Busy Streets

Cleaning up vacant properties, securing abandoned buildings, and repurposing vacant lots into community gardens are just a few of the ways communities can create the safe and connected neighborhoods characteristic of Busy Streets.

Theory

Busy streets are safe, inviting places where neighbors know and trust each other. Busy Streets Theory (BST) suggests that when neighbors and community organizations collaborate on improving their environments, they create an upward spiral of neighborhood improvement. That’s because these positive interactions build the organized environments and protective community relationships that promote well-being and deter violence. BST informs our research strategies focused on preventing crime and violence through improving built environments and connecting residents in the process.

Key Findings

Public Safety

Flint, MI: Streets surrounding vacant lots that were greened by community residents had 40% fewer assaults and violent crimes than streets surrounding unmaintained lots (Heinze et al. 2018).

Youngstown, OH: On streets surrounding vacant lots that were greened by community residents, violent crime was reduced at a rate that was two times higher than on streets surrounding professionally greened lots. On streets surrounding lots that received no care, violent crime increased (Gong et al. 2022).

Mental Health

Engaging in community greening increased residents’ sense of community, social connectedness, and efficacy to create neighborhood change (Rupp et al. 2020)
Community residents living in neighborhoods with better maintained properties felt less fearful than residents in neighborhoods with more poorly maintained properties (Burt et al. 2022)

Related Resources

iFrames are not supported on this page.

