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- 4.7.2 Findings in NPU-V
- 4.8.1 Literature Review of Findings
- 4.8.2 Findings in NPU-V
- 5. Impact Analysis 5.1 Community Survey of Perceived Health Impacts of the Turner Field Redevelopment
4.7 FoodBased on general evidence from literature, what is known about food availability that impacts health? 4.7.1 Literature Review of FindingsThe USDA defines a food desert as a low-income community where at least 33 percent of the population lives more than one mile from a grocery store. This is also an area with limited access to healthy, affordable food, such as fresh produce, whole grains, and low-fat milk. People living in a food desert tend to rely on calorie-dense, high-energy foods such as snacks, fast food, and high calorie drinks. As result of this poor diet, higher levels of obesity and other diet-related diseases are prevalent in food desert communities (Drewnowski & Specter, 2004). Previous research shows that bringing supermarkets into food deserts is beneficial to health (Pastor & Morello-Frosch, 2014). 4.7.2 Findings in NPU-VThere is little data available on the food environment in NPU-V. Residents report their desire to have a supermarket available that offers affordable, accessible health food, such as fresh produce. According to the USDA, NPU-V is a food desert. Residents of NPU-V are left with very few options for obtaining reasonably priced groceries. There are several convenience stores within NPU-V. These “corner stores” offer mostly unhealthy choices, including junk food, soft drinks, and some alcoholic beverages. The few stores with fresh fruit offerings have limited quantities. The only fruit offered is typically bananas, apples, and oranges at best. Each is sold individually at a high price. The accessibility of fresh fruits and vegetable is further compounded by a lower vehicle availability among NPU-V residents (see map in Appendix A and section 4.8 for more information on transportation). 4.8 TransportationBased on general evidence from literature, what is known about transportation that impacts health? 4.8.1 Literature Review of FindingsTransportation policies affect human behavior, which in turn influence health. If policymakers invest in transportation and encourage active lifestyles, people are more likely to walk, bike, and use public transportation (DeNazelle, 2011). If sidewalks or bike lanes are nonexistent, unkempt, or unsafe, people are less likely to walk or bike around their neighborhood (Pucher et al.,2010; VTPI, 2010). If public transportation is reliable, people are more likely to use it in their daily lives. The built environment also impacts environmental quality in a neighborhood. Air pollution, noise, heat, and traffic hazards are by-products of the built environment that impact health. Transportation policies and the built environment both impact the multiple health outcomes: mortality, cardio-pulmonary disease, lung function, obesity, diabetes, cancer, mental health, quality of life, and risk of traffic related injuries (DeNazelle, 2011). 4.8.2 Findings in NPU-VNPU-V is walkable and its close proximity to downtown offers many bus transportation routes to residents (Table 2). The table below demonstrates how NPU-V compares to the city of Atlanta in regards to access to public transportation, commute times, and walkability (NQLHP, 2010). While NPU-V ranks high in transit access, residents report longer commute times. Low levels of car ownership may be the underlying cause of longer commute times; specifically, most residents may rely on public transportation, which may take longer than driving a car. There is a need to further assess if and what barriers keep residents from establishing reliable transportation to and from jobs and other activities. Having limited or unreliable transportation options makes it difficult to secure and maintain employment. The high unemployment rate in NPU-V may be linked to transportation barriers faced by those who cannot afford a vehicle; however, more research is needed to fully assess this relationship. Table 2. Transportation Status Indicators, NPU-V and the City of Atlanta
5. Impact Analysis5.1 Community Survey of Perceived Health Impacts of the Turner Field RedevelopmentIn this section, we discuss the anticipated health impacts of the Turner Field Redevelopment by community members currently residing in the surrounding area. Overall, 79% of respondents agree or strongly agree that the Turner Field redevelopment has the potential to affect the health of residents of nearby neighborhoods: 78% of NPU-V respondents and 79% of respondents from other neighborhoods (Appendix B, Chart 1). Similarly, 81% of respondents agree or strongly agree that the redevelopment can improve the health of residents of nearby neighborhoods: 80% of NPU-V respondents and 82% respondents from other neighborhoods (Appendix B, Chart 2). Respondents