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Publication Mature Industrial Communities: The Realities of Reindustrialization(1987) Mullin, John R.; Armstrong, Jeanne H.This article analyzes the reindustrialization problems facing mature-industry communities in Massachusetts. The findings are based upon our planning consulting work and research projects involving forty cities and towns. The range of these communities includes those which have recovered, are on their way to recovery, and are stable; those which are declining; and those whose status is indeterminate. A variety of factors are reviewed, including unionization; work-force characteristics; the relationship between small and large plants; the characteristics of local companies; location; financing; the availability of land; and the role of local planning. Finally, we present recommendations concerning local action and possible state-policy initiatives.Publication Review: Putting Skills to Work: How to Create Good Jobs in Uncertain Times, by Lowe, Nichola(2022-01-01) Mullin, John R.In the aftermath of World War II, a gradual but steady social contract emerged between labor organizations and business. This contract included commitments by the business sector to pay a living wage to workers and their families and to provide them paid vacations, medical plans, and retirement programs. Moreover, it included commitments to skill development opportunities through on-the-job training that would position these workers for upward advancement. For the most part, this contract lasted until the 1980s, when the federal government’s resistance to passing legislation requiring fair wages, the declining power of unions, strong international competition, and increased automation coalesced to the point the contract began to erode. One of the most significant benefits affected by this erosion was company-sponsored skill development. Taking the position that the nation’s educational institutions were better suited to train entry-level workers, the business community supported efforts to shift that responsibility to universities, four-year colleges, and community colleges. They were successful in this endeavor. However, while this approach prepared the worker for the world of work, it did not, and could not, provide the skill-related training specific to a company’s needs. Moreover, it did not provide new workers the opportunity to develop their skills in the context of a company’s corporate culture. The net result has been new workers entering the workforce without the required skills, leaving both employees and employers dissatisfied.Publication Economic Impacts of Housing(1997) Kotval, Zenia; Mullin, John R.Publication Transformative Temporary Use(2010-01-01) Kotval, Zenia; Machemer, P.; Mullin, John R.Communities employ land use planning as a way to standardize how a community looks and to ensure that land uses are distributed in an efficient and ethical manner. A temporary, seasonal, or interim use is in effect for a defined purpose and a set period of time, after which it expires. Finding productive, temporary uses for underutilized (e.g., park, sidewalk) or vacant land and buildings can reverse disinvestment, foster a sense of community, curb crime, save on maintenance costs, spur economic activity for surrounding businesses, create market demand, and raise property values. Temporary uses can be an effective community and economic development tools. This guide explores four increasingly popular temporary uses: events, urban agriculture, building reuse, and street vending. Keywords: temporary, seasonal, interim, use, planning, economic, development, events, reuse, vending. 1 What is a temporary use? Throughout the United States, in community after community, there is increasing interest in revitalizing older, built-up areas. The motivation comes from many sources, including the smart-growth movement, the desire to protect green areas, and the need to maximize infrastructure investment. It also comes from the need to maximize the tax reserves: vacant land pays very little. Planners have many means at their disposal to stimulate interest in these vacant areas, but enabling active temporary use is one that is becoming increasingly popular and which, to date, has received only limited attention. The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze temporary uses and explain how they can be of economic benefit to smaller communities struggling to create vitality and maximize their tax bases.Publication William Wood, The American Woolen Company and the Creation of a Model Mill Village in Shawsheen, Massachusetts(2022-01-01) Mullin, John R.; Kotval, ZeniaShawsheen, a model mill village planned and built in Andover, Massachusetts, between 1906 and 1924, was based on the vision of William Wood, then president of the American Woolen Company. It was arguably the most unique textile mill village ever built in New England. The article begins with a discussion of the motivation for the project. It then shifts to a summary of the critical features of Wood’s vision and identifies the historic institutional paths that informed him. This is followed by an analysis of how the plan was successfully implemented and an explanation of what happened to Shawsheen over time. The article ends with an interpretation of the significance of the Shawsheen experience in the context of the history of New England mill towns.Publication Towards the creation of model mill cities in New England: the planning contributions of the Boston manufacturing company in Waltham, Massachusetts(2021-01-01) Mullin, John R.; Kotval, ZeniaThis paper describes and analyses the experiences of the Boston Manufacturing Company (BMC) as it planned and developed its mill seat in Waltham, Massachusetts between 1813 and 1850. Based on the vision of Francis C. Lowell, the experiences of previous mill experiments in Connecticut and Rhode Island and the innovations of on-site managers, its physical planning significantly informed the development of future mill cities in New England. In essence, the BMC served as a transitional experiment linking what came to be called the Rhode Island and Lowell Systems of mill development. While many of the elements of the BMC have been previously researched, there is a gap concerning how the BMC, working with Waltham’s civic leaders, implemented its plans in a climate of mutual harmony, respect and support to the point that the BMC continued to expand with minimal government interference and Waltham’s quality of life steadily improved.Publication European Contributions to American City and Regional Planning: A Snapshot of the Flow of Concepts and Ideas Across the Atlantic(2020-01-01) Mullin, John; Kotval, ZeniaIt has long been noted that America has adopted and adapted many of its city planning principles based on the experiences of European nations. This paper identifies and concisely explains ten of the most significant European planning elements that have influenced American planning since Puritan times (1630-1680) to the present. These examples were selected as a result of our scholarly research, field work and consulting experiences both in Europe and the United States. The intent of the paper is to contribute