Key Publications

1561421 YVPC Website Greening 1 apa 50 date desc year 6206 https://yvpc.sph.umich.edu/wp-content/plugins/zotpress/

%7B%22status%22%3A%22success%22%2C%22updateneeded%22%3Afalse%2C%22instance%22%3Afalse%2C%22meta%22%3A%7B%22request_last%22%3A0%2C%22request_next%22%3A0%2C%22used_cache%22%3Atrue%7D%2C%22data%22%3A%5B%7B%22key%22%3A%2237T63JAD%22%2C%22library%22%3A%7B%22id%22%3A1561421%7D%2C%22meta%22%3A%7B%22creatorSummary%22%3A%22Rupp%20et%20al.%22%2C%22parsedDate%22%3A%222022-06-01%22%2C%22numChildren%22%3A1%7D%2C%22bib%22%3A%22%26lt%3Bdiv%20class%3D%26quot%3Bcsl-bib-body%26quot%3B%20style%3D%26quot%3Bline-height%3A%202%3B%20padding-left%3A%201em%3B%20text-indent%3A-1em%3B%26quot%3B%26gt%3B%5Cn%20%20%26lt%3Bdiv%20class%3D%26quot%3Bcsl-entry%26quot%3B%26gt%3BRupp%2C%20L.%20A.%2C%20Kondo%2C%20M.%20C.%2C%20Hohl%2C%20B.%20C.%2C%20Sing%2C%20E.%20K.%2C%20Grodzinski%2C%20A.%20R.%2C%20%26amp%3B%20Zimmerman%2C%20M.%20A.%20%282022%29.%20The%20effects%20of%20organizations%20engaging%20residents%20in%20greening%20vacant%20lots%3A%20Insights%20from%20a%20United%20States%20national%20survey.%20%26lt%3Bi%26gt%3BCities%26lt%3B%5C%2Fi%26gt%3B%2C%20%26lt%3Bi%26gt%3B125%26lt%3B%5C%2Fi%26gt%3B%2C%20103669.%20%26lt%3Ba%20class%3D%26%23039%3Bzp-DOIURL%26%23039%3B%20href%3D%26%23039%3Bhttps%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fdoi.org%5C%2F10.1016%5C%2Fj.cities.2022.103669%26%23039%3B%26gt%3Bhttps%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fdoi.org%5C%2F10.1016%5C%2Fj.cities.2022.103669%26lt%3B%5C%2Fa%26gt%3B%26lt%3B%5C%2Fdiv%26gt%3B%5Cn%26lt%3B%5C%2Fdiv%26gt%3B%22%2C%22data%22%3A%7B%22itemType%22%3A%22journalArticle%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22The%20effects%20of%20organizations%20engaging%20residents%20in%20greening%20vacant%20lots%3A%20Insights%20from%20a%20United%20States%20national%20survey%22%2C%22creators%22%3A%5B%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Laney%20A.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Rupp%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Michelle%20C.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Kondo%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Bernadette%20C.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Hohl%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Evaine%20K.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Sing%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Alison%20R.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Grodzinski%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Marc%20A.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Zimmerman%22%7D%5D%2C%22abstractNote%22%3A%22Background%5CnAs%20vacant%20lot%20inventories%20expand%20in%20cities%20across%20the%20U.S.%2C%20vacant%20land%20management%20organizations%20require%20strategies%20that%20optimize%20their%20functioning%20while%20ensuring%20community%20benefit.%20Resident%20engagement%20in%20programs%20to%20green%20vacant%20land%20may%20be%20one%20helpful%20strategy.%20While%20resident%20engagement%20is%20often%20required%20for%20vacant%20land%20management%20organizations%2C%20few%20researchers%20have%20examined%20how%20these%20organizations%20engage%20residents%20and%20the%20effect%20of%20these%20practices%20on%20their%20functioning.%20We%20hypothesized%20that%20more%20intensive%20engagement%20such%20as%20involving%20residents%20in%20planning%20and%20implementing%20greening%20would%20be%20more%20predictive%20of%20organizational%20functioning%20than%20lower%20level%20engagement.%5CnMethods%5CnWe%20analyzed%20data%20from%20a%20national%20survey%20of%20vacant%20land%20management%20organizations%20from%2027%20states%20%28N%5Cu00a0%3D%5Cu00a068%29.%20We%20assessed%20three%20areas%20of%20organizational%20functioning%20including%20networking%2C%20programmatic%2C%20and%20resource%20capacity.%20We%20used%20hierarchical%20regression%20to%20test%20the%20additive%20effects%20of%20the%20resident%20engagement%20predictor%20variables%20including%20communication%2C%20input%2C%20involvement%20in%20planning%2C%20and%20involvement%20in%20implementation%20on%20organizational%20functioning.%5CnResults%5CnLess%20intensive%20engagement%20forms%20such%20as%20communicating%20and%20soliciting%20input%20were%20the%20most%20popular%20methods%2C%20but%20our%20final%20model%20indicated%20that%20the%20highest%20functioning%20organizations%20reported%20the%20most%20resident%20involvement%20in%20planning%20and%20implementing%20greening.%5CnConclusions%5CnOur%20results%20support%20policies%20and%20practices%20that%20expand%20resident%20involvement%20in%20greening.%22%2C%22date%22%3A%222022-06-01%22%2C%22section%22%3A%22%22%2C%22partNumber%22%3A%22%22%2C%22partTitle%22%3A%22%22%2C%22DOI%22%3A%2210.1016%5C%2Fj.cities.2022.103669%22%2C%22citationKey%22%3A%22%22%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fwww.sciencedirect.com%5C%2Fscience%5C%2Farticle%5C%2Fpii%5C%2FS0264275122001081%22%2C%22PMID%22%3A%22%22%2C%22PMCID%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ISSN%22%3A%220264-2751%22%2C%22language%22%3A%22en%22%2C%22collections%22%3A%5B%222P6EKEKH%22%2C%22869SIVJD%22%2C%22VZZBMX7E%22%5D%2C%22dateModified%22%3A%222025-08-01T14%3A56%3A37Z%22%7D%7D%2C%7B%22key%22%3A%22CGW2ICPU%22%2C%22library%22%3A%7B%22id%22%3A1561421%7D%2C%22meta%22%3A%7B%22creatorSummary%22%3A%22Burt%20et%20al.%22%2C%22parsedDate%22%3A%222021-08-01%22%2C%22numChildren%22%3A1%7D%2C%22bib%22%3A%22%26lt%3Bdiv%20class%3D%26quot%3Bcsl-bib-body%26quot%3B%20style%3D%26quot%3Bline-height%3A%202%3B%20padding-left%3A%201em%3B%20text-indent%3A-1em%3B%26quot%3B%26gt%3B%5Cn%20%20%26lt%3Bdiv%20class%3D%26quot%3Bcsl-entry%26quot%3B%26gt%3BBurt%2C%20C.%20J.%2C%20Kondo%2C%20M.%20C.%2C%20Hohl%2C%20B.%20C.%2C%20Gong%2C%20C.%20H.%2C%20Bushman%2C%20G.%2C%20Wixom%2C%20C.%2C%20South%2C%20E.%20C.%2C%20Cunningham%2C%20R.%20M.%2C%20Carter%2C%20P.%20M.%2C%20Branas%2C%20C.%20C.%2C%20%26amp%3B%20Zimmerman%2C%20M.%20A.%20%282021%29.%20Community%20Greening%2C%20Fear%20of%20Crime%2C%20and%20Mental%20Health%20Outcomes.%20%26lt%3Bi%26gt%3BAmerican%20Journal%20of%20Community%20Psychology%26lt%3B%5C%2Fi%26gt%3B.%20%26lt%3Ba%20class%3D%26%23039%3Bzp-DOIURL%26%23039%3B%20href%3D%26%23039%3Bhttps%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fdoi.org%5C%2F10.1002%5C%2Fajcp.12544%26%23039%3B%26gt%3Bhttps%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fdoi.org%5C%2F10.1002%5C%2Fajcp.12544%26lt%3B%5C%2Fa%26gt%3B%26lt%3B%5C%2Fdiv%26gt%3B%5Cn%26lt%3B%5C%2Fdiv%26gt%3B%22%2C%22data%22%3A%7B%22itemType%22%3A%22journalArticle%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Community%20Greening%2C%20Fear%20of%20Crime%2C%20and%20Mental%20Health%20Outcomes%22%2C%22creators%22%3A%5B%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Cassidy%20J.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Burt%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Michelle%20C.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Kondo%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Bernadette%20C.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Hohl%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Catherine%20H.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Gong%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Gregory%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Bushman%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Caroline%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Wixom%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Eugenia%20C.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22South%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Rebecca%20M.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Cunningham%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Patrick%20M.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Carter%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Charles%20C.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Branas%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Marc%20A.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Zimmerman%22%7D%5D%2C%22abstractNote%22%3A%22Unmaintained%20vacant%20land%20in%20urban%20areas%20is%20associated%20with%20a%20number%20of%20negative%20outcomes%20for%20residents%20of%20urban%20areas%2C%20including%20mental%20and%20physical%20health%2C%20safety%2C%20and%20quality%20of%20life.%20Community%20programs%20which%20promote%20land%20parcel%20maintenance%20in%20urban%20neighborhoods%20have%20been%20found%20to%20reverse%20some%20of%20the%20effects%20that%20unmaintained%20land%20has%20on%20nearby%20residents.%20We%20explored%20how%20land%20parcel%20maintenance%20is%20associated%20with%20mental%20health%20outcomes%20using%20data%20collected%20in%20Flint%2C%20MI%20in%202017-2018.%20Trained%20observers%20assessed%20the%20maintenance%20of%20approximately%207200%20land%20parcels%20and%20surveyed%20691%20residents%20%2857%25%20Female%2C%2053%25%20Black%2C%20M%20age%5Cu00a0%3D%5Cu00a051%29.%20We%20aggregated%20resident%20and%20parcel%20rating%20data%20to%20463%20street%20segments%20and%20compared%20three%20structural%20equation%5Cu00a0models%20%28SEM%29%20to%20estimate%20the%20mediating%20effects%20of%20fear%20of%20crime%20on%20the%20association%20of%20parcel%20qualities%20on%20mental%20distress%20for%20residents.%20We%20found%20that%20fear%20of%20crime%20mediated%20the%20association%20between%20parcel%20maintenance%20values%20and%20mental%20distress%20indicating%20that%20poor%20maintenance%20predicted%20more%20fear%20of%20crime%20which%20was%20associated%20with%20mental%20distress.%20Our%20findings%20add%20to%20our%20understanding%20about%20the%20mechanism%20by%20which%20vacant%20lot%20improvements%20may%20operate%20to%20enhance%20psychological%20well-being%20of%20residents%20who%20live%20on%20streets%20with%20vacant%20and%20unkept%20lots.%22%2C%22date%22%3A%222021-08-01%22%2C%22section%22%3A%22%22%2C%22partNumber%22%3A%22%22%2C%22partTitle%22%3A%22%22%2C%22DOI%22%3A%2210.1002%5C%2Fajcp.12544%22%2C%22citationKey%22%3A%22%22%2C%22url%22%3A%22%22%2C%22PMID%22%3A%2234333789%22%2C%22PMCID%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ISSN%22%3A%221573-2770%22%2C%22language%22%3A%22eng%22%2C%22collections%22%3A%5B%222P6EKEKH%22%2C%22869SIVJD%22%2C%22VZZBMX7E%22%5D%2C%22dateModified%22%3A%222025-08-01T13%3A04%3A41Z%22%7D%7D%2C%7B%22key%22%3A%22RMBHSHCQ%22%2C%22library%22%3A%7B%22id%22%3A1561421%7D%2C%22meta%22%3A%7B%22creatorSummary%22%3A%22Rupp%20et%20al.%22%2C%22parsedDate%22%3A%222020%22%2C%22numChildren%22%3A1%7D%2C%22bib%22%3A%22%26lt%3Bdiv%20class%3D%26quot%3Bcsl-bib-body%26quot%3B%20style%3D%26quot%3Bline-height%3A%202%3B%20padding-left%3A%201em%3B%20text-indent%3A-1em%3B%26quot%3B%26gt%3B%5Cn%20%20%26lt%3Bdiv%20class%3D%26quot%3Bcsl-entry%26quot%3B%26gt%3BRupp%2C%20L.%20A.%2C%20Zimmerman%2C%20M.%20A.%2C%20Sly%2C%20K.%20W.%2C%20Reischl%2C%20T.%20M.%2C%20Thulin%2C%20E.%20J.%2C%20Wyatt%2C%20T.%20A.%2C%20%26amp%3B%20Stock%2C%20J.%20J.%20P.%20%282020%29.%20Community-Engaged%20Neighborhood%20Revitalization%20and%20Empowerment%3A%20Busy%20Streets%20Theory%20in%20Action.%20%26lt%3Bi%26gt%3BAmerican%20Journal%20of%20Community%20Psychology%26lt%3B%5C%2Fi%26gt%3B%2C%20%26lt%3Bi%26gt%3B65%26lt%3B%5C%2Fi%26gt%3B%281%26%23x2013%3B2%29%2C%2090%26%23x2013%3B106.%20%26lt%3Ba%20class%3D%26%23039%3Bzp-DOIURL%26%23039%3B%20href%3D%26%23039%3Bhttps%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fdoi.org%5C%2F10.1002%5C%2Fajcp.12358%26%23039%3B%26gt%3Bhttps%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fdoi.org%5C%2F10.1002%5C%2Fajcp.12358%26lt%3B%5C%2Fa%26gt%3B%26lt%3B%5C%2Fdiv%26gt%3B%5Cn%26lt%3B%5C%2Fdiv%26gt%3B%22%2C%22data%22%3A%7B%22itemType%22%3A%22journalArticle%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Community-Engaged%20Neighborhood%20Revitalization%20and%20Empowerment%3A%20Busy%20Streets%20Theory%20in%20Action%22%2C%22creators%22%3A%5B%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Laney%20A.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Rupp%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Marc%20A.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Zimmerman%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Kathleen%20W.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Sly%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Thomas%20M.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Reischl%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Elyse%20J.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Thulin%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Thomas%20A.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Wyatt%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22John%20Jack%20P.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Stock%22%7D%5D%2C%22abstractNote%22%3A%22Busy%20streets%20theory%20predicts%20that%20engaging%20residents%20in%20physical%20revitalization%20of%20neighborhoods%20will%20facilitate%20community%20empowerment%20through%20the%20development%20of%20sense%20of%20community%2C%20social%20cohesion%2C%20collective%20efficacy%2C%20social%20capital%2C%20and%20behavioral%20action.%20Establishing%20safe%20environments%20fosters%20positive%20street%20activity%2C%20which%20reinforces%20neighborhood%20social%20relationships.%20A%20community-engaged%20approach%20to%20crime%20prevention%20through%20environmental%20design%20%28CE-CPTED%29%20is%20one%20promising%20approach%20to%20creating%20busy%20streets%20because%20it%20engages%20residents%20in%20collaborative%20interactions%20to%20promote%20safer%20environments.%20Yet%2C%20few%20researchers%20have%20studied%20how%20CE-CPTED%20may%20be%20associated%20with%20busy%20streets.%20We%20interviewed%2018%20residents%20and%20stakeholders%20implementing%20CE-CPTED%20in%20Flint%2C%20Michigan.%20We%20studied%20three%20neighborhoods%20with%20different%20levels%20of%20resident%20control%20over%20CE-CPTED.%20Participants%20described%20how%20CE-CPTED%20implementation%20affected%20their%20neighborhood.%20Participants%20from%20all%20three%20neighborhoods%20reported%20that%20CE-CPTED%20was%20associated%20with%20positive%20street%20activity%2C%20sense%20of%20community%2C%20and%20collective%20efficacy.%20Participants%20from%20neighborhoods%20with%20higher%20resident%20control%20of%20CE-CPTED%20reported%20more%20social%20capital%20and%20behavioral%20action%20than%20those%20from%20neighborhoods%20with%20less%20resident%20control.%20Our%20findings%20support%20busy%20streets%20theory%3A%20Community%20engagement%20in%20neighborhood%20improvement%20enhanced%20community%20empowerment.%20CE-CPTED%20that%20combines%20physical%20revitalization%20with%20resident%20engagement%20and%20control%20creates%20a%20potent%20synergy%20for%20promoting%20safe%20and%20healthy%20neighborhoods.%22%2C%22date%22%3A%2203%202020%22%2C%22section%22%3A%22%22%2C%22partNumber%22%3A%22%22%2C%22partTitle%22%3A%22%22%2C%22DOI%22%3A%2210.1002%5C%2Fajcp.12358%22%2C%22citationKey%22%3A%22%22%2C%22url%22%3A%22%22%2C%22PMID%22%3A%2231313329%22%2C%22PMCID%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ISSN%22%3A%221573-2770%22%2C%22language%22%3A%22eng%22%2C%22collections%22%3A%5B%222P6EKEKH%22%2C%22869SIVJD%22%2C%22VZZBMX7E%22%5D%2C%22dateModified%22%3A%222025-08-01T13%3A10%3A31Z%22%7D%7D%2C%7B%22key%22%3A%22QKVF4QXA%22%2C%22library%22%3A%7B%22id%22%3A1561421%7D%2C%22meta%22%3A%7B%22creatorSummary%22%3A%22Jay%20et%20al.%22%2C%22parsedDate%22%3A%222019-08%22%2C%22numChildren%22%3A1%7D%2C%22bib%22%3A%22%26lt%3Bdiv%20class%3D%26quot%3Bcsl-bib-body%26quot%3B%20style%3D%26quot%3Bline-height%3A%202%3B%20padding-left%3A%201em%3B%20text-indent%3A-1em%3B%26quot%3B%26gt%3B%5Cn%20%20%26lt%3Bdiv%20class%3D%26quot%3Bcsl-entry%26quot%3B%26gt%3BJay%2C%20J.%2C%20Miratrix%2C%20L.%20W.%2C%20Branas%2C%20C.%20C.%2C%20Zimmerman%2C%20M.%20A.%2C%20%26amp%3B%20Hemenway%2C%20D.%20%282019%29.%20Urban%20building%20demolitions%2C%20firearm%20violence%20and%20drug%20crime.%20%26lt%3Bi%26gt%3BJournal%20of%20Behavioral%20Medicine%26lt%3B%5C%2Fi%26gt%3B%2C%20%26lt%3Bi%26gt%3B42%26lt%3B%5C%2Fi%26gt%3B%284%29%2C%20626%26%23x2013%3B634.%20%26lt%3Ba%20class%3D%26%23039%3Bzp-DOIURL%26%23039%3B%20href%3D%26%23039%3Bhttps%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fdoi.org%5C%2F10.1007%5C%2Fs10865-019-00031-6%26%23039%3B%26gt%3Bhttps%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fdoi.org%5C%2F10.1007%5C%2Fs10865-019-00031-6%26lt%3B%5C%2Fa%26gt%3B%26lt%3B%5C%2Fdiv%26gt%3B%5Cn%26lt%3B%5C%2Fdiv%26gt%3B%22%2C%22data%22%3A%7B%22itemType%22%3A%22journalArticle%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Urban%20building%20demolitions%2C%20firearm%20violence%20and%20drug%20crime%22%2C%22creators%22%3A%5B%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Jonathan%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Jay%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Luke%20W.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Miratrix%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Charles%20C.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Branas%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Marc%20A.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Zimmerman%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22David%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Hemenway%22%7D%5D%2C%22abstractNote%22%3A%22Although%20multiple%20interventions%20to%20remediate%20physical%20blight%20have%20been%20found%20to%20reduce%20urban%20firearm%20violence%2C%20there%20is%20limited%20evidence%20for%20demolishing%20vacant%20buildings%20as%20a%20violence%20reduction%20strategy.%20Starting%20in%202014%2C%20Detroit%2C%20MI%20launched%20a%20large-scale%20program%20that%20demolished%20over%2010%2C000%20buildings%20in%20its%20first%203%5Cu00a0years.%20We%20analyzed%20the%20pre-post%20effects%20of%20this%20program%20on%20fatal%20and%20nonfatal%20firearm%20assaults%20and%20illegal%20drug%20violations%20at%20the%20U.S.%20Census%20block%20group%20level%2C%20using%20propensity%20score%20matching%20and%20negative%20binomial%20regression.%20Receiving%20over%205%20demolitions%20was%20associated%20with%20a%2011%25%20reduction%20in%20firearm%20assaults%2C%20relative%20to%20comparable%20control%20locations%2C%2095%25%20CI%20%5B7%25%2C%2015%25%5D%2C%20p%5Cu2009%3D%5Cu20090.01.%20The%20program%20was%20associated%20with%20larger%20reductions%20in%20firearm%20assaults%20for%20the%20locations%20receiving%20moderate%20numbers%20of%20demolitions%20%28between%206%20and%2012%29%20than%20for%20locations%20receiving%20high%20numbers%20of%20demolitions%20%2813%20and%20over%29.%20No%20effects%20were%20observed%20for%20illegal%20drug%20violations%20and%20no%20evidence%20of%20spatial%20crime%20displacement%20was%20detected.%20These%20findings%20suggest%20that%20vacant%20building%20demolitions%20may%20affect%20gun%20violence.%22%2C%22date%22%3A%22Aug%202019%22%2C%22section%22%3A%22%22%2C%22partNumber%22%3A%22%22%2C%22partTitle%22%3A%22%22%2C%22DOI%22%3A%2210.1007%5C%2Fs10865-019-00031-6%22%2C%22citationKey%22%3A%22%22%2C%22url%22%3A%22%22%2C%22PMID%22%3A%2231367928%22%2C%22PMCID%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ISSN%22%3A%221573-3521%22%2C%22language%22%3A%22eng%22%2C%22collections%22%3A%5B%222P6EKEKH%22%2C%22869SIVJD%22%2C%22VZZBMX7E%22%5D%2C%22dateModified%22%3A%222025-08-01T13%3A09%3A14Z%22%7D%7D%2C%7B%22key%22%3A%22XTRXM2W5%22%2C%22library%22%3A%7B%22id%22%3A1561421%7D%2C%22meta%22%3A%7B%22creatorSummary%22%3A%22Heinze%20et%20al.%22%2C%22parsedDate%22%3A%222018%22%2C%22numChildren%22%3A1%7D%2C%22bib%22%3A%22%26lt%3Bdiv%20class%3D%26quot%3Bcsl-bib-body%26quot%3B%20style%3D%26quot%3Bline-height%3A%202%3B%20padding-left%3A%201em%3B%20text-indent%3A-1em%3B%26quot%3B%26gt%3B%5Cn%20%20%26lt%3Bdiv%20class%3D%26quot%3Bcsl-entry%26quot%3B%26gt%3BHeinze%2C%20J.%20E.%2C%20Krusky-Morey%2C%20A.%2C%20Vagi%2C%20K.%20J.%2C%20Reischl%2C%20T.%20M.%2C%20Franzen%2C%20S.%2C%20Pruett%2C%20N.%20K.%2C%20Cunningham%2C%20R.%20M.%2C%20%26amp%3B%20Zimmerman%2C%20M.%20A.%20%282018%29.%20Busy%20Streets%20Theory%3A%20The%20Effects%20of%20Community-engaged%20Greening%20on%20Violence.%20%26lt%3Bi%26gt%3BAmerican%20Journal%20of%20Community%20Psychology%26lt%3B%5C%2Fi%26gt%3B%2C%20%26lt%3Bi%26gt%3B62%26lt%3B%5C%2Fi%26gt%3B%281%26%23x2013%3B2%29%2C%20101%26%23x2013%3B109.%20%26lt%3Ba%20class%3D%26%23039%3Bzp-DOIURL%26%23039%3B%20href%3D%26%23039%3Bhttps%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fdoi.org%5C%2F10.1002%5C%2Fajcp.12270%26%23039%3B%26gt%3Bhttps%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fdoi.org%5C%2F10.1002%5C%2Fajcp.12270%26lt%3B%5C%2Fa%26gt%3B%26lt%3B%5C%2Fdiv%26gt%3B%5Cn%26lt%3B%5C%2Fdiv%26gt%3B%22%2C%22data%22%3A%7B%22itemType%22%3A%22journalArticle%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Busy%20Streets%20Theory%3A%20The%20Effects%20of%20Community-engaged%20Greening%20on%20Violence%22%2C%22creators%22%3A%5B%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Justin%20E.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Heinze%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Allison%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Krusky-Morey%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Kevin%20J.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Vagi%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Thomas%20M.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Reischl%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Susan%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Franzen%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Natalie%20K.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Pruett%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Rebecca%20M.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Cunningham%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Marc%20A.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Zimmerman%22%7D%5D%2C%22abstractNote%22%3A%22Lack%20of%20maintenance%20on%20vacant%20neighborhood%20lots%20is%20associated%20with%20higher%20levels%20of%20depression%2C%20anxiety%2C%20and%20stress%20for%20nearby%20residents.%20Overgrown%20grasses%20and%20dense%20brush%20provide%20hiding%20spots%20for%20criminals%20and%20space%20to%20conduct%20illicit%20activities.%20This%20study%20builds%20upon%20previous%20research%20by%20investigating%20greening%20programs%20that%20engage%20community%20members%20to%20conduct%20routine%20maintenance%20on%20vacant%20lots%20within%20their%20neighborhoods.%20The%20Clean%20%26amp%3B%20Green%20program%20is%20a%20community-based%20solution%20that%20facilitates%20resident-driven%20routine%20maintenance%20of%20vacant%20lots%20in%20a%20midsized%2C%20Midwestern%20city.%20We%20use%20mixed%20effects%20regression%20to%20compare%20assault%20and%20violent%20crime%20counts%20on%20streets%20where%20vacant%20lot%28s%29%20are%20maintained%20by%20community%20members%20%28N%5Cu00a0%3D%5Cu00a0216%29%20versus%20streets%20where%20vacant%20lots%20were%20left%20alone%20%28N%5Cu00a0%3D%5Cu00a0446%29%20over%20a%205-year%20timeframe%20%282009-2013%29.%20Street%20segments%20with%20vacant%20lots%20maintained%20through%20the%20Clean%20%26amp%3B%20Green%20program%20had%20nearly%2040%25%20fewer%20assaults%20and%20violent%20crimes%20than%20street%20segments%20with%20vacant%2C%20abandoned%20lots%2C%20which%20held%20across%204%5Cu00a0years%20with%20a%20large%20sample%20and%20efforts%20to%20test%20counterfactual%20explanations.%20Community-engaged%20greening%20programs%20may%20not%20only%20provide%20a%20solution%20to%20vacant%20lot%20maintenance%2C%20but%20also%20work%20as%20a%20crime%20prevention%20or%20reduction%20strategy.%20Engaging%20the%20community%20to%20maintain%20vacant%20lots%20in%20their%20neighborhood%20reduces%20costs%20and%20may%20increase%20the%20sustainability%20of%20the%20program.%22%2C%22date%22%3A%2209%202018%22%2C%22section%22%3A%22%22%2C%22partNumber%22%3A%22%22%2C%22partTitle%22%3A%22%22%2C%22DOI%22%3A%2210.1002%5C%2Fajcp.12270%22%2C%22citationKey%22%3A%22%22%2C%22url%22%3A%22%22%2C%22PMID%22%3A%2230216464%22%2C%22PMCID%22%3A%22PMC6373470%22%2C%22ISSN%22%3A%221573-2770%22%2C%22language%22%3A%22eng%22%2C%22collections%22%3A%5B%222P6EKEKH%22%2C%22869SIVJD%22%2C%22VZZBMX7E%22%5D%2C%22dateModified%22%3A%222025-08-01T13%3A15%3A09Z%22%7D%7D%2C%7B%22key%22%3A%228HVFU79K%22%2C%22library%22%3A%7B%22id%22%3A1561421%7D%2C%22meta%22%3A%7B%22creatorSummary%22%3A%22Aiyer%20et%20al.%22%2C%22parsedDate%22%3A%222015-04-01%22%2C%22numChildren%22%3A4%7D%2C%22bib%22%3A%22%26lt%3Bdiv%20class%3D%26quot%3Bcsl-bib-body%26quot%3B%20style%3D%26quot%3Bline-height%3A%202%3B%20padding-left%3A%201em%3B%20text-indent%3A-1em%3B%26quot%3B%26gt%3B%5Cn%20%20%26lt%3Bdiv%20class%3D%26quot%3Bcsl-entry%26quot%3B%26gt%3BAiyer%2C%20S.%20M.%2C%20Zimmerman%2C%20M.%20A.%2C%20Morrel-Samuels%2C%20S.%2C%20%26amp%3B%20Reischl%2C%20T.%20M.%20%282015%29.%20From%20Broken%20Windows%20to%20Busy%20Streets%20A%20Community%20Empowerment%20Perspective.%20%26lt%3Bi%26gt%3BHealth%20Education%20%26amp%3B%20Behavior%26lt%3B%5C%2Fi%26gt%3B%2C%20%26lt%3Bi%26gt%3B42%26lt%3B%5C%2Fi%26gt%3B%282%29%2C%20137%26%23x2013%3B147.%20%26lt%3Ba%20class%3D%26%23039%3Bzp-DOIURL%26%23039%3B%20href%3D%26%23039%3Bhttps%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fdoi.org%5C%2F10.1177%5C%2F1090198114558590%26%23039%3B%26gt%3Bhttps%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fdoi.org%5C%2F10.1177%5C%2F1090198114558590%26lt%3B%5C%2Fa%26gt%3B%26lt%3B%5C%2Fdiv%26gt%3B%5Cn%26lt%3B%5C%2Fdiv%26gt%3B%22%2C%22data%22%3A%7B%22itemType%22%3A%22journalArticle%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22From%20Broken%20Windows%20to%20Busy%20Streets%20A%20Community%20Empowerment%20Perspective%22%2C%22creators%22%3A%5B%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Sophie%20M.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Aiyer%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Marc%20A.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Zimmerman%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Susan%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Morrel-Samuels%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Thomas%20M.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Reischl%22%7D%5D%2C%22abstractNote%22%3A%22In%20the%20present%20article%2C%20we%20introduce%20a%20community%20empowerment%20perspective%20to%20understanding%20neighborhoods.%20A%20preponderance%20of%20literature%20exists%20on%20neighborhood%20risk%20factors%20for%20crime.%20Yet%20less%20is%20known%20about%20positive%20factors%20that%20make%20neighborhoods%20safe%20and%20desirable.%20We%20propose%20community%20empowerment%20as%20a%20conceptual%20foundation%20for%20understanding%20neighborhood%20factors%20that%20promote%20social%20processes%2C%20and%20ultimately%2C%20lead%20to%20an%20improvement%20in%20structural%20factors.%20We%20suggest%20that%20neighborhoods%20are%20empowered%20because%20they%20include%20processes%20and%20structures%20for%20positive%20social%20interactions%20to%20emerge%20and%20develop.%20We%20present%20busy%20streets%20as%20a%20mechanism%20that%20creates%20a%20positive%20social%20context%2C%20in%20which%20social%20cohesion%20and%20social%20capital%20thrive.%20Thus%2C%20empowered%20communities%20are%20characterized%20by%20climates%20that%20promote%20busy%20streets.%20Our%20article%20underscores%20the%20need%20to%20examine%20both%20the%20broader%2C%20structural%20context%20and%20social%20processes%20operating%20within%20this%20context.%20Such%20an%20integrative%20perspective%20is%20necessary%20to%20fully%20understand%20how%20to%20empower%20neighborhoods%2C%20particularly%20in%20the%20face%20of%20structural%20challenges.%22%2C%22date%22%3A%222015-04-01%22%2C%22section%22%3A%22%22%2C%22partNumber%22%3A%22%22%2C%22partTitle%22%3A%22%22%2C%22DOI%22%3A%2210.1177%5C%2F1090198114558590%22%2C%22citationKey%22%3A%22%22%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fheb.sagepub.com%5C%2Fcontent%5C%2F42%5C%2F2%5C%2F137%22%2C%22PMID%22%3A%2225512073%22%2C%22PMCID%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ISSN%22%3A%221090-1981%2C%201552-6127%22%2C%22language%22%3A%22en%22%2C%22collections%22%3A%5B%222P6EKEKH%22%2C%22869SIVJD%22%2C%22VZZBMX7E%22%5D%2C%22dateModified%22%3A%222025-08-01T19%3A54%3A37Z%22%7D%7D%2C%7B%22key%22%3A%22WXQFF8HU%22%2C%22library%22%3A%7B%22id%22%3A1561421%7D%2C%22meta%22%3A%7B%22creatorSummary%22%3A%22Krusky%20et%20al.%22%2C%22parsedDate%22%3A%222015-04%22%2C%22numChildren%22%3A1%7D%2C%22bib%22%3A%22%26lt%3Bdiv%20class%3D%26quot%3Bcsl-bib-body%26quot%3B%20style%3D%26quot%3Bline-height%3A%202%3B%20padding-left%3A%201em%3B%20text-indent%3A-1em%3B%26quot%3B%26gt%3B%5Cn%20%20%26lt%3Bdiv%20class%3D%26quot%3Bcsl-entry%26quot%3B%26gt%3BKrusky%2C%20A.%20M.%2C%20Heinze%2C%20J.%20E.%2C%20Reischl%2C%20T.%20M.%2C%20Aiyer%2C%20S.%20M.%2C%20Franzen%2C%20S.%20P.%2C%20%26amp%3B%20Zimmerman%2C%20M.%20A.%20%282015%29.%20The%20effects%20of%20produce%20gardens%20on%20neighborhoods%3A%20A%20test%20of%20the%20greening%20hypothesis%20in%20a%20post-industrial%20city.%20%26lt%3Bi%26gt%3BLandscape%20and%20Urban%20Planning%26lt%3B%5C%2Fi%26gt%3B%2C%20%26lt%3Bi%26gt%3B136%26lt%3B%5C%2Fi%26gt%3B%2C%2068%26%23x2013%3B75.%20%26lt%3Ba%20class%3D%26%23039%3Bzp-DOIURL%26%23039%3B%20href%3D%26%23039%3Bhttps%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fdoi.org%5C%2F10.1016%5C%2Fj.landurbplan.2014.12.003%26%23039%3B%26gt%3Bhttps%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fdoi.org%5C%2F10.1016%5C%2Fj.landurbplan.2014.12.003%26lt%3B%5C%2Fa%26gt%3B%26lt%3B%5C%2Fdiv%26gt%3B%5Cn%26lt%3B%5C%2Fdiv%26gt%3B%22%2C%22data%22%3A%7B%22itemType%22%3A%22journalArticle%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22The%20effects%20of%20produce%20gardens%20on%20neighborhoods%3A%20A%20test%20of%20the%20greening%20hypothesis%20in%20a%20post-industrial%20city%22%2C%22creators%22%3A%5B%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Allison%20M.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Krusky%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Justin%20E.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Heinze%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Thomas%20M.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Reischl%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Sophie%20M.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Aiyer%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Susan%20P.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Franzen%22%7D%2C%7B%22creatorType%22%3A%22author%22%2C%22firstName%22%3A%22Marc%20A.%22%2C%22lastName%22%3A%22Zimmerman%22%7D%5D%2C%22abstractNote%22%3A%22Researchers%20have%20found%20that%20gardens%20and%20landscaping%20designs%20can%20diffuse%20throughout%20neighborhoods.%20In%20the%20present%20study%2C%20we%20extend%20this%20research%20by%20examining%20if%20produce%20gardens%20on%20reclaimed%20vacant%20lots%20can%20have%20a%20radiating%20and%20positive%2C%20linear%20effect%20on%20the%20surrounding%20residential%20parcels.%20If%20well-maintained%20parcels%20tend%20to%20cluster%20together%20then%20we%20would%20expect%20that%20parcels%20proximal%20to%20a%20well-maintained%20produce%20garden%20would%20have%20better%20maintenance%20than%20parcels%20near%20an%20undeveloped%20vacant%20lot.%20We%20refer%20to%20this%20transformative%20process%20as%20the%20Greening%20Hypothesis.%20In%20the%20present%20study%2C%20we%20investigate%20yard%20maintenance%20observations%20of%20residential%20properties%20located%20near%20a%20produce%20garden%2C%20compared%20with%20those%20near%20an%20undeveloped%20vacant%20lot%20while%20controlling%20for%20residents%5Cu2019%20neighborhood%20perceptions%20and%20census%20demographic%20data.%20Our%20study%20area%20was%20urban%20and%20residential%20with%20higher%20than%20normal%20levels%20of%20property%20abandonment%20and%20urban%20blight.%20Our%20results%2C%20supporting%20the%20greening%20hypothesis%2C%20indicated%20that%20residential%20parcels%20proximal%20to%20produce%20gardens%20were%20better%20maintained%20than%20parcels%20near%20undeveloped%20vacant%20lots.%20Study%20implications%20support%20policies%20and%20programs%20which%20include%20greening%20initiatives%20as%20part%20of%20community%20development%20strategies.%22%2C%22date%22%3A%22April%202015%22%2C%22section%22%3A%22%22%2C%22partNumber%22%3A%22%22%2C%22partTitle%22%3A%22%22%2C%22DOI%22%3A%2210.1016%5C%2Fj.landurbplan.2014.12.003%22%2C%22citationKey%22%3A%22%22%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fwww.sciencedirect.com%5C%2Fscience%5C%2Farticle%5C%2Fpii%5C%2FS0169204614002928%22%2C%22PMID%22%3A%22%22%2C%22PMCID%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ISSN%22%3A%220169-2046%22%2C%22language%22%3A%22%22%2C%22collections%22%3A%5B%222P6EKEKH%22%2C%22869SIVJD%22%2C%22VZZBMX7E%22%5D%2C%22dateModified%22%3A%222025-08-01T19%3A54%3A37Z%22%7D%7D%5D%7D

Rupp, L. A., Kondo, M. C., Hohl, B. C., Sing, E. K., Grodzinski, A. R., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2022). The effects of organizations engaging residents in greening vacant lots: Insights from a United States national survey. Cities, 125, 103669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2022.103669

Burt, C. J., Kondo, M. C., Hohl, B. C., Gong, C. H., Bushman, G., Wixom, C., South, E. C., Cunningham, R. M., Carter, P. M., Branas, C. C., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2021). Community Greening, Fear of Crime, and Mental Health Outcomes. American Journal of Community Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajcp.12544

Rupp, L. A., Zimmerman, M. A., Sly, K. W., Reischl, T. M., Thulin, E. J., Wyatt, T. A., & Stock, J. J. P. (2020). Community-Engaged Neighborhood Revitalization and Empowerment: Busy Streets Theory in Action. American Journal of Community Psychology, 65(1–2), 90–106. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajcp.12358

Jay, J., Miratrix, L. W., Branas, C. C., Zimmerman, M. A., & Hemenway, D. (2019). Urban building demolitions, firearm violence and drug crime. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 42(4), 626–634. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-019-00031-6

Heinze, J. E., Krusky-Morey, A., Vagi, K. J., Reischl, T. M., Franzen, S., Pruett, N. K., Cunningham, R. M., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2018). Busy Streets Theory: The Effects of Community-engaged Greening on Violence. American Journal of Community Psychology, 62(1–2), 101–109. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajcp.12270

Aiyer, S. M., Zimmerman, M. A., Morrel-Samuels, S., & Reischl, T. M. (2015). From Broken Windows to Busy Streets A Community Empowerment Perspective. Health Education & Behavior, 42(2), 137–147. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198114558590

Krusky, A. M., Heinze, J. E., Reischl, T. M., Aiyer, S. M., Franzen, S. P., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2015). The effects of produce gardens on neighborhoods: A test of the greening hypothesis in a post-industrial city. Landscape and Urban Planning, 136, 68–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2014.12.003