Date of Completion
8-10-2015
Embargo Period
8-10-2015
Keywords
Latino Enclave, Community Development, Revitalization, Case Study, Socioeconomic Impact, Marginalization, Puerto Rican Studies, Regime Theory, Community Resiliency, Gentrification
Major Advisor
Robert Fisher, Ph.D.
Associate Advisor
Crisitina Wilson, Ph.D.
Associate Advisor
Gregory Acevedo, Ph.D.
Associate Advisor
Louise Simmons, Ph.D.
Associate Advisor
Alex Gitterman, Ph.D
Field of Study
Social Work
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Open Access
Open Access
Abstract
The topic of low-income neighborhoods and the different approaches to community development dominate the national discussion on urban revitalization and poverty reduction. The debate is ongoing, regardless of whether economic development models serve the broader interests of the community or the narrow interests of proponents and benefactors. This study analyzes the impact of urban revitalization projects in the Frog Hollow neighborhood of Hartford, Connecticut, an impoverished but vibrant Latino enclave in the city. Frog Hollow underwent a highly publicized series of revitalization projects during the 2000s, where business owners, community organizations and local government were involved in both development and implementation.
This study focuses on three areas: (a) identifying the history, goals, strategies, and tactics behind the community economic development model used in Frog Hollow; (b) examining the impact of these revitalization projects on the socioeconomic conditions of the neighborhood and its residents; and (c) determining how being a poor, Puerto Rican/Latino enclave impacted the design, process, and implementation of community development projects. By looking at archival and census data, and interviewing key stakeholders, this case study analyzes the impact of urban revitalization on a densely populated ethnic district and its residents, contributing to the body of social work literature on the best practices of community revitalization and development.
Recommended Citation
Rojas, Reinaldo, "Community Development and its Socioeconomic Impact on a Latino Enclave: A Case Study of the Frog Hollow Neighborhood in Hartford, Connecticut" (2015). Doctoral Dissertations. 819.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/dissertations/819