+ Main Page of Elmhurst
+ The History of Elmhurst
+ Elmhurst Today
+ Testimonials of Elmhurst
Elmhurst's diversity is a large part of what makes it such a special town. Even with some segregated residential patterns, the people of Elmhurst still interact greatly with each other. The diversified population results in diversified, though crowded, schools which result in children learning and growing in a diverse and multicultural environment. Although many children do not consciously think about diversity, race, and ethnicity at a young age, they eventually come to appreciate it. Immigrants who live in the area have learned to live with, or at least tolerate each other. Racial slurs are not nonexistent, but are usually quite uncommon in Elmhurst.
I believe that in order for Elmhurst to improve, more action should be taken to improve on the abandoned or failing lots. Though Elmhurst is actually quite prosperous with its malls and the variety of stores and restaurants, there are still areas that are quite poor residentially and in business prospects as well. Some properties have been abandoned for years, such as the building across from the Rock Church. Many years ago, it used to be one of the many furniture stores along the street, but the business failed. Another area, on the corner of Grand Avenue and Queens Boulevard, previously had a bank in its place. The bank was demolished several years ago and for many years, no one has tried to build on this lot. Lost properties such as those areas allow for slip-ups and loss of opportunity to better Elmhurst. The government and the people of Elmhurst should work together cohesively to improve on failing lots. For example, St. John's Hospital recently closed down. Thousands of people were inconvenienced by the failure to keep the hospital open. Not only does the government have to work on its policies to help neighborhoods, the people also have to work harder to reach out to the government. Understandably, a great majority of the population consists of hard-working middle or lower class immigrants, but still, many more need to take an active role in the community in order to improve upon it.
The immigrants of Elmhurst play a major role in keeping the neighborhood alive and prospering. Without the continuous influx of immigrants, Elmhurst, like many other places, would eventually fail. Elmhurst has been molded by its many ethnicities into what it is today.