Let’s take a sec to imagine that we sincerely care about reducing the amount of violent crime in the inner cities.  This subject is reported on constantly.  Whether it is discussed as a problem that needs to be addressed or a symptom of systemic design it has been a discussion of politics, press, and general conversation. Yet for all of our leaders’ previous efforts, the crime rate remains a safety concern.  How could we improve it right now? 

What if one of the first reparative justice initiatives could be an initial focus of the recently passed Infrastructure Bill – to improve the quality of the environment in inner cities and other areas where black and brown folks live and white flight has taken a toll. 

Crime will lessen for the following reasons – 

o   Mental health will improve –seeing and connecting with nature and functional attractive buildings, streets without potholes, feels safer and improves esteem.

o   We could even justify revaluing the homes and offer financial support for those to stay and live rather than be gentrified away

o   This equals a better quality of life – if those who have been marginalized have a better quality of life then the rest of us benefit from a safer world.

Two resources that have proven this to be true.

Greening vacant urban land significantly reduces feelings of depression and improves overall mental health for the surrounding residents, researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine and the School of Arts & Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania found in a study: CLICK HERE TO VIEW STUDY

In 1985 Landscaping and Urban Planning published a scholarly article by Roger Urlich, Professor of Dept of Geography stating that humans prefer to view nature in urban settings.  Liking for Urban Scenes increases when trees and other forms of vegetation are present.  Viewing natural elements have a more positive influence on emotional and psychological states. CLICK HERE TO VIEW STUDY