Greening, Revitalization, and Health in South Wilmington, Delaware

Abstract

We highlight the potential for paradoxical impacts of green infrastructure integrated with urban redevelopment. Absent directly addressing social inequalities in parallel efforts, green infrastructure may lead to negative health outcomes of disadvantaged residents, including eventual displacement. We present the research literature and reviews on this topic. We next highlight the case of recent in-migration of higher-income Whites and others in South Wilmington, Delaware, spurred on by high-end Riverfront redevelopment at Christina Landing. This migration may obscure how greening efforts-such as a new wetlands park to control area flooding-influence health outcomes in Southbridge, a low-income, African American neighborhood also within South Wilmington. The area's Census tract boundary, often used in both health and equity assessments, is shared by these distinctive communities. When viewed through the lens of inequality, greening can have multi-faceted impacts that structure health outcomes. We underscore the importance of the mitigation of its potentially harmful effects.

How Does the Neighborhood Unit Inform Community Revitalization?

“…Our own review of the literature suggests similar findings. Schools are key component in the revitalization process since they can act as a community's anchor institution and as a catalyst for improvement (Khadduri et al [14]; Pesch [46]; Green, 2018; Britt et al [16]). Schools are essential in promoting moral development, economic growth, involvement in the community, and other goals, including reducing crime rates (Britt et al [16]; Pesch [30], Green [47]).…”

“…The significance of the neighborhood unit's interrelated elements is best determined by the relation of school and the neighborhood of which it is a part (Jill et al [44,45]). The relation is exemplified by the notion of the services school (Khadduri et al [14,48]; Jill et al [14]; Cumming et al [49]; Pesch [46]; Horn [50]; Jordan et al [51]. Pesch [46] highlights the role of public schools as active participants in holistic planning for urban revitalization.…”

“…The relation is exemplified by the notion of the services school (Khadduri et al [14,48]; Jill et al [14]; Cumming et al [49]; Pesch [46]; Horn [50]; Jordan et al [51]. Pesch [46] highlights the role of public schools as active participants in holistic planning for urban revitalization. Interestingly, the neighborhood association regards school academic achievement as an element of the comprehensive neighborhood revitalization.…”

The Perilous Intersection of Housing Precarity and Climate Change in Delaware

“…If they proceed, while their climate benefits are clear, care must also be given to ensure they do not inadvertently result in green gentrification, or the eventual displacement of current residents when the value of real estate, rents, and other costs of living increase because of the renewed environmental conditions in the area. 17 …”

“…If they proceed, while their climate benefits are clear, care must also be given to ensure they do not inadvertently result in green gentrification, or the eventual displacement of current residents when the value of real estate, rents, and other costs of living increase because of the renewed environmental conditions in the area. 17 As a coastal state with several urban centers connected by commercial corridors and flanked by sprawling suburbs, the state of Delaware is and will continue to experience many of the most notable, devastating climate change impacts. These repercussions will affect different areas, infrastructure, and social groups in both general and more acute ways, as will negative health consequences depending on race, age, veteran status, and other significant socio-demographic characteristics of the homeless.…”