South Paterson
Neighborhood in New Jersey, U.S. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
South Paterson is a neighborhood of Paterson, New Jersey, United States. The neighborhood holds a large Arab-American population with a growing number of immigrants from the Middle East. The diverse neighborhood with significant Turkish, Arab,[1] and Palestinian populations, the community has been known as Little Istanbul, Little Ramallah or Little Palestine.[2] The city is a sister city to Ramallah, Palestine, and has renamed a segment of its main street to 'Palestine Way.'[3]
History
The Arab community has existed since the late 19th century when many Lebanese and Syrian immigrants moved in. Since then, immigrants from Lebanon have slowed, although many second, third, and fourth-generation residents remain. In addition to the Arab community, a Turkish community and an Azeri community has existed in the neighborhood since the 1950s made up primarily of Turks and Karachay immigrants. Palestinian immigrants have settled in the neighborhood, adding to the mix of Arabs.
The area is known for housing many Palestinians,[4] Lebanese, Syrians, Jordanians, and Arab immigrants from a variety of other countries. Paterson is home to the second largest Arab-American community after Dearborn, Michigan.[5] Paterson's Arab American population was estimated as high as 20,000 in 2015.[4]
Geography
The neighborhood is bounded by NJ 19 on the west, the border with Clifton, New Jersey to the south, the Passaic River to the east, and I-80 to the north. The area is also part of Lakeview, which lies to the east of East Railroad Avenue. The area is bounded on the south by Clifton, on the west by NJ 19 and on the north by I-80.
Economy
There are many Middle Eastern restaurants, grocery stores and stores in the area. Main Street has the largest concentration of these, but there are other Turkish and Arab stores and restaurants throughout the area. The area is mostly residential with commercial zoning along Main Street.
Education
The Paterson-based Arab American Civic Association runs an Arabic language program in the Paterson school district.[6]
References
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