Urban Struggles and Reform in Lower Manhattan

This chapter explores the historical context of the Lower East Side of Manhattan, emphasizing the challenges faced by residents in overcrowded tenements amidst a wave of immigration. It reflects on the role of reformers, particularly Jane Jacobs, in addressing urban planning issues and how zoning laws were manipulated to control demographic presence. Through this analysis, the chapter reveals the complexities of societal reforms and the underlying inequalities embedded in urban regulations.