The project explores the critical initiative that brought gentrification in Williamsburg and its impacts looking at physical and socio-economic changes throughout the timeline from 2010 to 2020 comparing every 5 year of major selected attributes.
The large-scale rezoning plan for Williamsburg has significantly transformed the neighborhood, making it more residential-friendly. A notable 81% of Williamsburg’s adopted zoning applications were recorded after the rezoning went into effect in May 2005. Newly constructed housing developments are primarily concentrated in the waterfront and northern areas, where the changes have been most pronounced.
In terms of socio-economic and built environment impacts, the northern and waterfront areas have experienced extensive development from 2010 to 2020. These areas now feature expanded open spaces and commercial hubs, such as Domino Park, which have attracted high-income and professional populations. However, analysis shows that the southern part of Williamsburg, located below the subway line, remains underinvested, with fewer new housing developments.
The contrasting patterns in development between the northern and southern areas highlight a growing socio-economic divide within Williamsburg, driven in part by the uneven effects of rezoning and investment.
