While the site struggles with wastewater treatment whenever it rains, progress is being made. The sludge from the treatment is turned into natural gas, which supports a part of the energy need. Always in progress, the site is still cared for, and is a priority from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Early on in the research of the project, shell-shocked by the emptiness of the site, we forgot that there is actually a community of people working there. Besides the plant, there were people working in scrap yards, warehouses, and even film studios. They represent the logistic of the city, and process the physical needs of the city. The grayness of the water also hides the bustling ecology waiting to recover. In what is left, there were multiple species of birds and marine life spotted at Newtown Creek, from American Eel to horseshoe crabs. Similar to how community gardens around the city revitalize an abandoned piece of land, we found Newtown Creek Alliance to be making conscious efforts in the act of restoring the site. We have focused the last two weeks on looking at the site from an antagonistic perspective, and to be focusing on the positivity of the site now allows strong hope for a better future for Newtown Creek.

In the Future of the Apollo Theatre, we see the revitalization of what was once a hub for creativity. People could see it, once again, as a place for community and togetherness, especially brought together through the usage of music and culture that is so significant in Harlem's history. Amatuer nights would continue to push for the emergence of new and creative individuals, making the purpose of the Apollo Theatre a place that expands the culture of Harlem. As for the surrounding of the Apollo Theatre, we reimagined there to be bodegas and delis accessible throughout the blocks, rather than the large space taken up by retail stores such as Banana Repulic or chain stores like Red Lobster. A huge effect of gentrification is the way it not only displaces the original inhabitants but makes the area itself inaccessbile for those who can't afford to travel and buy food or buy food that's way over their budget. It’s still likely, however, that many of these stores will stay within Harlem and Apollo Theatre, due to the revenue that they bring in and how much they cater to new populations. The mural that's been taken from inside of the Apollo Theatre to the walls outside of it draws attraction and attention to those that made a name from the Apollo Theatre. It's a symbol of hope and prosperity, and it’s something residents and onlookers can use to remind themselves of what Harlem was and should always be.

We imagine a Little Island that commemorates its industrial past and offers a natural resource to the surrounding community while continuing its presence as a successful tourist destination. In its current state, there is no representation of its rich history as a busy shipping port or key fishing and hunting area for the Lenape tribe. The elevated park feels much like an unusual amusement park built only for tourist attraction and capitalist gain. We hope to transform the diverse landscape artificially manufactured on the Hudson River to feature a community garden of crops and native plants that serves its surrounding community of people and wildlife. Doing so will allow the space’s natural features to be utilized for the people who live there, much like how the space’s proximity to the water was utilized for trans-Atlantic shipping in the 19th-20th century and for hunting and fishing many years before that. The park’s location relative to the rest of Lower Manhattan separates itself from the adjacent cityscape. We hope that by integrating its use into the fabric of the city’s social landscape, it will feel much less out of place and more intentionally situated. Because its structure and landscape will remain as a marvel of civil engineering, Little Island will continue to attract tourists and include them in the area’s vibrant community and rich history as a utilitarian mecca.

In order to think about positive change for the bridge, it is important to consider current design flaws. First, the bridge is currently unsafe, especially for pedestrians. The promenade is as narrow as 10 feet at places, and as a tourist destination, the bridge can become extremely crowded. This creates the possibility for a situation similar to the stampede at the bridge’s opening. There is a dissonance between who is primarily using the space and who—or rather, what—is being prioritized. The bridge has historical value that should be preserved, symbolizing the strength and endurance of New York City. However, it also has a historical record of causing harm to its builders and users. A new design should prioritize pedestrian safety (opposed to private vehicles) to foster a welcoming, accessible community space. Additionally, the anchorages to accommodate heavy car traffic take up valuable space and separate the communities below them. Completely removing cars from the bridge would not only make room for community space on the bridge, but in the surrounding neighborhoods at the bases of the bridge. The future of the bridge should be to return it to New Yorkers, making space for more pedestrians and bikers, while also keeping the main structure because of the historical value of the bridge itself. The ultimate goal should be increased safety and community.