Urban Blight and its Effects on Public Health

Although we often think of environmental health as that which concerns the natural environment, such as water and air quality, another important aspect is that of the built environment. In large, urban areas, such as Wayne County, the built environment is increasingly playing a role in the health of the population. Aspects of the built environment that can negatively affect health, although in more subtle ways than air pollution or water contamination, include derelict buildings, potholes, broken street lights, and graffiti. Extensive research has shown that urban decay can contribute significantly to depression and other mental disease (Messer, Maxson, & Miranda, 2013). Additionally, studies have found that urban decay can be a more sensitive indicator of health problems endemic to urban areas than poverty indexes alone (Cohen et al., 2000).

Rob Widdis, special to the Free Press, 2013.

An additional concern that accompanies darkened streets and other forms of urban decay is the reduced physical activity of city residents. When streets are dark and forms of urban blight are visible, such as broken windows and empty storefront, residents are far less likely to venture outside in order to walk or bicycle (Messer, Maxson, & Miranda, 2013). There is a strong association between the physical form of neighborhoods and the physical activity levels of inhabitants, meaning that blight and decay contribute to all the resulting health problems associated with low levels of physical activity, such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Furthermore, broken street lights can increase residents’ fear of crime and violence, as seen recently in Lincoln Park’s conundrum about how to deal with their street lighting problem (Lawrence, 2013).

 A recent article in the New York Times suggests that many blighted cities are advocating for razing rather than reconstruction (Williams, 2013). This is a rather counter-intuitive strategy is based on the premise that the most productive method of stabilization may not be rehabilitation but rather, demolition. Officials pushing for demolition hope that the razing will “stimulate economic growth, reduce crime and blight, and increase environmental sustainability” (Williams, 2013, pg. 2). The razing also prompts new residents to find new ways to use the land, such as developing community-sustained gardens and farms – improving the economic and nutritive health of the community dwellers.

Detroit has seen a growth of small, community farms in recent year. In 2001, Earthworks farm, located near downtown, initiated a relationship with the Wayne County Department of Health in order to promote fresh vegetables consumption among low income families with children. Earthworks suggested that the farm host weekly markets at local health clinics for cash and Project FRESH (a Women Infant and Children program) sales, enabling families with transportation limitations to easily access fresh, locally-grown food. 

Tom Boyden, Organic and Urban, 2013.

Demolishing obsolete and dilapidated buildings in order to use the land they occupy has the potential to solve multiple problems that decaying cities face. Firstly, it encourages the consumption of fresh food over processed, packaged food and promotes healthy eating. The initiative also supports economic growth by providing jobs to farm workers and market employees. Lastly, by bringing together the community and removing the intimidating sight of broken windows, abandoned buildings, and gang-based graffiti, the fear that plagues many inhabitants of blighted areas can be lifted to encourage walking and neighborhood reconciliation.