Inwood New York, Research Paper Example

Topography

Inwood, New York is a neighborhood in the borough of Manhattan and is typically combined with Washington Heights for statistical purposes. This area is located in the upper most part of Manhattan Island at the Hudson and Harlem Rivers and is primarily comprised of public park space that has aimed to preserve the integrity of the land and its geography (Historic Districts Council, 2012).

Dwellings

Inwood is comprised of a number of different types of dwellings, including townhomes, apartments, detached houses, and 2-unit structures, with a mean value from $327,365 to $434,728, along with a median rent cost of $1,262, and a mean value for condominiums and homes in this area of $378,894 (City-Data, 2014).

Industry

The primary industries in Inwood include construction, administrative and waste management, transportation, warehousing, retail, education, healthcare, and wholesale trade (City-Data, 2014).

Shops and Local Business

Local businesses include retail, shipping, restaurants, drug stores, rental moving companies, banks, healthcare organizations, and manufacturing, among other types of businesses (City-Data, 2014).

Density of Buildings and Population

As of 2010, the local population of Inwood was 9,792 residents, which is an increase of five percent from 2000, and this includes 4,769 males and 5,023 females (City-Data, 2014). The median age of Inwood residents is 34.7 years, which is lower than the New York median age of 40.7 years (City-Data, 2014).

Sounds

Due to the generally dense population of Manhattan, Inwood is busy in its own right and possesses a number of sights and sounds that are typical of larger metropolitan areas where there are many people concentrated into different neighborhoods.

Economic Assets and Liabilities

For the residents of Inwood, the median household income in 2010 was $52,494, which is lower than the New York average of $56,448, and the per capita income for local residents is $20,887 (City-Data, 2014).

Evidence of Community Planning

For the Inwood community, there appears to be a number of community-based planning methods that support local initiatives and health-related events that have an impact on local residents in different ways, such as improving safety in the home environment, obtaining the appropriate health tests as necessary, seeing the doctor on a regular basis, and promoting immunizations, (New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2006).

General Impression about the Community

In general, the Inwood community is a relatively close-knit group of people who possess a number of options with respect to their healthcare needs, but there is always room for improvement, given the generally average approach to healthcare that currently exists (New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2006). It is necessary to evaluate the conditions in which the community might be able to improve its outcomes through expanded services to accommodate patients and to be effective in meeting the needs of the local population on a continuous basis.

Recreational Facilities

Inwood possesses a number of recreational opportunities, such as Inwood Hill Park that possesses strong historical roots and attracts many people from the local community for its natural habitat and recreational offerings (NYC Parks, 2014).

Clubs and Associations

Inwood possesses a number of local organizations that are attractive to local residents and tourists, such as Inwood Country Club, Five Towns Community House, and Centro Della Comunita Italn Americana Di Nassau (City-Data, 2014).

Religious

A number of religions are represented in Inwood as represented by their places of worship, such as Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventist, Catholic, Baptist, Jewish, and the Church of God (City-Data, 2014).

Transportation

Within the vicinity of Inwood, there are a number of transportation options that are available, including four airports within a 12 mile radius, five Amtrak stations, and other forms of public transportation such as buses and taxis (AreaVibes, 2015). On the average, the residents of Inwood use public transportation less frequently than other New York residents in other communities (AreaVibes, 2015).

Social and Welfare

Within Inwood, approximately 12.9 percent of local residents are living in poverty, approximately 24 percent only finished school through the eighth grade, 21 percent earned a high school diploma, and over half of the residents in this community were born outside of the United States, which represents a higher rate than the rest of Manhattan (New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2006).

School and Educational Facilities

Within the Inwood community, there are a number of schools for local students, including an elementary school for grades 1-4, a school for kindergarten students, a high school, and a private school for local residents to attend (City-Data, 2014).

Health and Medical Facilities “Store Front” Agencies

There are a number of healthcare facilities located near the Inwood community, such as Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services, Haven Manor Health Care Center, and Heartshare Human services (City-Data, 2014). Most importantly, healthcare access is available to those who have access to these services on a continuous basis (City-Data, 2014).

