NEIGHBORHOOD EFFECTS OF HOPE VI: EVIDENCE FROM BALTIMORE
Embargo until
Date
2003-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies
Abstract
In the early 1990s, the HOPE VI initiative emerged as a way to address the severe social
and physical problems plaguing high-rise public housing. HOPE VI replaces the high-rises with
low-rise, mixed income developments that include homeownership units. The New Urbanism
and other theories underlying HOPE VI suggest that the new developments would be more
resistant to the damaging pathologies that had become endemic to the high-rise communities. The purpose of this study was to explore whether the effects of five HOPE VI
redevelopments in Baltimore extended to their immediate and surrounding neighborhoods--so
called “spillover effects.” These sites are: (1) Pleasant View Gardens; (2) The Townes at the
Terraces; (3) Heritage Crossing; (4) Broadway Overlook; and (5) Flag House Courts. Using a
mixed-method design and both quantitative and qualitative data, we examined such potential
spillover effects as the quality of the physical environment, economic activity, the social
environment, crime rates, and image. For the two fully-constructed developments, we used a
pre-post comparison, investigating these neighborhoods before, and after, the implementation of
the HOPE VI program. For the other three neighborhoods that are in varying stages of
completion, we examined both the effect that the transition period between demolition and
rebuilding has had on the immediate and adjacent neighborhoods, and whether, in anticipation of
HOPE VI funding, there have been any neighborhood effects motivated by the announcement of
the funding. We also compared changes in HOPE VI neighborhoods to changes in the city of
Baltimore as a whole, to account for external factors operating during the same time period as
the HOPE VI program, such as changes in the economic climate and welfare reform.
Description
Prepared by
Introduction to Policy Analysis Students
Fall 2002
Master's Program in Public Policy
S.J. Newman, Professor
Keywords
New Urbanism, Public housing, Redevelopment