MetroTech
Although MetroTech's construction didn't commence until the late 1980s, the seeds for the revitalization of downtown Brooklyn were sown as early as the 1970s. This marked the beginning of a thorough planning phase that spanned years and involved the consideration of numerous layouts and properties.
Poly, the project's central tenant, played a pivotal role in the development of MetroTech. Its buildings and facilities were not just part of the plan but often the focus of the restructuring, as the detailed plans reveal. This emphasis on Poly's structures underscores its integral role in the project.
In contrast, the plans of neighboring George Westinghouse within MetroTech appeared to fluctuate. Westinghouse was conspicuously absent from the zoning diagrams in some iterations, casting doubt on its inclusion in the development. However, it was distinctly marked within the "academic zoning" sections in other instances. Another conceivable factor in Westinghouse's separation lies in its architectural context within MetroTech. Unlike the towering structures and expansive square footage of most buildings in the area, Westinghouse is an old, four-story brick building, distinct from the conventional modern design of its counterparts. The discrepancy in its inclusion in plans and its architectural style could be attributed to the school's founding in 1908 before plans for Metrotech were conceived.
This discrepancy regarding Westinghouse's integration into MetroTech raises intriguing questions about its actual role within the renewal project. As the plans evolved over the years, the extent of Westinghouse's involvement in MetroTech left an open curiosity about the development as complex as the city itself.
With the MetroTech being fully developed today, it's impossible to overlook Westinghouse's pivotal role in what is now Brooklyn Commons. Its proximity, serving both as a campus for the school and a vibrant hub for Tandon, which was once Poly, ensures that Westinghouse is intricately woven into the spirit of Brooklyn Commons. The seamless integration of students from Westinghouse has made this space synonymous with the school's identity itself.
While the students' culture has embraced Brooklyn Commons as its own, there are noticeable signs that Westinghouse is excluded and even discouraged from utilizing the space. A stark example of this separation is the visible police border established between the school and the Brooklyn Commons area. In the accompanying image, one can observe Westinghouse facing Brooklyn Commons and Tandon under constant 24/7 police surveillance. This division is further emphasized when high school classes are dismissed, with both NYU and local police monitoring the students. This atmosphere creates an unwelcoming vibe for the students, giving an impression from an outsider's perspective that their presence is not valued by NYU or other occupants of Brooklyn Commons. The truth behind this enforced separation—when they began, why they started, and how the students perceive them—remains unanswered questions we can only contemplate. Comparing the 1950s image of Westinghouse in the same location to the current one, it's clear that the entrance was actively used back then, unlike today. Additionally, there seems to be an absence of police in the older image. In the 1950s depiction, the majority of individuals shown were white males. However, the current Westinghouse demographic stands at 98% Minority Enrollment, with 64% being Black. Could this shift in the school's racial makeup explain the emergence of the new police presence and increased enforcement, and is it necessary?
Many argue that the heightened police presence serves no real purpose other than to deepen societal divisions and create a facade of concern and safety for the community. A closer examination of both contemporary and historical crime data in precinct 84 (comprising downtown Brooklyn and Metrotech) reveals significant insights. Although statistics from the 1950s are unavailable, data from the 1990s show a total of 6,535 reported incidents, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, and robbery, according to the NYPD CompStat Unit. In stark contrast, the precinct recorded only 1,352 incidents in 2023, maintaining a consistent trend since 2001, indicating a sustained improvement in the area's safety profile. In light of these statistics, it becomes imperative to scrutinize the ongoing deployment of law enforcement in the area. Do their persistent presence and heightened visibility deter crime, or are they merely instruments of intimidation, fostering a climate of fear rather than authentic safety?