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Health Impact Analysis Findings



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5.2 Health Impact Analysis Findings


Having gathered data on the existing conditions and feedback on resident concerns via the community survey, the likely impacts of the Turner Field Redevelopment were determined and recommendations were made to mitigate the adverse impacts. These findings are specific to the proposed plans.

5.2.1 Employment Impact


As aforementioned, employment is a prominent concern amongst members of the community. The Turner Field Redevelopment is likely to change local employment conditions. The development may increase jobs for some residents and decrease jobs for other residents. The majority of anticipated increases in jobs seem as though they would come from low wage, service sector, while the jobs being lost would likely be from pre-existing local businesses. These changes in employment will primarily impact African Americans and low income persons, while disproportionately impacting people living in neighborhoods closest to the Turner Field Redevelopment. The ability of Georgia State University and related companies responsible for employment in the study area to provide jobs to current community members will impact the number of community members employed – particularly community members who might otherwise be unemployed or who become unemployed upon the departure of the Atlanta Braves.
Changes in employment status has known health impacts. Increases in employment can improve mental health, including reductions in depression, stress, drug abuse, and interpersonal violence (Farmer’s Field HIA). Additionally, employed persons have greater access to medical care through enhanced employment benefits (i.e. health insurance) and by increasing the ability of persons to afford medical care and medications (Farmer’s Field HIA).
The proposal as it stands lacks data regarding the type and number of jobs that will become available to NPU-V residents. Once the proposal is made clearer, it will be possible to assess the potential impact of the redevelopment on employment for NPU-V. For example, if the redevelopment involves opening a large chain grocery store, we will know how many full-time and part-time jobs will be created, as well as how many of those will match the qualifications of NPU-V residents. Conversely, if, for example, boutique-style clothing shops are set to open, it will be more difficult to project how many jobs, and what type of jobs will be available to residents, if any at all. A more comprehensive HIA should be able to assist in this regard once the details of the redevelopment are clearer.

5.2.2 Housing Impact


Residents of NPU-V are relatively unconcerned about increases in home-related costs, according to the findings of the survey. The potential exists for the redevelopment increase home values in the surrounding community. Without efforts to mitigate negative impacts, increases in home value can lead towards displacement and decreased housing affordability among current residents. Increases in displacement and decreases in housing affordability would be experienced more acutely by African Americans, low-income persons, seniors, the disabled, and other vulnerable populations. Further, it is likely that persons residing in neighborhoods closest to the redevelopment will be disproportionately impacted.
Displacement and decreased availability of affordable housing may have negative health impacts on vulnerable populations. Of particular interest to the community is the impact on social cohesion. The redevelopment may reduce social cohesion among current residents through displacement – such a disruption in social networks can reduce mental and physical health. Further, displaced persons may experience a greater mental health burden as a result of depression, stress, drug abuse, and suicides. The chronic disease burden may also increase as displaced persons experience greater stress, which is related to chronic disease risk factors like obesity and hypertension. As housing affordability decreases, vulnerable persons may be forced to move into poorer quality housing, which can increase their risk of respiratory illnesses. Residents of the community who become homeless as a result of the redevelopment may be at increased risk of infectious diseases as their exposure to such diseases increases. Finally, children of vulnerable families who are displaced due to decreased housing affordability may suffer the health effects of reduced quality of education and educational attainment, including increased risky behaviors and income-related health outcomes (i.e. chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes). However, there is not enough information in the current proposal to assess these impacts with any degree of accuracy.

5.2.3 Greenspace Impact


Community members are concerned about the role of greenspace in their neighborhood. Specifically, there is concern about its availability and functionality. Research demonstrates that increased green space in a community could encourage activities and conditions that would have a positive effect on mental, physical and community health outcomes. The current proposal adds some greenspace in NPU-V. The role of green space in health is likely to disproportionately impact neighborhoods closest to the redevelopment, including primarily African American and low-income residents.
Dependent on the types of additions, green space can increase physical activity, decrease in air pollution and the creation space for more opportunities for healthy community interaction (Dadvand et al., 2014). As a result of these changes, research advises a possibility for a decrease in prevalence of obesity, decreased risk of CVD, improvement of birth-weight and birth outcomes, decrease in prevalence of depression, emotional, anxiety and mood disorders, and an increase in community interaction, attachment and cohesion (Dadvand et al., 2014; Richardson et al., 2013; Dadvand et al., 2011; Nutsford & Kingham, 2013; Beyer et al., 2014; Flouri, Midouhas, & Joshi, 2014; Hunziker & Bauer, 2012; Arnberger & Eder, 2011). With these improvements comes the possibility of perceived higher quality of life (Arnberger & Eder, 2011). Previous studies have found that access to green space is a key environmental factor for increasing recreational physical activity, mental health, and overall wellbeing for the communities.
Community members proximal to Turner Field are concerned about the continued flooding as a result of the water runoff from Turner Field’s parking lots. There have been several instances where this runoff flooded the homes of individuals. The City of Atlanta has developed a plan to resolve this issue. However, if the impermeable surface of the parking lot could be replaced, at least in part, with a permeable surface like a park then this resident concern could be further alleviated.
Given that the current addition of greenspace is not well defined in terms of community availability and functionality, we are unable to determine whether the impact will be large or small on existing residents. Once the proposal provides more detail on how the greenspace will be integrated into the community and the amenities that will be available, better predictions may be had as to its health impact on the surrounding neighborhoods.

5.2.4 Food Impact


Community members of neighborhoods surrounding the Turner Field Redevelopment are concerned with the availability, accessibility, and affordability of healthy food options in their neighborhood. The current proposal does not provide data regarding the type and number of food retailers that will become available to NPU-V residents with the redevelopment. Once this data is available, measuring the potential health impact of the redevelopment as it relates to food will be feasible. A more comprehensive HIA can assess items like fast food density and grocery store accessibility once the proposal becomes more detailed to determine to determine the change in food access due to the redevelopment. Associated health outcomes might be predicted at that point.

5.2.4 Transportation Impact


Many community members who responded to the survey are passionate about the potential change in transportation in their neighborhood. Specifically, residents seem interested in the addition of alternate transit options, including the formation of bike lanes and additional mass transit options (MARTA, Streetcar). Transportation options for residents in a community can either encourage health promoting activities (i.e. physical activity) or environments deleterious to health (increased commute times). The current proposal explains the general trajectory of the transportation plan, including the use of a “Complete streets” mindset and the addition of pedestrian pathways. Hence, it is likely the impact of the redevelopment would be positive on mental, physical, and community health outcomes specific to transportation for current residents. Much of the improvement in health is likely to occur via the increase in physical activity and the decrease in time spent in sedentary behavior as occurs with extensive commute times. However, there may also be an increase in injuries if more people are participating in more activities. It is undetermined what the change in air and noise pollution exposure for current residents will be. The effects of transportation are likely to disproportionately impact neighborhoods closest to the redevelopment, including primarily African American, low-income, disabled, and other residents vulnerable to changes in transportation options.
Despite providing the general trajectory of the transportation plans, there is not much specificity regarding the enactment of such plans. Once these decisions or options are made, there will be much research needed on the potential health impacts in a future HIA.



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