners, the elderly residents that have lived and resided in the area for years.
There are a number of food pantries and shelters in the area run by individuals trying to improve
the community. The local police precinct also assigns a community affairs division tasked with

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assisting members of the community with concerns or complaints. In addition, there are a
number of private individuals that are working to improve the community, one would be Mr.
Tony Atlas, who operates a free boxing program for youth on Staten Island, with three separate
locations on the Island.
Ascribed and Achieved Statuses
Because of such ascribed statuses as my age, various life-experiences, the many different
places, environments that I have lived in, my racial composition (Black and Caucasian),
combined with certain achieved statuses, such as education, involvement with the community,
profession, I believe that I will be better prepared than most to try to effect change in my
community. My own self-definition and the community expectations should also aid me with
my endeavors (McKnight &McKnight-Plummer, 2012, pg. 49).
Kind of Project
Following a review of the readings on the various forms of community organizing, I have
realized that my project, and/or future work in my community, will incorporate facets of each of
the given examples. My projects overall goals would be: place-based/relational initiatives, to
improve the overall quality of life in a relatively small geographic area over many years, social
entrepreneurship/social innovation, to meet a specific targeted need, mutual economic aid, to
improve the economic status of participants through cooperative efforts, self-help, to cope with
emotionally or physically draining issues, community advocacy, to assure fair treatment and
justice for those living in a geographic focal community, social movement, to demand fair
treatment and justice primarily for those who are comparatively powerless, and collaboration,

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to enable established social institutions and organizations to work together toward the common
good (McKnight &McKnight-Plummer, 2012, pg. 48).
Composition of Leadership Team
The leadership team will be formed based on an organic strategy, a small group
developing slowly through members social networks and invitations ( (McKnight &McKnightPlummer, 2012, pg. 94). Since this initiative began with a single individual, myself, and a small
group of others sharing mutual concerns, and is building by word of mouth, it seems to fit the
organic initiative form better (McKnight &McKnight-Plummer, 2012, pg. 96). Right now
that team is comprised of myself, the local Community Affairs Officer, and one or two Buildings
Department officers. Hopefully, following further community board meetings and other efforts in
the community, participation by local residents will increase over time.
Research and Analytical Strategies
The initiative will utilize different types of research methods to obtain information on the
target or focal area. Observation will be first, to gain an initial picture of the conditions in the
area. Interviewing will be also be used, as well as focus groups. The final stage of the
information gathering will be the gathering of the information and the actual analyzing of the
data and recordings made in order to establish patterns and to seek information that will assist us
in understanding the problems in the area better, whats better known as triangulation
(McKnight &McKnight-Plummer, 2012, pg. 121). I think that the best analytical framework to
apply here would be the asset-based or community building approach (McKnight
&McKnight-Plummer, 2012, pg. 122).

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Mission and Specific, Measurable Outcome Goals
Our community organization will strive to provide opportunities for our citizens to
become successful, contributing members of our community. We will aim to reduce the number
of unkempt properties in the area that invite in the wrong elements, while attempting to create
programs that will provide alternative activities for youth and others in the area.
Situations such as the one at 704 Henderson Ave. can be prevented by the active involvement of
community members. Creating a more permanent presence in the area will also work towards
ensuring that any progress made is not lost through increased vigilance. Our mission is to
improve the quality of life for the members of the area. The specific, measurable outcome goals
are a reduction in the number of abandoned properties, a reduction of drug sales at these
locations, and an improvement in the quality of life of the residents. This will be accomplished
by encouraging and implementing initiatives in the community to improve the quality of life for
the residents.
Processes, Strategies and Tactics
Community meetings can be used to draw attention to the issues being addressed, as well
as campaigns on social media. In addition, speaking at local churches and parent teacher
conferences can help raise awareness and garner support and assistance. The Community Affairs
Division of the local Police Department Precinct can be invaluable in making important contacts
in local city government. In addition, attending local Community Board meetings is an excellent
way to make contacts that can assist with organizing efforts. These are the local community
processes that will assist my efforts. My choice for an implementation strategy would be
relational implementation (McKnight &Plummer 2012, pp. 140-41). I chose this strategy

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because it involves the members of the community at many levels, i.e., in institutional,
associational, primary group, family, and individual levels in an ongoing network of mutual
care (McKnight & McKnight-Plummer 2012, pg. 140). The factors supporting the project
would be the present climate of youth delinquency, drug sales, and other types of crime in the
area. This would seem to indicate an atmosphere that would be receptive to an initiative or
program developed to help the community. Local politicians and community leaders are
motivated to improve conditions in many areas of Staten Island due to increased development
and an increase in opiate drug use by youth and others. The only factor that I see that may block
the actualization of the project would involve a lack of participation by community members.
Often times community members are afraid to become involved with initiatives involving crime
reduction because of the possibility of retaliation by the criminal elements. Hopefully, the
assistance and presence of representatives from the local precincts will help ease those worries
and encourage participation. The tactics used will be community outreach, tabling, speaking at
schools and various events in the community. We will also be Sponsoring community events that
will bring members of the community together to initiate a sense of community and
communication.
Organizational Structure and Management Strategy
Although a small community advocacy effort initially, as McKnight & McKnightPlummer (2012) explain, many community organizing efforts decide to become non-profit
corporations (pg. 173),

and we will eventually organize as a non-profit in order to become

more established and credible in the community. We will use a functional structure for our
organizational design, in addition to the other practical reasons given below, the functional
structure is the most common structure for all beginning businesses (Lewis, Lewis, & Packard

