Therefore, researchers at the Urban Institute encourage a holistic approach, involving partners that can address all factors that contribute to the well-being of residents within a certain neighborhood. Urban blight is a complicated issue with many outside factors influencing the house, neighborhood, and residents. Photo courtesy of Michigan Urban Farming Initiative (MIUFI) Every dollar invested in improving urban blight resulted in $26 less spent on gun violence costs.
#Urban blight definition windows#
A study on Philadelphia’s program demonstrates that its effectiveness even extends to reducing gun violence: the renovation of the lots resulted in a 5% reduction in gun violence, and replacing broken windows in abandoned houses resulted in a 39% decrease. Philadelphia’s LandCare program creates green spaces and fences previously vacant lots. More than 6,000 vacant properties in Detroit have been transformed into urban gardens. have undertaken efforts to address urban blight. Even if substandard housing and vacant lots were remedied, expensive housing costs can siphon money from other life essentials, such as healthy foods.Ĭities across the U.S. An estimated 26% of renters spend more than 50% of their income on housing, well above the 30% that is typically acceptable to spend on housing. Residents accept substandard housing because it’s available for a rent or mortgage they can manage. Affordability of housing is often the root of the issue. There is no simple solution to the housing issues facing 95 million Americans. In one study conducted in Philadelphia, residents thought that vacant land affected “community well-being by overshadowing positive aspects of the community, contributing to fractures between neighbors, attracting crime, and making residents fearful.” Residents will live increasingly isolated lives and will be less likely to step in to help prevent crime. Additionally, crimes that may occur on or around this property will encourage a feeling of helplessness. Uncared-for space makes many neighborhoods unattractive, resulting in less investment in the community. Lowered social capital makes it difficult for community members to advocate for their own neighborhood. Researchers have noted the detrimental effect vacant properties have on social capital. The broken window theory proposes that the vacant properties “create a climate of social and psychological disorder that attracts criminal activity and violence and becomes a breeding ground for vermin.” Neighborhoods filled with vacant or abandoned properties are linked to higher rates of mental distress, chronic illnesses, sexually transmitted diseases, and unhealthy habits. Where one sleeps is not the only influence on health outcomes. These substandard housing conditions lead to adverse health outcomes such as lung cancer, asthma, and negative cognitive and behavioral effects especially for children. The Center for American Progress estimates that about 6 million homes have physical infrastructure issues: 6.8 million have high levels of radon, 17 million have high levels of indoor allergens, and 23 million contain lead-based paint. Simply having a roof over your head is insufficient for the residents’ well-being and having a safe place to live. A recent Urban Institute report shows that urban blight-defined as substandard housing, abandoned buildings, and vacant lots-is major stressor.
But living in a city brings its own set of challenges. Yesterday’s map made it clear that rural areas are particularly unhealthy.
#Urban blight definition code#
Simply put, a person’s zip code may have a larger impact than genetics on health indicators such as life expectancy. Yesterday’s databyte by Gilbert made a compelling connection between health and place.