Penn Study Shows That Improving Vacant Lots Enhances Health & Safety

Untended vacant lots are an eye sore, but a new study by Penn epidemiologists shows that cleaned and greened lots may reduce crime in the immediate area, as well improving public health.  The study, published this week and based on data from Philadelphia, shows that cleaning and greening vacant lots may reduce gun violence and vandalism. According to one of the study's authors “violent crime may have simply been discouraged in the presence of greened and tended vacant lots that signaled someone in the community cared and was watching over the space in question.” Residents near those lots also reported significantly less stress and more exercise, perhaps because they felt more comfortrable exercising in a cleaner and safer environment. For more information on the study, click here.