Old Fourth

Ward [04W]

Health Impact Assessment

Built Environment & Public Health
Fall 2009
 Team background
Stephanie Allen
[Pursuing a Masters of City and Regional Planning, Georgia Tech
M.A., Philosophy & B.A., History & Philosophy of Science]

Laura Fries
[Pursuing a Masters of Digital Media, Georgia Tech
B.A., History & Sociology]

Kathy Lanier
[Pursuing a Master of Public Health, Emory University
B.A., Biochemistry]

Stephanie Allen -Georgia Tech Planning

Introduction
“The built environment
significantly affects the public
health. In the age of chronic
diseases there remains an
important connection between
population health and the built Modern Public Health
environment. Physical spaces studies have moved to
can expose people to toxins or examining the role of
the built environment
pollutants and influence
lifestyles that contribute to
diabetes, coronary vascular
disease, and asthma.”
Purdue, Wendy Collins, J.D.; Lesley A. Stone, JD, and Lawrence
O. Gostin, JD, LLD (Hon). "The Built Environment and Its
Relationship to the Public Health: The Legal Framework"
American Journal of Public Health. 2003
Presentation Outline
This rapid Health Impact Assessment looks at the
the Old Fourth Ward [O4W] Master Plan,
researches, and presents the impacts these
policies and projects may have on public health.
Part four of this written assessment outlines our
recommendations to improve health outcomes in
the Old Fourth Ward [O4W] neighborhood.
[image: study area in context with the universities]

Background [Physical Condition of Study Area, Demographic & Health Info]

Redevelopment Plan [Major Elements of the O4W Plan]
Methods [Team Methodology]
Recommendations
r1. Implement Old Fourth Ward Historic Park Strategy
r2. Increase Consumption of Healthy Foods
r3. Ensure Affordable Housing throughout O4W Study Area
r4. Address Community Health and Wellness in Master Plans

Conclusion [Policy Recommendations & Future Projections]

Background: 04W Physical Condition
Physical conditions throughout the study area vary widely. Here are a sampling of area conditions.

Boulevard Ave. - subsidized public housing, plagued with crime,

low retail opportunities, significant foot traffic

Historic Old Fourth Ward - gentrifying area, with new mixed

use development along Highland

Auburn Historic District - Pockets of restoration/tourism within

urban decay & abandoned storefronts
Background: Demographic Statistics
[2000]

In 2000, the population was 7,392 and still primarily (93.7%)

black.  Interest in gentrification, urban revival, and the
building of infill housing is expected to nearly quadruple the
population of the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood by 2035.
 Median family income in 2000 was $24, 484, which is
significantly lower than the Atlanta metropolitan average.
Seventy-five percent of housing units in the neighborhood in
2000 were renter occupied, while another 15% were vacant--
leaving only 10% of units to be owner occupied.

[graphics courtesy o4W Master Plan.]

Background: Population Health
[Fulton County]
72.9% renter-occupied housing units
04W in 2000
75 % renter occupied
15 % vacant
10 % owner occupied

27.4% claim disabled status

68.2% have at least a high school diploma
15.7% of residents are living in poverty [2006]
15.8% of public middle school students have asthma
14.0% mortality due to infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS,
tuberculosis, meningitis
30.2% mortality due to major cardiovascular diseases, such as high
blood pressure, stroke, heart attack
Georgia Department of Health Services, 2007, from Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates
(SAIPE), 2006. Poverty Estimates for Fulton County, US Census Bureau, 2000
Background: O4W Demographics
Higher Density & Per Capita Income Projections

o4W Projected Per Capita Income

o4W Population Trends; Actual & Projected

[graphics courtesy o4W Master Plan]

Background: O4W Demographics
Age & Income

[graphics courtesy arch.gatech.edu]

04W Plan Overview
Land Use Encourage higher density development to promote walking, biking, and public
transit use

Infrastructure & Facilities Improve community life, reduce crime & promote life-long
learning; stormwater management park will beautify area

Parks & Open Space New open space & community gardens, allowing residents to
grow food

Urban Design Create urban form that supports walking, community life, and aesthetics

Historic Preservation Support the adaptive re-use of existing structures and the
preservation of existing social fabric

Housing & Economic Development Economic & housing opportunities for broad
population spectrum; minimize potential for displacement

Transportation Reduce or eliminate need to drive in order to improve air quality and
promote public health; proposed trees along corridors and streets will clean the air, capture
carbon, and reduce urban heat island effect
Methods
A multidisciplinary team with experience in public health,
urban planning, and digital media convened to conduct a
health impact assessment (HIA) of the Old Fourth Ward
study area.

The team utilized the final Old Fourth Ward Master Plan as
the basis for the HIA.

