Improving community safety by transforming vacant lots in Indianapolis
Community violence prevention through community-engaged vacant property reuse: Longitudinal application of Busy Streets Theory in Indianapolis
This study is looking at how turning empty lots into useful community spaces can help lower crime and violence in cities, especially by getting local residents involved in the process, and it will track crime rates around 120 sites in Indianapolis over five years to see how well these changes work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10827483 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how transforming vacant lots into productive community spaces can reduce crime and violence in urban areas. By engaging local residents in the revitalization process, the study aims to assess the long-term impact of these improvements on crime rates, particularly firearm violence. Researchers will analyze crime incidents around 120 project sites in Indianapolis over a five-year period, focusing on the effectiveness of community involvement in sustaining these efforts. The study seeks to provide evidence on the benefits of community-led initiatives in enhancing public safety.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include residents of neighborhoods in Indianapolis with high rates of vacant lots and associated crime.
Not a fit: Patients living in areas with low vacancy rates or those not affected by community violence may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer neighborhoods and reduced rates of violence through community-driven improvements of vacant properties.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that community engagement in urban greening projects can lead to reductions in crime, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heinze, Justin Edward — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Heinze, Justin Edward
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.