Presenter: Abigail Raymond

Faculty Sponsor: Laura Castro-Diaz

School: UMass Boston

Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Auditorium, A56

ABSTRACT

Green gentrification is an offshoot of gentrification, which relates to the displacement of typically low-income residents following new urban developments. Green gentrification specifically refers to urban developments that include green spaces. Newly developed green spaces that are either meant to cater to wealthier and new clientele or benefit disenfranchised communities typically result in the displacement of these marginalized communities. As rents rise and property values increase, locations once familiar to residents become unfamiliar, forcing residents to relocate elsewhere. Because of this phenomenon, this study’s main objective is to explore how green place centered developments can avoid gentrification and ultimately lead to green reparations for historically disenfranchised communities through the process. To address the project objectives, a literature review will be conducted focusing on studies concerning urban greening, displacement, and environmental justice. Research will broadly focus on United States cases of study where greening projects have and have not resulted in population displacement, with a greater focus on the cities of Boston and Detroit for a comparative study. For statistical analysis data sets that cover the city of Boston and Detroit will be used within Arc GIS to produce maps comparing variables such as income status, race, education, and housing cost when met with increased green space developments.