Vacant Land Assessment And Ground-truthing In Cleveland: A New Framework For Green Infrastructure On Unbuildable Vacant Lots In Buckeye-Woodhill
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Cleveland, Ohio is home to roughly 360,000 people and 30,000 vacant lots. Population loss and economic decline, due to deindustrialization and the 2008 housing crisis, led to the city’s rise in foreclosed properties, with thousands of them demolished by local land banks. These now vacant lots hold potential for housing development and green infrastructure. Their viability for green infrastructure is particularly important as Cleveland and its residents look to increase green spaces, notably in disinvested communities with excessive vacancies. However, the land bank’s current structure limits green infrastructure projects, as housing remains a major objective. By establishing which vacant lots are unbuildable for housing, more green infrastructure projects can be implemented. Using the Cleveland property survey, with organizational and local knowledge, this framework can guide vacant lot redevelopment which will provide Cleveland the opportunity to improve neighborhoods and health outcomes by establishing environmental amenities that create lasting community value.