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2012, pg. 107; Free Management Library, 2015). We will initially organize as a very small nonprofit human service organization, we will have a limited staff and resources and will rely
heavily on the help of volunteers until such time as outside funding sources can be more fully
developed. Therefore, we have decided that a small and economical organizational structure that
consolidates the organizations tasks and departments into as limited a number of departments
and/or divisions as possible would be appropriate (McKnight &McKnight-Plummer, 2012, pg.
173).
Measurement of Success
The simple closing of the residence at 704 Henderson Ave. will not be the only
measurement of the success of the organizing effort. The continued presence of the police in the
area, the redirection of troubled youth and adults to programs that will assist them in becoming
productive members of society, the increased involvement of community members and
community leaders, will all be indicators of progress. It is most important to realize I think that
the most important measure of success here, will be the continued involvement of the community
members for years to come. Seeing the youth in the community becoming involved in positive
activities, seeing the streets cleaned up, putting more people to work that were formerly
committing crimes to survive, all of these things will be positive indicators of the success of the
community. In addition, such evaluations tools as a formative evaluation plan, a continuous
quality improvement process, a management information system, and summative evaluations
will be incorporated as the organization grows and develops (McKnight &McKnight-Plummer,
2012, pg. 161).
Power

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Power can be seen as an attribute, something someone can possess and gain more of, or
as a result of interaction, from action and reaction (McKnight, & McKnight-Plummer 2012, pg.
188). My threat power, or a meaningful threat of severe deprivation if the receiver does not
comply, would lie in my ability to make the community aware if those tasked to assist the
community fail to do so, this would manifest itself in political support at election time, etc. My
exchange power, or exchange behavior, a subcategory of productive power would lie in
the organizations ability to reduce negative situations in the community if provided with the
necessary aid and assistance. A reduction in crime, in the number of youth on the streets, better
school attendance, etc., would all be a by-product of the organizations efforts and whoever
assisted us. My knowledge power lies partly in the depth of my personal experiences through
which I have gained much experience and knowledge, as well as my ability to analyze and
process information effectively. In this situation I would be relatively powerful due to my
experiences and knowledge. I would increase my relative power by networking and making
connections that will assist the organization in moving forward in its endeavors. My personal
power would be used in motivating and inspiring members to focus on our goals and desired
outcomes. Being able to make people see the problem and understand that it is in theirs and the
communitys best interest to address it and improve it McKnight &McKnight-Plummer, 2012,
pg. 192).
Major Stakeholders and Conflict and Consensus
Key stakeholders include members of the community, community officials (police, politicians,
teachers, etc.), local businesses, and the people who live in the community, including the
negative elements who also have a stake in the community, although they may not see it yet. The
leadership team will undoubtedly experience conflicts over issues and methods, etc. The need for

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increased police presence in certain areas will create conflict because of having to reassign patrol
officers that are already in short supply. There will be a general consensus on the goal of the
project, but is a certainty that there will be differences of opinion on how it should be carried out.
Business owners will see their issues as having the highest priority and the residents that live in
the area will see their interests as being of the highest priority. It will be necessary to establish an
even playing ground among these various stakeholders so that they understand that all of their
various issues are of equal importance.
Positive and Negative Power Issues
Power can be seen as an attribute, something someone can possess and gain more of, or as a
result of interaction, from action and reaction (McKnight, & McKnight-Plummer 2012, pg. 188).
My threat power, or a meaningful threat of severe deprivation if the receiver does not comply,
would lie in my ability to make the community aware if those tasked to assist the community fail
to do so, this would manifest itself in political support at election time, etc. My exchange
power, or exchange behavior, a subcategory of productive power would lie in the
organizations ability to reduce negative situations in the community if provided with the
necessary aid and assistance. A reduction in crime, in the number of youth on the streets, better
school attendance, etc., would all be a by-product of the organizations efforts and whoever
assisted us. My knowledge power lies partly in the depth of my personal experiences through
which I have gained much experience and knowledge, as well as my ability to analyze and
process information effectively. In this situation I would be relatively powerful due to my
experiences and knowledge. I would increase my relative power by networking and making
connections that will assist the organization in moving forward in its endeavors. My personal
power would be used in motivating and inspiring members to focus on our goals and desired

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outcomes. Being able to make people see the problem and understand that it is in theirs and the
communitys best interest to address it and improve it.