The Fulton County morbidity and mortality data, which

included asthma rates, birth rates, cancer, and motor vehicle
data was used to characterize the health status of the study
area. Additional materials included urban planning journals,
news sources, and CDC publications.
r1. Fully Implement Plan for
Historic Old Fourth Ward Park
Phases 1 & 2
alone will reduce
impervious surface
area in the park by
approximately 50%
r1. 04w Park Plan Overview
Phase 1
5 acre park site with
2 acre stormwater
detention feature

Phase 2 & 3
30 acres of greenspace
[event lawns for public gatherings,
outdoor theatre, old-growth tree area,
community garden, dog park, lawns,
walking paths, rain gardens, picnic areas]
r1. 04W Park Health Benefits
Reducing impervious surface area can lessen heat island effect,
reduce the amount of runoff, leading to fewer sewer overflows
and less pollution washed into rivers and streams

Providing stormwater management lessens the probability

that drinking water will be contaminated due to sewer
overflow

Increasing the amount of green plants decreases carbon

dioxide and increases the oxygen
r1. 04W Park Health Benefits
Mature forests and gardens are carbon sinks & retain storm water in their
root systems

Public spaces help build relationships, social capital & community ties

Community gardens have social benefits, provide food security, nutritious

foods & exercise

Availability of green space is shown to increase resident walking

Contact with nature has been shown to improve self-esteem, reduce

incidence of negative feelings, and reduce the magnitude of stress.
r2. Increase Healthy Food
Consumption

1 - Expand availability of healthy food

2 - Engage neighborhood families & youth in

growing and cooking food
r2. Expand Healthy Food
Availability
• enable and support community gardens in
local parks, community lots, schools,
residential gardens
[example: Walnut Way, Milwaukee Garden to Market Program]

• work with existing food retailers to promote

healthier food options
[example: Healthy Corner Stores campaign, Washington D.C.]
r2. Engage Neighborhood In
Growing/Cooking Food
Develop programming to teach people how to
shop for & prepare fresh foods, promoting
environmental benefits, health benefits &
family activity of cooking
[example rogueApron Chef to School program]
r3. Ensure affordable housing
Planning for increased population and
gentrification should include measures
to ensure that existing residents are
not displaced
r3. Health Impacts, Housing
The percentage of renter-occupied
housing units is two times higher than
the national average

1/4 of Atlanta households live
in physically substandard units
as defined by the U.S.
Department of Housing and
Urban  Development.

[graphics courtesy arch.gatech.edu]

Bowen & Herndon homes

r3. Health Impacts, Housing
Research has shown that decent, affordable housing can:
Reduce health problems associated with exposure to allergens,
neurotoxins, and other dangers in the home by allowing families to access
better quality housing
Increase residential stability, allowing families to avoid unwanted moves
that lead children to change schools, which may impair their educational
progress
Decrease residential crowding and other sources of housing-related stress
that lead to negative developmental and educational outcomes for
children.

Techwood homes
r3. Housing Recommendations
Consider implementing policies designed to ensure there will
be affordable housing options for current residents.

Create inclusionary zoning policies and/or builder incentives

for new development & rehabilitation/retrofitting projects

Parts of the Old Fourth Ward are a part of the Beltline Tax
Allocation Districts (TADs), which are managed by the
Beltline Affordable Housing Advisory Board (BAHAB). The
BAHAB should ensure that affordable housing remains for
existing residents in the Old Fourth Ward.
r4. Address community Health &
Wellness in Master Plans
Quality of life is significantly tied to health: Consider access to
healthy foods & health care providers [primary care, dental care,
and mental health services] in the master planning process

Areas with the lowest socioeconomic status have higher infant

mortality rates, and rank lower on other health measures.

Residents in low-income neighborhoods are often less mobile -

plans that take this into account take initiative in promoting
the health of the community.
r4. Example, Community Health &
Wellness in Planning

[Lindsay Heights, Milwaukee, WI ]

Conclusions
Recommendations are based on interests in
promoting chronic and acute disease prevention
and the mental health and stability of the
community.
Planning charrettes and community meetings are
suggested and highly encouraged to help
determine the priorities and interests of
community residents in implementing
recommendations.

Recommendations
r1. Implement Old Fourth Ward Historic Park Stormwater
Management
r2. Increase Consumption of Healthy Foods
r3. Ensure Affordable Housing throughout O4W
r4. Address community health and wellness in master
plans
Selected Sources
Atlanta BeltLine. (2009). "Historic Fourth Ward Park in high gear!", from
http://www.beltline.org/BeltLineBasics/Maps/HistoricFourthWardPark/tabid/3872/
Default.aspx.
Frank L, KerrJ, Chapman J, Sallis J.  "Urban form relationships with walk trip
frequency and distance among youth" American Journal of Health Promotion  2007
Mar-Apr; 21(4 Suppl): 305-11
Maller, C. T., Mardie; Brown, Peter (2002). Healthy Parks Healthy People. The Health
Benefits of Contact with Nature in a Park Context. 1: page 55- 56.
Scott MM, Dubowitz T, Cohen DA.  "Regional Differences in Walking Frequency and
BMI: What Role does the Built Environment play for Blacks and Whites?"  Health
Place.  2009 Sep; 15(3):882-7
Shigematsu R, Sallis JF, Conway TL, Saelens BE, Frank LD, Cain KL, Chapman JE, King
AC.  "Age differences in the relation of perceived neighborhood environment to
walking" Medical Science Sports Exercise 2009 Feb; 41(2): 314-21
Shores, K. A. W., Stephanie T. (2008). "The Relationship Between Built Park
Environment and Physical Activity in Four Park Locations." Journal Public Health
Management Practice 14(3): E9-E16.
Ursano, Robert. Terrorism And Disaster: Individual And Community Mental Health
Interventions. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2003. Print.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2001). Report to Congress: Implementation
and Enforcement of the CSO Control Policy. EPA 833-R-01-003, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
Full Health Impact Assessment
available online at
oldfourthward.wordpress.com
-fin-
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