Environmental and Safety Conditions

Within the Inwood community, there are a number of standard safety concerns that are similar to other neighborhoods within Manhattan, including a risk of crime and other challenges that have an impact on how residents perceive their community. In addition, Inwood aims to support a natural habitat within its local park and also demonstrates its commitment to supporting the preservation of local environmental conditions as best as possible.

Condition of Streets and Sidewalks

Inwood’s streets and sidewalks suffer from normal wear and tear due to transportation needs and foot traffic, combined with standard environmental conditions within this area that impact these structures. Therefore, the community must continue to make improvements whenever possible so that streets and sidewalks do not compromise the safety of local residents and visitors.

Condition of Dwellings and Other Buildings

Within the Inwood community, there are a number of buildings that do not appear to live up to the required codes and standards of other Manhattan buildings; therefore, they require significant renovation in order to minimize deterioration. In addition, the community must continue to focus on making some of its dwellings and buildings more visually appealing in order to retain current residents and to attract new residents to the neighborhood.

Sanitation

Local sanitation efforts work cooperatively with other organizations and residents in order to keep the local community as clean as possible at all times.

Police and Fire Department

The local police and fire departments within the Inwood community aim to protect and keep the residents of the neighborhood as safe as possible in order to prevent risk and possible harm in the event of a natural disaster, criminal act, fire, or other conditions that require police and fire services.

General Impression Regarding Safety and Aesthetics

Based upon the general observations made within the Inwood community, it is important to note that the community has experienced a steady rate of growth as a result of its continued focus on improving its physical environment and living conditions for new and existing residents (Hughes, 2014). It is known that “Rezoning of the area, much of which is industrial, with subway yards, vast garages and parking lots for city trucks, has been proposed for years. But those plans have never gotten far, in part because of resistance from residents worried that any new high-rises would be out of scale and too expensive” (Hughes, 2014). Therefore, it is important to evaluate the conditions under which the community might continue to grow and thrive as it evolves over time.

Population Characteristics/Socio-Cultural Considerations

Inwood largely relies upon its cultural dynamics in order to thrive and to be successful in its efforts to achieve successful outcomes and to promote successful social conditions (City-Data, 2014). Its 9,700 residents come from different backgrounds; therefore, this community is a melting pot that requires significant attention and focus on its efforts to achieve successful results in meeting the needs of its population through culturally relevant and supportive programs.

Ethnic Makeup

It is known that “In 1970, a third of the population called itself Irish. Today, Inwood is mostly Hispanic, and largely Dominican; Hispanics make up 73 percent of the population, according to the 2010 census, and tend to live in the eastern half of the neighborhood” (Hughes, 2014). Therefore, this community is a melting pot to some degree, but largely represents the Hispanic population, along with Whites, Blacks, Asians, and others (City-Data, 2014).

Languages Spoken

Within this community, the primary languages spoken are English and Spanish, due in large part to the number of Hispanics who reside within the Inwood area.

Age and Gender

Although the average age of local residents is in the mid-30s and females are the dominant gender (City-Data, 2014), a variety of age groups are represented and demonstrate the importance of providing a well-rounded set of service offerings and programs for these residents in order to sustain an environment that supports success and achievement throughout their lives.

Economic Status

Inwood represents primarily lower and middle income individuals and families who work across a variety of industries and possess a slightly lower median income than the New York average; therefore, these residents continue to seek opportunities to improve their personal economic status and that of their families (City-Data, 2014).

Activities of Residents

Local residents in Inwood enjoy a variety of activities that include the local park and other outdoor recreational activities such as sports, in addition to other events that are popular among a wide range of individuals from different groups.

View of Community from Resident’s Perspective

From the perspective of a local resident from the community, Inwood possesses a number of positive characteristics that have enabled its residents to live their lives without significant fear and repurussions. There are many different opportunities available for residents to communicate with their fellow neighbors and to work collaboratively towards a set of common goals and objectives.

