“According to 2017 census estimates, the population of nearly 52,000 is 14.6 percent Hispanic or Latino and 7.3 percent Asian, an increase of 7.8 and 4.5 percent since 2000,” writes the New York Times. Levittown today has a rather different demographic makeup, yet Black residents in the middle-class area still only constitute a shockingly small minority. Even with this ruling, the area remained overwhelmingly segregated until 1954 after the Brown v.

Kraemer struck down these racially restrictive housing covenants, as they violated the 14th Amendment, and the Levittown clause was eliminated. Shortly after opening, the Committee to End Discrimination in Levittown protested the restricted sale of Levittown homes. In Levittown, Black veterans were unable to purchase homes, and the Levitts justified the clause by stating that it maintained the value of the properties, since most whites at the time preferred not to live in mixed communities.Įarly Capes Aerial View / Courtesy of Levittown Public Library Even areas like Stuyvesant Town, Parkchester, and Addisleigh Park only accepted whites at first. Buckley ruled that racially restrictive covenants were legally binding documents that could prevent the selling of houses to Blacks. A clause in the original Levittown covenant prevented tenants from allowing non-Caucasians to use or occupy Levitt houses. Yet, Levittown had a number of caveats that prevented certain demographics from even buying homes in the area. Many of the original 1950s homes still remain, as well as its original nine community swimming pools, remnants of seven shopping strips, and active VFW and American Legion posts.Īt the time, the community seemed utopian, as people who were willing to sacrifice their lives for their country could live peacefully without financial burden. Levittown brought about a new post-war culture emphasizing conformity and uniformity, with many women returning from their manufacturing jobs during the war to a more traditional motherly role. founded by Abraham Levitt, the settlement was built for returning World War II veterans and is today considered one of the first mass-produced suburbs in the country. Levittown in Nassau County is a rather quaint hamlet that was planned and constructed from 1947 to 1951. To better understand the roots of today’s debate, we can look to the history of Levittown, Long Island, America’s first suburb.

Recent headlines surrounding this topic bring to light part of America’s suburban history hidden behind the idyllic images of white picket fences and rolling green lawns. The program expanded provisions set down in the Fair Housing Act of 1968. In a recent incendiary Tweet, President Trump announced the rollback of an Obama-era program intended to combat racial segregation in suburban housing. “It’s like a kick in the butt, things were just starting to get better and this happens.The idea of a safe middle-income suburb has become an increasingly politicized topic in America. The loss was tough for bowling alley co-owner Allen Episcopo as they have been recovering from the pandemic. 'It's really going to be missed, it's definitely a staple in the community.' 'It's been a place where me and my friends have been hanging out at for a long, long time,' 'heartbroken' Levittown resident Tom Marconi said. Besides bowling, Levittown Lanes features a bar and serves pizza, according to its website.Īll that remained was some of the building's façade, a sign saying 'Pizza, Pub, Pins' and lots of ash and debris. The family-owned bowling alley has been in the Levittown community for many years. The school district urged patience as they rerouted some bus routes to get around the fire scene. The Pennsbury School District sent a message to school families to 'please be prepared for transportation delays this morning due to a major fire on New Falls Road near Pennsbury High School.' Besides New Falls Road, Amelia and Orchard drives were also closed. The side a neighboring apartment building was charred, but remained livable.ĭrivers were urged to avoid the area around New Falls Road as firefighters work to stop the fire. The fire was finally under control around 8 a.m., firefighters said.

We’re live on the scene /cTYpf9ArMU- Miguel Martinez-Valle March 30, 2022įirefighters could be seen working on the front of the building, the only part of the structure that still appeared to be partially standing. Levittown fire crews continue trying to get the bowling alley flames out

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