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Three reasons why NOT to build a dog park in Columbia Heights

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Three reasons why NOT to build a dog park in Columbia Heights

UPDATE: DC Council made their $2.1 million bid for the lot in support of the dog park in early February. The lot is on the open market until the end of the month. According to an article in The Washington Post, DC Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau (D-Ward 1) is not optimistic that the city will win the bid.
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We all love our furry friends, but prioritizing a dog park in Columbia Heights over much-needed housing may be unethical. In an article for Greater Greater Washington Nick Finio, an NCSG Faculty Research Assistant, and Alex Baca, Engagement Director at Coalition for Smarter Growth, look at what we’re missing when we prioritize pets over people. The authors conclude that a luxury good (such as a dog park) is not worth the effect of driving house prices even higher, especially when DC taxpayers would ultimately be paying for the $2.1 million parcel of land.
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Nick FinioJan 25No Comments

Story mapping drives meaningful engagement in disadvantaged communities

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Story mapping drives meaningful engagement in disadvantaged communities

Community developers and planners have long recognized the value of storytelling to engage communities. Yet, in working with disadvantaged communities, they are often challenged to meaningfully engage residents and uncover place values that can help drive community development strategies. In a case study of Langley Park, Maryland, NCSG Director of Community Development Willow Lung-Amam and Chair of the Urban Studies and Planning Program Casey Dawkins investigate how new story mapping techniques and technologies can empower traditionally marginalized voices. Participatory story mapping gives people a tool tell a more complex narrative of a place and create development and planning that respects all stakeholders. The case study was published in the Community Development Journal.

 

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Nick FinioJan 19No Comments

Urban redevelopment of this Maryland suburb is a model of equity for immigrant populations

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Urban redevelopment of this Maryland suburb is a model of equity for immigrant populations

In a case study of Wheaton, Maryland, NCSG Director of Community Development Willow Lung-Amam explores “urban-like” development patterns in the suburbs and the struggles over gentrification and displacement. The article, published by the Journal of Urban Affairs, explores how redevelopment impacted suburban immigrants and small businesses in the region and how they fought back. Interviews with key stakeholders and examination of secondary documents about Wheaton’s redevelopment show the challenges of advancing equitable development in suburbs. Grassroots activists and grasstops policymakers have slowly built the capacity of communities to balance the scales of development. As suburbs redevelop, the article offers lessons about the consequences for socially and economically vulnerable groups and the political and community-based structures and support needed to advance equitable outcomes.
Image by Willow Lung-Amam
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Nick FinioJan 16No Comments