South Bronx Documentary? (Burns: real estate, daycare, theatre)

[ogplife]

There is a great chance of her being robbed or having equipment stolen, but lets also keep in mind she is white and white folks are rarely subject to physical attacks in the hood (especially females). Most hood cats are intimidated by her and any other white person for that matter (I know it sounds backwards), but honestly think about it, how often do you hear about black on white physical crime? I'm pretty sure it wouldn't go unnoticed by the media! I'm pretty sure if some of the minority on minority crime was minority on white this city would be looked upon in a totally different light (dangerous, unsafe?), but since most of the physical attacks are minority on minority (more specifically black on black) the media portrays the city as a relatively safe place. She is much more safe than any minority just passing through not because the area, but because of who she is.

[SuperMario]

Ogplife that was a great post. I agree with everything you said, that is usually the case.

[Guywithacause]

As I stated earlier...I would be happy to show you around and not only will you not eb scare4d for your life and not get robbed...but you will enjoy your time here. That is not to say it is crime free, and paradise..but you will find it just fine.

[lola138]

Just found out about your great idea for a documentary on PS 220. It's definitely a story that needs to be told so that others may avoid the same mistakes and pitfalls. I would love to hear more details or provide some interesting background information (before and after). Please email me at lola138@aol.com

[Ogden Assassin]

Originally Posted by Guywithacause

Are you also including Catholic schools? They are an important resources for the community as well..and should be included to be thorough.

As a graduate of Sacred Heart and All Hallows Institute, I concur

[Guywithacause]

Spellman here!

[HPBX]

Mott Haven is a bad neighborhood. It is one of the poorest areas in the country and caution should be taken, especially with so much equipment, if you're there. Muggings and robberies do happen, especially around high school kids and housing projects. And they will NOT be afraid to commit a crime just because you are white, and might actually make you seem more vulnerable to trouble makers. Also, be VERY careful filming in people's homes. Trusting someone enough to just waltz into their apartment could be a very big mistake (although this holds true anywhere). This area is no different than other inner city areas. As long as you stick to your business, keep close track of your things, and know where you're going you should be fine.

Originally Posted by FutureCop

Mott Haven isn't that bad compared to Soundview.

Mott Haven can be just as bad, if not worse, than Soundview.

[Dedalus]

I'll have to go by there. I work in Mott Haven. Soon, I'll be living in Mott Haven.

Tough hood, certainly. But there one danger you don't encounter there.

Dying of boredom, literally. Happens all the time on Long Island...Dung Vile-Land.

[Guywithacause]

Dedalus..dont be scared off by the hype...I have lived in Mott Haven my whole life and I am as white as they come around these parts...directly across the street from large 30 story housing projects during the WORST of times...and I have NEVER been the victim of ANY crime. Maybe I was just lucky? I think it was more because I did not associate with the element...stay out of the projects....don't hang with the "homeys" cuz theya re not your friends....live your life...use normal precautions..don't hang out at the local spot with the homeyz....and you'll be fine.

I would be happy to show you around Mott Haven and put alot of these scary stories into perspective for you.....by walking around and understanding what is happening. Either way...good luck...you are not alone...and there are more of us coming!

[circa62]

Originally Posted by Arose226

Ok, well it's good to get more advice. I would want to go to people's homes, interview parents, and hang out with kids outside school including filming on the street (I did with the first school, a private alternative school), so if that would be too risky I have other options. I'd always go with someone (for sound purposes), I don't know if that would make a difference. And I'd be focusing on at most three kids, so maybe I could choose safer homes.
We're still going to visit the three schools (Ps 220, Ps 30, and the high school), but here are other possibilities that may be along similar lines but perhaps are in less dangerous neighborhoods. If you know anything about these areas or schools, especially those in the Bronx, please let me know. (The grades next to the names are Bloomberg's, which came out a few days ago):

C.S. 4 Crotona Park West Community School Grade: C
1701 Fulton Avenue BRONX

P.S. 101 Andrew Draper School Grade: F
141 East 111 St. NEW YORK (East Harlem)

P.S. 31 William Lloyd Garrison School Grade: C
250 East 156 Street BRONX

P.S. 29 Melrose School Grade: D
758 Courtlandt Ave. BRONX

P.S./M.S. 279 Captain Manuel Rivera Jr. School Grade: A
2100 Walton Avenue BRONX

P.S. 7 Samuel Stern School Grade: F
160 East 120 Street NEW YORK

In response to what other schools we're filming in...we are trying to make smart decisions, because we're trying to represent a range of Ny schools. We'd like to get one private progressive, one public progressive, one private conventional, and one public conventional. The other idea is to find some dropouts, who may make an interesting comparison to the private progressive kids, who are allowed to do whatever they want (not go to classes) under very different circumstances.

Check out Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Grammar School on the corner of University Ave and Fordham Rd. This was once a great parish high school and grammar school but the high school was closed and the grammer school was saved and I hear they are doing wonders. The principal is a lay teacher, a former 8th grade teacher of that school who later pursued her doctorate degree in education and became the principal and is doing wonders at Tolentine. The school is the University Heights section which is also part of the South Bronx. Dr M has been in this school for at least 30 years and could really provide you insight on the transition. She has really given it her all for these kids of the past and the present. She could of gone anywhere else with her Doctorate degree but she opted to stay in tolentine to make a difference. And from what I hear, this area is also experiencing an upswing.