Walking Research by

What makes this space distinct from others?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-10 20:16:57 UTC

My neighborhood is different from others to me because I have lived here for almost ten years and know the area very well. I additionally know the people that live here after living here for so many years. I feel comfortable in my neighborhood and walking here is very peaceful to me.

What are the implicit rules/norms of this space? How do people navigate and understand them?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-10 20:29:40 UTC

My neighborhood has many people living in it, but no one bothers anyone. People from outside neighborhoods do not have a reason to seek mine, therefore it is secluded to those who live here. There is not much traffic passing through, which makes it a perfect area to go on a peaceful walk in.

How does the history of this space contribute to its current atmosphere and purpose?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-10 20:36:54 UTC

The history of my neighborhood contributes to its current atmosphere through the culture and the people that have been attracted to living in this area over the years. My town is a very Italian and Irish, although my neighborhood tends to lean more Italian. Almost all of my neighbors are Italian, and even though my family is not Italian (we are Greek), we contribute a similar culture and lifestyle to those living around us.

Twin Lakes

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-13 19:39:09 UTC

Twin Lakes is a lake near my house that was on my walking route.

Overview of Eastchester on a map

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-13 19:42:04 UTC

This is where Eastchester is located on a map of Westchester County.

In what ways does this space promote or prohibit/discourage certain kinds of social interactions?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-13 22:23:59 UTC

My neighborhood prohibits speeding by having "children at play" signs, which indicate that there are children nearby. (Link to image)

Who has access to this space, and who does not? Why might that be?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-14 22:34:32 UTC

Those who have access to this space are my neighbors and others in my community. My neighborhood is mostly residential and this causes only those that live within the neighborhood or nearby to come through. There is no need for outside people to come because there is nothing for them to do there.

How are power dynamics expressed in this space? Who seems to hold authority? How is that authority demonstrated?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-14 23:44:51 UTC

Power dynamics could be expressed in my neighborhood through the size of a neighbor's house or the cars they drive. It is easy to notice when a neighbor of mine gets a new, cool car because I see the same cars in their driveways often. Also, my family has built connections with other neighbors over the years and they talk about things in their lives.

What are the economic factors that determine access to this space? Are there hidden costs/invisible barriers?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-14 23:45:16 UTC

The income one makes and what they are looking for in a home and neighborhood is what determines one's access to this neighborhood.

How do different social identities exist or do not exist in this space?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-14 23:46:33 UTC

A social identity could make it difficult for someone to go on a walk, for example: ability. If someone is physically disabled, it would be more difficult for them to participate in a walking activity on their own.

Are there any visible or invisible signs of social control or surveillance within this space?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-14 23:47:38 UTC

There are no signs of social control in my neighborhood, and no physical surveillance; although neighbors are there and could alert other neighbors of suspicious activity or danger.

What do you know about this space? Where does that information come from? What you may not know, and how might you find out more?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-14 23:53:14 UTC

Some things I know about this space is how to get around and most of the people that live closest to me. I know this information from going on walks, going to school with the people in the neighborhood, and from living here for a long period of time. Some things Some things I may not know are people that went to different school districts that live in my neighborhood.

How can you use different research methods to uncover histories and information about this space?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-15 00:23:24 UTC

I could research the history of my town, Eastchester, to find out more on its immense history; being that it is an old town. There are also historical monuments around the town.

How does the local businesses or local communities influence the information that is distributed about this space?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-15 00:24:10 UTC

Local businesses are influenced by those that live in the area. Businesses prosper when the community enjoys their product. For example, there are many Italian and Irish restaurants in my neighborhood due to the fact that the majority of its population identifies with the Italian and Irish community. There are also no fast food restaurants in my town/neighborhood to limit outside traffic in the area.

Reflection

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-15 00:25:59 UTC

Video of Eastchester

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-15 00:53:08 UTC

Eastchester High School

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-15 00:55:03 UTC

During my walk, I passed by my old high school/ the district high school of Eastchester; Eastchester High School.

How does the maintenance of the space reflect the values of the people or the communities that have access to it?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-17 02:17:49 UTC

My neighborhood community cares about preserving the area and keeping it clean and safe. This makes myself and other neighbors feel better and safer while going on walks or doing other things one should be able to have access to within their neighborhood. People in my town pay taxes to ensure the neighborhood will be maintained properly, and provided with the aspects that are important to my community.

What biases might you have about this space and the people who are seen or not seen here?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-17 02:21:18 UTC

I would be bias as to thinking this is a nice neighborhood to live in, being that I have lived in it most of my life and I have not experienced living in another town or neighborhood that could be even better. Someone who lives in a different neighborhood may not like my neighborhood as much as their own because theirs could be more familiar and comforting to them.

How can you use different research methods to uncover histories and information about this space?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-17 02:23:18 UTC

To uncover history about my neighborhood, Eastchester, I could start by researching historical monuments and landmarks within my town. I could also research the town further through the town's library, as well as the internet. Also, I could go to elders of the town who have lived here longer than I have, and ask them about the evolution of the town from their experience.

Does "walking research" enhance your understanding or awareness of the spaces, identities, and bodies we inhabit. If so, in what way? If not, why not?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-17 02:25:21 UTC

Walking research definitely enhanced my understanding and awareness of my neighborhood and town. I recognized signs and houses I had not paid attention to previously. I also did not realize how many people go on walks in my neighborhood until I went on one myself. This project made me realize how nice it is to go on a walk or bike ride in my neighborhood, and I definitely plan on doing this activity more often. This was a great experience, and I definitely encourage others to walk in their neighborhoods and witness the beauty that surrounds their home. It is amazing what you can experience from just leaving your quarters.

In terms of emotional or psychological access, who feels welcome here? Who might feel excluded?

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-17 18:07:03 UTC

Someone who has lived in the neighborhood may feel more welcomed here than those who are strangers to this environment. This is due to the fact that they may feel more comfortable in such a setting that they are more familiar with. Someone who may feel excluded from this neighborhood is someone that is unfamiliar with it, and in turn, less comfortable. What this neighborhood is to me would not be the same for someone who has never heard of it before.

Uptake Report

aspasiatartsinis24 — 2025-03-17 19:37:40 UTC