OUP - Abstract

Urban Transformations: Does Inner-City Revitalization Pose a Risk to Neighborhood Cohesion?

Dissertation School: Tulane University

Abstract:

The purpose of this dissertation is to conduct research on how major urban revitalization initiatives affect cohesion in inner-city neighborhoods. It is undertaken with the anticipation that the results of the study will inform the community practice of social work as well as enlighten city governments, urban planners, community organizers, members of community development corporations and architects.

Stratified samples drawn from three inner-city housing developments in North Central Philadelphia will be measured for cohesion in a cross-sectional survey. The dissertation will evaluate this data in a comparative treatment using multiple regression and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) statistical analyses for the effects these urban revitalization initiatives had on the cohesion of each neighborhood. This study defines revitalization as a joint commercial and housing development initiative in a wholly public (HUD/FHA)) or public/nonprofit (501c3) partnership venture. The neighborhoods are (with their dates of development) Yorktown (1960s), West Poplar (1980s) and Cecil B. Moore. These neighborhoods are in the immediate proximity of JUMP USA, a $51 million commercial development project that will feature restaurants, upscale shops, and movie theaters in a multiplex style mall.

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