Significant Groups and Influence on Functioning

With a significant group of individuals of Hispanic descent within this community, their primary goals and objectives must be identified as part of a larger framework in order to achieve success within the context of the resources that are available for local residents. This is an important opportunity to examine the different groups that exist within the Inwood community and to determine the best possible strategy to accommodate residents and to be proactive in meeting their specific needs at the community level. Most importantly, it is necessary to develop a strategy that will encompass the directions of healthcare providers within this community in order to make a difference across its different population groups.

General Impression of Community’s Inhabitants

Based upon the information provided regarding this community, there is a critical need to expand improvements in community-based services in order to accommodate local residents more effectively. This will also demonstrate the importance of creating an environment that will support the need for healthcare services to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents effectively and without delays. The community, although diverse in nature, requires some degree of integration in order to improve overall outcomes for this community from a health-based perspective. This will encourage local residents to take their health more seriously and to be proactive in addressing health-related concerns on a regular basis without delays so that additional complications are not experienced that could lead to setbacks under some conditions.

Summary Statement

The Inwood community continues to struggle in some areas with respect to health concerns; therefore, it requires an evaluation of the different opportunities that are available in order to accomplish the desired objectives. It is important to note that Inwood ranks average in many categories within the neighborhoods of New York City in areas such as a tobacco-free lifestyle, promoting a heart healthy lifestyle, obtaining immunizations, delivering healthy babies, and above average in cancer screenings and HIV status (New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2006). However, the community lacks general direction regarding the need for a consistent healthcare provider, a high rate of obesity and lack of physical activity, and a high teenage birth rate, all of which require further consideration and evaluation in order to minimize risks and improve outcomes (New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2006).

Based upon this community, one of the key priorities from Healthy People 2020 to be considered is Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (2014). This is an important indicator and is relevant to the Inwood community due to the issues surrounding the prevalence of obesity that exist, and the creation of an environment that supports an increase in physical activity and the promotion of weight loss (Healthy People 2020, 2014). Within the community, there is support for the expansion of programs to stimulate weight loss and improve physical activity through local hospitals and other organizations; however, these tools are somewhat limited in their exposure to the population groups with the highest level of need (Wang, Orleans, & Gortmaker, 2012). Therefore, community resources must be evaluated and expanded as necessary in order to reduce the risks related to obesity and how it impacts local residents and their quality of life over time (Wang et.al, 2012).

Finally, the proposed solutions to the problem would include the following: 1) improved access to wellness education and courses that are designed to educate the community regarding obesity and its related risks; and 2) The development of physical activity programs that have a lasting impact on patients. The government is responsible for providing resources and funding as available to support community-based programs, while families must engage all members in increasing their level of physical activity to improve health and to stimulate weight loss within the home environment. Individuals must take responsibility for their actions and participate in activities that will support their own journey towards weight loss. Health systems must be able to provide medical care as necessary to all persons without delays that may impact their wellbeing. Finally, educational facilities must be able to instruct individuals and healthcare workers regarding the need to reduce obesity and to be effective in sharing a message that weight loss and physical activity are of critical importance.

References

AreaVibes (2015). Inwood, NY transportation. Retrieved from http://www.areavibes.com/inwood-ny/transportation/

City-Data (2014). Inwood, New York. Retrieved from http://www.City-Data/city/Inwood-New-York.html

Healthy People 2020 (2014). Nutrition, physical activity, and obesity. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/leading-health-indicators/2020-lhi-topics/Nutrition-Physical-Activity-and-Obesity

Historic Districts Council (2012). Inwood Manhattan. Pp. 1-12.

Hughes, C.J. (2014). Inwood: always on the brink of coolness. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/25/realestate/inwood-always-on-the-brink-of-coolness.html?_r=0

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (2006). Community health profiles:            Take Care: Inwood and Washington Heights. Pp. 1-47.

NYC Parks (2014). Inwood Hill Park. Retrieved from http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/inwood-hill-park

Wang, Y.C., Orleans, C.T., & Gortmaker, S.L. (2012). Reaching the Healthy People goals for reducing childhood obesity. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 42(5), 437-444.