identified employment (25%) as the greatest concern about the Turner Field redevelopment, followed by Food (22%), Housing and Property Value (21%), Greenspace (19%), and Transportation (11%) (Appendix B, Chart 3). Among NPU-V respondents, Employment and Housing and Property Value were the greatest concerns at 26%. Among respondents from other neighborhoods near to NPU-V, Housing and Property Value (19%) were only the fourth most selected greatest concern about the redevelopment (Appendix B, Chart 3). Hence, NPU-V residents may perceive the impact of the Turner Field redevelopment on their Housing and Property Value differently than residents of nearby neighborhoods. A more comprehensive HIA would help assess if this difference actually exists and, if so, how best to alleviate residents’ concerns, particularly around Housing and Property Value and Employment. 5.1.1 EmploymentSurvey participants were asked their level of agreement with the statement, “My neighborhood would be a better place if more job opportunities for residents were available in the community.” Overall, 90% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with that statement. A slightly greater percentage of NPU-V respondents (93%) agreed or strongly agreed as compared to respondents from other neighborhoods (90%) (Appendix B, Chart 4). Some statements captured in the survey that typify the concerns of residents include:
These results point toward the potential role of employment opportunities in neighborhoods proximate to the Turner Field redevelopment. Particularly, residents seem concerned about having a range of job options, including ones that offer opportunities for the young. Residents indicate that having access to local, permanent jobs and training could help instill a sense of pride and ownership in the community. A concern expressed from several respondents was the specific loss in seasonal jobs from Turner Field’s departure and hoping that those individuals impacted might find employment through the redevelopment (i.e. construction). In a more comprehensive HIA, further interaction with community members may help decision makers in improving employment among existing community members. 5.1.2 HousingIn response to the statement, “My neighborhood would be a better place if more healthy housing options were available”, a majority of residents either agreed or strongly agreed (63%): 56% of NPU-V respondents and 65% of respondents from other, nearby neighborhoods (Appendix B, Chart 5). One suggestion to improve the validity of this item is to define “healthy housing” more clearly in future surveys. Survey participants were also asked their level of agreement with the statement, “I am concerned about whether I would be able to afford to stay in my current home after the Turner Field redevelopment.” Just 7% of all respondents agreed or strongly agreed with this statement: 12% of NPU-V respondents and 6% of respondents from other neighborhoods (Appendix B, Chart 6). Some statements made by respondents on housing concerns, include:
Respondents appear to acknowledge the potential for their taxes to change and the resulting potential displacement of community members. It also appears as though they would appreciate being involved in discussions related to how to structure property taxes to reduce the burden on low-income residents. Respondents did exhibit optimism regarding the potential for the redevelopment to positively impact the neighborhood through safer housing options and making the area a better place to be. Many respondents favor a mixed-income housing trajectory that could help decrease the concentration of poverty. We suspect that one reason for such a low proportion of respondent agreement with this statement is selection bias. Persons with readily available internet may not be as vulnerable to displacement as those without internet. Similarly, perhaps persons not involved in community groups aiding in the dissemination of this survey are also more vulnerable to displacement. A comprehensive HIA performed later should reach out to more vulnerable community members to include their perspective on housing and property values. 5.1.3 GreenspaceSurvey participants were asked their level of agreement with the statement, “My neighborhood would be a better place if more green space was present”. Nearly 86% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with that statement (Appendix B, Chart 7). There was no difference in the percent of respondents that agreed or strongly agreed with that statement. Some statements made by respondents on greenspace include:
