Strategic Neighborhood Redevelopment: Part 1 – Six Problems Perpetuating Economic Disinvestment and Distress
By Ian Colgan | Redevelopment & Revitalization | Jun 29th
This article is Part 1 of a four part series titled “Framework for Strategic Neighborhood Redevelopment.” This series provides the considerations involved in formulating a meaningful neighborhood redevelopment strategy. From Development Concepts Inc.’s 19 years of redevelopment experience, we’ll explain what is involved in establishing redevelopment strategies that produce sustainable private investment.
Since the rise of suburbs after World War II, many urban neighborhoods in central cities throughout the country have suffered from disinvestment and distress. In order to redevelop and revitalize these neighborhoods, it is important to craft a strategy for neighborhood redevelopment. Before crafting a neighborhood redevelopment strategy however, it is important to understand the common problems that exist in these distressed neighborhoods.
There are a host of reasons contributing to the economic abandonment of a neighborhood. Initially, one or two causes may have played a significant role in precipitating an area’s decline – ultimately resulting in a new and expanding list of factors that serve to expedite the rate of disinvestment and ultimate stagnation. The issues and problems identified in this section are not necessarily the root cause of the decay. Instead, almost without fail, they are pervasive long term factors which create a “closed for business” mentality in these distressed areas.
The following is an overview of the problems/ issues inherent in our most distressed urban geographies.