Ocean Hill Brooklyn

Ocean Hill was named because of its slightly hilly terrain. Initially, it was subdivided from the larger community of Stuyvesant Heights. From the early 20th century until the 1960s, Ocean Hill was primarily an Italian enclave. However, by the late 1960s, Ocean Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant proper together formed the largest African American community in the United States.

In 1968, the Ocean Hill–Brownsville school district witnessed a significant teachers’ strike. During this time, the New York City Board of Education had centralized control over the entire school system, including the assignment of teachers and administrators to local schools. Responding to complaints from parents in poor minority neighborhoods about failing schools, the Ford Foundation supported an experimental program in the district, granting control to local educators and families. Initially, the program proceeded smoothly, but it eventually turned into a contentious chapter in the city’s history.

Alleging that Board of Education employees were trying to undermine the decentralization effort, black district leaders relocated 13 teachers and six administrators—most of whom were Jewish—to other districts. This led to protests from the United Federation of Teachers, with both sides exchanging accusations of racism and anti-Semitism. The teachers declared a prolonged strike, resulting in the closure of most of the city’s schools. The conflict finally came to an end when the Board of Education agreed to establish local school boards throughout the city.

Gentrification

Ocean Hill is currently experiencing gentrification, attracting a growing number of people from various ethnic backgrounds. This trend is partly driven by slightly lower rent prices compared to neighboring areas like Brownsville and eastern Crown Heights. Many abandoned buildings and brownstones are being renovated, contributing to the neighborhood’s transformation.

One notable development is the closure of the Prospect Plaza Houses, a once-notorious housing project, by the New York City Housing Authority. This closure is part of the federally funded HOPE VI program, aimed at rebuilding and revitalizing public housing. As a result, there is a shift towards creating a more attractive and modern living environment.

Efforts are underway to reshape the area, with aspirations to emulate the vibe of neighborhoods like Fort Greene-Clinton Hill. The combination of affordable rents and ample retail space has attracted interest in revitalizing Ocean Hill, potentially bringing about significant changes in its landscape and character.