Policy for the 'Bombed-Out' Areas of Large Central Cities: Fid-Bau Portal

Policy for the 'Bombed-Out' Areas of Large Central Cities

D. Netzer

This report analyzes the findings of a study of inner - city neighborhood abandonment in four Northeast and four Midwest cities. Several causes for decline were identified: (1) central city population decline; (2) new housing construction; (3) changes in centrality and the locational advantage of areas; (4) changes in the consumer appeal of housing types; (5) housing consumer perceptions of neighborhood public services, crime rates, and race and ethnicity; and (6) local housing policy. Abandonment in two of the cities (Baltimore, Md., and Boston, Mass.), did not constitute a problem. In the remaining six cities (New York, N.Y., Philadelphia, Pa., Chicago, Ill., Cleveland, Ohio, Detroit, Mich., and St. Louis, Mo.), combinations of causes differed, but in each case were so profound that no available or even conceivable policy could make a short - term difference. Federal and local policies have generally avoided these neighborhoods and considered them hopeless. A more long - term policy focus emphasizing reuse is the most appropriate. Early, large - scale Federal intervention is warranted in those areas where local policy continues to be self - destructive. Federal assistance can take three forms: (1) long - term planning assistance, (2) coordination and mobilization of existing policies, and (3) development of a large - scale urban land reclamation program.