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Real estate development as a sector has historically had problems with accountability to the communities they build in. This lack of accountability shows up through environmental and building noncompliance, environmental injustices resulting from negligent developers and construction practices, and longer-term gentrification by displacement of residents.
The Healthy Neighborhoods Study (HNS) is addressing this issue of developer accountability to help residents hold community power and equip them with tools to push against poor development practices "bad" developers often use.
This project is focused on providing New Bedford residents with resources for understanding the responsibilities of real estate developers have when building in their neighborhoods, and what rights residents have in their communities. Ultimately, the goal of this project is to have transparency between developers and residents, which can foster trust and positive environmental, health, and social outcomes.
Check out the video below which explains what guides the HNS work and what the project team aims to accomplish.
When can this tool be used?
When can this tool be used?
This tool can be implemented whenever a resident expects that developers are not being compliant with rules around development practices. We want developers to be good "neighbors" who respect the communities they work in, and hopefully this tool will help residents know their rights and push developers to be better.
How can it help communities and developers build trust?
How can it help communities and developers build trust?
Accountability is built on trust; we are providing this information for transparency to residents about developer responsibilities, and to provide tools for constructive communication between residents and developers. While it may not often be easy, making sure that there is a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities of specific parties, and having clear avenues to address issues between parties can lead to better relationships long-term and an understanding on the toll these issues take on both sides. We hope to inspire empathy amongst developers to how their work can affect residents, and give residents resources to better engage developers with the support of local government actors and community based organizations.
What issues could developers address to improve accountability?
What issues could developers address to improve accountability?
How do these issues impact communities?
How do these issues impact communities?
When communities have a say over what is happening in their community (or ownership of change (OCC) as defined by HNS), there are typically higher levels of physical health, mental health, and social cohesion. This ownership of change can look like:
➤ COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP
HNS talks about both legal ownership, and the sense of ownership that arises from the ability for self-determination, accountability, resistance, and resilience and which requires a shift in power.
➤ COMMUNITY CONTROL
Control over the changes happening in your neighborhood (and your site specifically) in both the practical advocacy and results, but also knowing that you are empowered to do so.
We explore specific health impacts of environmental issues exacerbated by "bad" real estate development practices in the Issues section of this website.
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