Civil Rights Act is passed in 1964 which prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

The Civil Rights Act of 1968, known as the Fair Housing Act. It prohibited discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing.  

In the early 1960s, the US the population continued to shift from the cities to the suburbs. In Lockport, Urban Renewal progressed from 1963 to 1974. Outside of the city, the area was transformed from farmland to retail and residential. Lockport's downtown district was altered as the process of purchasing properties, evicting residents and businesses, and razing the buildings proceeded. Plans for a "new" Main Street were publicized and public meetings were held to inform residents of would be taking place.     

By examining the images in the timelines, draw conclusions that will answer the questions: How did citizens react to Urban Renewal, both before and after its completion? How did they challenge proposals for Urban Renewal? 

Lockport holds a "$2 Million Day" celebration for the groundbreaking of a new Sears department store, the Lockport Savings & Loan association building, a new bus terminal, and various other commercial spaces downtown. Considering the previous photo, and the newspaper here, after two years of Urban Renewal, would people have felt differently about the progress in 1965 than in 1963?  What factors may have influenced their attitudes?    

"$2 Million Day"

The Lowertown Project Area Committee and Urban Renewal Agency finalized plans for Lowertown and released information to residents. Demolition in Lowertown occurred and the century+ old historic buildings bordering the Erie Canal were cleared. 

What would have been the arguments for keeping the historic buildings? What would have been the justification for tearing the down? List the pros and cons.  



Demolition in Lowertown

The Lockport Mall opened on former farmland in the suburbs just outside of the city. Very few businesses from downtown relocated to the mall; most stores were national chains. In the photo, the mall is at the top. Gradually, this area became the main commercial and residential corridor south of Lockport. 

How would the movement of businesses and people away from the city have affected the residents and economy of the town? Do you think this change was welcome?  

Ariel view of the Lockport Mall in the town of Lockport

In this newspaper, approval for federal funding for the Lowertown Project Area was announced. There were those who pushed for the quick demolition of the homes/buildings in Lowertown with redevelopment beginning as soon as possible, while others advocated for time to study the architecture possible reuse or restoration. 

On the same page, plans were reported for the new Mall being proposed for the town of Lockport. What do you think these stories indicate about what was taking place in Lockport at this time? 

Lowertown Project Area

A ceremonial demolition begins in Lockport after an agreement between developers, business owners, residents and the Lockport Common Council allow the Urban Renewal program to begin. Residents gather to watch a bulldozer start tearing down a house to make way for a supermarket. Looking at the faces and body language of some of the people, how do you think they might be feeling a this moment? List some of the possible emotions they are expressing. 

Demolition Begins in Lockport

Launch Lockport Day celebrated the achievements of the last decade with open house events across the city. New developments included Lockview Plaza, the Autumn Gardens apartment complex, the nearly complete Municipal Building and a new parking ramp.

With Urban Renewal officially completed in Lockport, the community could now access the accomplishments and failures of the last ten years. How would they have measured these outcomes? What types of information would they need to do this?



Standards for Urban Renewal in Lockport NY, Part 2: Action and Reaction, 1962 - 1974

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework