Date of Award
1992
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Community Planning (MCP)
Department
Community Planning and Area Development
First Advisor
John J. Kupa
Abstract
The inner-city areas of this country are confronting a number of issues which require innovative problem-solving techniques. One approach which has been effective in involving people in the renovation of their neighborhoods is the development of community garden programs. Although much anecdotal information exists regarding the benefits such programs provide, there could be found no quantitative data measuring the impacts to a neighborhood and its residents. This study is an attempt to discover if such data can be found.
The Southside Community Land Trust, located in Providence, Rhode Island since 1981, has established eleven gardens in low-income sections of the city. In order to determine the impacts such a program might have on the surrounding neighborhood four streets, each the site of a Land Trust garden, were evaluated using several indicators of change. These included construction and demolition permits, crime rates and the installation of street trees.
Results of this study showed no direct, measurable impacts to the individual neighborhoods. This may be due to the relatively short time frame the study encompassed. Data was not available for a sufficient length of time to detect changing conditions and emerging trends. It is possible that quantitative results could still be shown utilizing a longer time span and more data.
Recommended Citation
Bowen, Beverly Ann, "THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY GARDENS ON NEIGHBORHOODS AND THEIR RESIDENTS" (1992). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 508.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/508
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