Many respondents had favorable comments for a variety reasons about the addition of greenspace: pollution control, decreased flooding, and a place for activity. Safety was one of the top concerns expressed for increasing greenspace. Respondents seemed unsure if greenspace should be a priority when current greenspace is a place where “thugs”, “drug users”, “drunks” and “bums” hang out. Overall, it appears as though respondents were in favor of green space, but that there were barriers that should also be addressed concerning safety and design. 5.1.4 FoodSurvey participants were asked for their level of agreement with the statement, “My neighborhood would be a better place if the food available in my neighborhood was more affordable.” Overall, 62% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with this statement: 65% of NPU-V respondents and 60% of respondents from other neighborhoods (Appendix B, Chart 8). Hence, about two-thirds of respondents in neighborhoods proximate to the Turner Field redevelopment believe that having more affordable food options would make their neighborhood a better place. In response to the statement, “My neighborhood would be a better place if the food available in my neighborhood included healthier choices”, 91% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed: 98% of NPU-V respondents and 87% of respondents from other neighborhoods (Appendix B, Chart 9). Among NPU-V respondents, 78% strongly agreed that their neighborhood would be a better place if healthier food was available in their neighborhood, whereas 61% of respondents from other neighborhoods strongly agreed (Appendix B, Chart 9). These responses are indicative of a desire for having healthier food options available in the neighborhood among existing residents, especially those in NPU-V. In response to the statement, “My neighborhood would be a better place if healthy food options were more accessible (within walking distance)”, 96% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed: 98% of NPU-V respondents and 95% of respondents from other neighborhoods (Appendix B, Chart 10). Among NPU-V respondents, 83% strongly agreed with this statement, whereas 66% of respondents from other neighborhoods strongly agreed. This may be indicative of NPU-V residents’ greater desire for better access to healthy food. These results point towards community members’ belief that accessibility to healthy food can improve their neighborhood. Some statements from respondents on food include:
Respondents seem to want for more affordable, healthier, and more accessible healthy food options. A recurring theme from their comments was their desire to have a grocery store in what many call a “food desert”. Similarly, respondents were emphatic in their opposition to having more fast food chains. Many respondents have concerns about being able to afford healthier food if it is more accessible. A more comprehensive HIA could assess the relative needs or desires of residents for greater access to healthy food choices and decision makers could better address those needs accordingly. A comprehensive HIA would help obtain greater community feedback on how to improve access healthier food options that are affordable for community members. 5.1.5 TransportationSurvey participants were asked to provide their level of agreement with the statement, “My neighborhood would be a better place if transportation options included alternatives to driving, such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transportation.” Overall, 92% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with this statement: 93% of NPU-V respondents and 91% of respondents from other neighborhoods (Appendix B, Chart 11). Some statements from respondents on transportation include:
Respondents indicate that driving alternatives, such as bike lanes and mass transit, would be perceived positively by residents of neighborhoods near to the Turner Field redevelopment. Respondents appear to want greater integration of transportation into Atlanta’s current and future transportation routes, including the Beltline, MARTA, and the Atlanta Streetcar. A comprehensive HIA would enable GSU to more effectively obtain from the community its transportation concerns around the impact of the Turner Field redevelopment. In so doing, the comprehensive HIA may help decision makers address concerns of the Turner Field redevelopment's impact. Directory: 2015 2015 -> 587 Return function, r i(X) r i(0) r i(1) r i(2) r i(3) 1 0 2 4 6 Thermal Station, I 2 0 1 5 6 3 0 3 5 6 10 2015 -> Fall 2013 Spring 2014 Program Data: Standard 1 Exhibit 4d 2015 -> Police Militarization 2015 -> Medical Radiography Program 2015 -> 2015 ihbb championships: hs history Bowl Round 4 – Prelims First Quarter 2015 -> Desk review yemen 2015 -> Wrtp/big step · 3841 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, wi 53208 2015 -> 1. naclo 2015 – North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad 2015 -> Rao bulletin 1 December 2015 html edition this bulletin contains the following articles 2015 -> Volume Ⅴ (2015) On The 2015 China Victory Day Parade Download 189.92 Kb. Share with your friends:
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