Empowering participants
Empowering participants will take place within the context of the interactions that we have. The
participants participation in the organizing effort will increase their knowledge and skills in that
area. We will provide opportunities for participants to build their knowledge and skills and
provide positive feedback to acknowledge their learning and success (McKnight & McKnightPlummer 2012, pg. 200). Additionally, we will try to incorporate as many of the participants
ideas as possible in the process.
Political Policies, Legislation, and/or Regulation
McKnight &McKnight-Plummer (2012) explain that understanding political processes and how
they may effect an organization or organizing effort is essential (pg. 209).The initiative will
involve various members of the local government, as well as the police, media, parents and
youth. The local regime policies of the present Mayor, and the local regime polices of the Staten
Island Borough President would seem to support our initiatives. During his tenure, Staten Island
Borough President Jim Otto has allocated more than $120 million dollars for schools, parks,
senior centers and other community improvement projects (Jamesoddo.com, 2016). In addition,
the present Mayor has announced various projects and initiatives during his term that are focused
on community development, reducing, crime, and improving education (New York City Housing
Development Corporation (NYCHDC), 2016). Presently, the North Shore of Staten Island is
experiencing a period of growth and development, with major construction beginning on such
projects as The New York Wheel, the Staten Island Cultural Lounge, the National Lighthouse

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Museum, the New Stapleton Waterfront, and other ventures (New York City Housing
Development Corporation (NYCHDC). 2016). These ventures will result in many new visitors
coming to Staten Island each year, bringing with them millions of dollars to be spent on the
Island. This fact will require that the local government invest in community development
projects in not only the immediate area of the development, but also in the areas bordering it,
such as West Brighton., which is in especially close proximity to the development location, and
with plans for the waterfront development to stretch almost to the shores of West Brighton, itself.
The sectorial policies would involve community development, which has many sub-sectors
under it, i.e., youth, elderly, housing, infrastructure, etc. New York Citys Department of Youth
and Community Development (DYCD), has a stated mission to provide funds to help
communities and provide high quality youth and family programming in all of its five
boroughs (Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). 2016). In addition, the
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), is dedicated to improving the
economic development of the borough (New York City Economic development Corporation
(NYCEDC), 2016). NYCEDC also assists in creating affordable housing, cultural centers, parks
and shopping areas, all things that will improve the overall quality of an area. Overall, New York
City is committed to improving the conditions of its communities and the overall living
conditions of its residents. New York City has stated goals and objectives that support these
initiatives.
Ethical Framework
The quality of life model, which involves community member involvement, holding
positive relationships as being key to development and growth, helping each other, respect,
mutual assistance, and non-violence. The community is responsible for itself in the end, and it

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will require the participation of all of its members to effect and ensure lasting change in the
community (McKnight & McKnight-Plummer 2012, pg. 240).
Diversity
The community, by its nature is diverse. Participation in the initiative will be open to all,
and due to the many types of people who live and work in the area, this fact should contribute to
the diverse nature of the participants involved. It is important that input is received from all
groups that live in the community to be fair to everyone. We will be reaching out to different
ethnic and religious groups in the community to enlist their help, which will also add to the
diverse nature of the group.
Next Steps
The next steps that I intend to take with this initiative are to spend more time at local
political and community events to meet officials and other members of the community that may
be like minded. I plan to research the new development underway on the waterfront and establish
who the key players are. Once I have established who they are, I will begin to evaluate who to
approach to assist with my initiative. I have also developed an idea about how to use these
abandoned properties to help with the homeless situation, and in turn, seal up more broken
windows.
Summary
This has been one of the most interesting courses that I have had thus far. The class has
also caused me to begin to really think about my community and its composition and how to
take action make it better. I have learned that this process requires the participation of many
people in the community to be effective and successful, which requires actual participation in the
community to establish who the members are and to solicit their help. This is an action process,

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you cannot do it from the couch. This class has showed me that it is possible to effect change in
our communities, but that requires knowledge of how to go about it from those who have done it
before us, hence this class. I still have a long way to go, but I am learning and actually doing
something in my community to make it a better place to live not just complaining or talking
about it, and I hope to encourage others to do the same.

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REFERENCES
Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). 2016. Retrieved on April 10, 2016,
from: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dycd/html/about/about.shtml.
Jamesoddo.com. 2016. http://jamesoddo.com/meet-jim-oddo/.
Lewis, J., Lewis, M., & Packard, T. (2012). Management of Human Service Programs 5th Ed.
Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

New York City Housing Development Corporation (NYCHDC). 2016. Retrieved on April 10,
2016 from: http://www.nychdc.com/.

McKnight, Joyce, & McKnight-Plummer, J. (2012). Community Organizing: Theory and

Practice. New York: Pearson.

Zimbardo, P.G. (2007). The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil. New
York: Random House.
Kelling, G. & Wilson, J.Q. (1982). Broken Windows. The Police and Neighborhood Safety. The
Atlantic. Retrieved on April 29, 2016 from:
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1982/03/broken-windows/304465/