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Community‐Engaged Neighborhood Revitalization and Empowerment: Busy Streets Theory in Action
Author(s) -
Rupp Laney A.,
Zimmerman Marc A.,
Sly Kathleen W.,
Reischl Thomas M.,
Thulin Elyse J.,
Wyatt Thomas A.,
Stock John Jack P.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
american journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.113
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1573-2770
pISSN - 0091-0562
DOI - 10.1002/ajcp.12358
Subject(s) - sense of community , collective efficacy , social capital , empowerment , sociology , social psychology , psychology , control (management) , social science , management , political science , economics , law
Busy streets theory predicts that engaging residents in physical revitalization of neighborhoods will facilitate community empowerment through the development of sense of community, social cohesion, collective efficacy, social capital, and behavioral action. Establishing safe environments fosters positive street activity, which reinforces neighborhood social relationships. A community‐engaged approach to crime prevention through environmental design ( CE ‐ CPTED ) is one promising approach to creating busy streets because it engages residents in collaborative interactions to promote safer environments. Yet, few researchers have studied how CE ‐ CPTED may be associated with busy streets. We interviewed 18 residents and stakeholders implementing CE ‐ CPTED in Flint, Michigan. We studied three neighborhoods with different levels of resident control over CE ‐ CPTED . Participants described how CE ‐ CPTED implementation affected their neighborhood. Participants from all three neighborhoods reported that CE ‐ CPTED was associated with positive street activity, sense of community, and collective efficacy. Participants from neighborhoods with higher resident control of CE ‐ CPTED reported more social capital and behavioral action than those from neighborhoods with less resident control. Our findings support busy streets theory: Community engagement in neighborhood improvement enhanced community empowerment. CE ‐ CPTED that combines physical revitalization with resident engagement and control creates a potent synergy for promoting safe and healthy neighborhoods.