Abstract

Problem, research strategy, and findings

In the 1990s, some cities across the United States invested significantly in expanding light rail transit (LRT) systems. As a result, transit-oriented development (TOD) near new stations became a desirable planning goal for local governments and lucrative to developers. In this study we examined evidence of gentrification in all LRT station areas before and after the opening of these new stations. We also tested the prevalence of gentrification in station areas specifically characterized as TODs. Longitudinal data across seven regions, from 1970 to 2010, demonstrated signs of gentrification in proximity to new stations compared with control areas. By 2000, the share of the White population grew near LRT stations, whereas the percentage of Black residents remained flat. From 1990 to 2010, we found signs of gentrification based on both demographic and economic indicators, including low-income populations. We also tested the relationship among built environment variables and a gentrification index, which revealed a positive correlation with walkability, density, and diversity variables. Our study did not include data to compare the differences in effectiveness between market-rate versus affordable housing, which should be part of future research.

Takeaway for practice

The results of this study should aid planners and policymakers in understanding the patterns of gentrification before and after the opening of LRT stations. Planners should be concerned with negative effects on Black and low-income residents well before LRT stations open. Our study provides evidence for the need to expand housing and job opportunities in a mixed-use environment as a critical strategy to reduce gentrification near LRT stations and in TODs.

中文翻译：

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交通诱导的高档化或反之亦然？

摘要

问题、研究策略和发现

1990 年代，美国的一些城市在扩建轻轨 (LRT) 系统方面进行了大量投资。因此，新车站附近的公交导向开发 (TOD) 成为地方政府的理想规划目标，并且对开发商有利可图。在这项研究中，我们检查了这些新车站启用前后所有轻轨车站区域中高档化的证据。我们还测试了以 TOD 为特征的车站区域中高档化的流行情况。从 1970 年到 2010 年，七个地区的纵向数据显示，与控制区域相比，新站点附近出现了高档化的迹象。到 2000 年，轻轨站附近的白人人口比例有所增加，而黑人居民的比例则持平。从 1990 年到 2010 年，我们发现了基于人口和经济指标（包括低收入人群）的高档化迹象。我们还测试了建筑环境变量和高档化指数之间的关系，该指数与步行性、密度和多样性变量呈正相关。我们的研究不包括比较市场价格与经济适用房之间有效性差异的数据，这应该是未来研究的一部分。

外卖练习

这项研究的结果应该有助于规划者和政策制定者了解轻轨车站开通前后的高档化模式。规划者应该在轻轨车站开通之前就关注对黑人和低收入居民的负面影响。我们的研究为在混合用途环境中扩大住房和就业机会的必要性提供了证据，作为减少轻轨站附近和 TOD 中高档化的关键策略。