to the dialogue on the transference of planning visions, concepts and approaches from European nations to the New World.Publication Manufacturing in Puritan rural towns in New England 1630-60: 'A Miller Never Goes to Heaven'(2021-01-01) Mullin, John R.; Kotval, ZeniaThis article is an analysis of the influence of blacksmiths, and saw and grain millers on the development of Puritan communities in the Massachusetts Bay Colony between 1630 and 1660. During this period these artisans played a significant role in defining the physical form of the rural Puritan town and its economic development, without intent and in a social and cultural climate where they were often disliked and distrusted. This article focuses on the impacts of these manufacturers on the formation and physical character of Puritan communities in New England.Publication Designing a Data Commons for Big Data(2017-01-01) French, Steven P; Barchers, CamilleInfrastructure systems and smart buildings are rapidly joining the Internet of Things and evolving into advanced cyber-physical systems. As a result, massive amounts of data that characterize the structure and function of urban areas in minute detail are being generated. However, these data are often fragmented and managed by a variety of public agencies and private corporations. As a result, they are not readily available to the urban research community. This paper lays out a strategy to develop a data commons that would collect, curate and distribute Urban Big Data to support research on infrastructure systems and how they interact with the human populations they support.Publication The relationship between municipal highway expenditures and sociodemographic status: Are safety investments equitably distributed?(2021-01-01) Ryan, Alyssa; Christofa, Eleni; Barchers, Camille; Knodler, Michael A.Different population groups have varying transportation needs based on their region type, socio‐economic, and socio‐demographic characteristics. Yet, municipal highway funding allocation methods do not typically consider these differences. Throughout the United States, municipal highway funding allocation is based upon fixed formulas that often only account for highway mileage and/or population size rather than equal benefits and funding outcomes across different population groups. This potentially creates an inequitable funding allocation process leading to safety and accessibility disparities between different population groups. This research investigates the extent to which the distribution of resources is not equal when evaluated by population group. Specifically, the relationship between municipal highway expenditures and poverty levels, population aged 65 years and older, race, and remoteness is investigated using data from the states of New York and Massachusetts. Using linear regression techniques, several models were developed that relate municipal highway expenditures with the socio‐economic and socio‐demographic characteristics of municipalities. The results revealed that there are clear municipal highway expenditure disparities between different population groups. Municipalities that have higher poverty levels experience a lower highway expenditure rate per local mile. Further, municipalities located in remote areas far from large metropolitan regions experience a disproportionately lower highway expenditure rate per local mile. Moreover, the results of this study indicate the need to consider how funding methods can address social differences.Publication Novel Urban Ecosystems: Opportunities from and to Landscape Architecture(2021-01-01) Teixeira, Catarina Patoilo; Fernandes, Cláudia Oliveira; Ahern, JackNovel assemblages of biotic, abiotic, and social components resulting from human-induced actions (e.g., climate change, land-use change, species movement) have been labeled as “Novel Ecosystems”, or “Novel Urban Ecosystems” when emerging in urban contexts. This concept has been shifting perspectives among some scientists and making them question traditional values about human-nature interactions in a rapidly changing era dominated by anthropogenic actions (Anthropocene). Controversial dimensions surrounding the Novel Ecosystems and Novel Urban Ecosystems terms may be preventing the evolution and further research of these concepts. The environmental problems that our society will soon face support a search for innovative solutions and transdisciplinary efforts. For that reason, this discussion should not cease, rather should expand to other fields of knowledge that can contribute with pertinent insights and collaborations. This way, this short communication aims to reflect on the opportunities from Landscape Architecture to the discussion, research, and application of the novel ecosystems concepts in the real world, particularly in the urban landscape, and also reflect on the opportunities of this debate to the Landscape Architecture field. Ultimately, Landscape Architecture can contribute with innovative and creative perspectives, acceding valuable and advanced tools, facilitating dialogues between fields of knowledge, and bridging gaps between science, people, and nature.Publication Street Trees for Bicyclists, Pedestrians, and Vehicle Drivers: A Systematic Multimodal Review(2021-01-01) Eisenman, Theodore; Coleman, Alicia F.; LaBombard, GregoryMultimodal Complete Streets have emerged as a prominent aspiration of urban planning to ensure safe access for all users of streets including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit users. Concurrently, municipal leaders are pursuing ambitious tree planting initiatives. These co-arising trends are potentially good news, as trees are important elements of livable cities and Complete Streets. Yet, street trees may have different health and safety benefits and disbenefits for various circulation modes. To advance a multimodal approach to research and practice, we undertook a systematic literature review with goals to (1) identify the scholarly literature addressing links between street trees, human health, and safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicle drivers; (2) depict the principal disciplines, themes, and conceptual scope of this research; and (3) discuss the implications for urban planning and design practice and research. This review drew upon 13 scholarly databases and yielded 63 relevant articles spanning 15 countries, of which 49 constituted original research. The systematic analysis covers eight research categories. Findings show exponential growth in related scholarship over the past two decades, especially for pedestrians. Journals oriented toward interdisciplinary planning and public health and safety are leading this rise, and benefits far outweigh disbenefits. Yet, there are multimodal tensions especially as it relates to the role of street trees in relationship to drivers and pedestrians. Implications for research and practice are discussed, with an eye towards governance, design, and equity.Publication From Mill Town to Mill Town: The Transition of a New England Town from a Textile to a High-Technology Economy(1986) Mullin, John; Armstrong, Jeanne; Kavanagh, JeanThis article describes and analyzes the economic transformation of Maynard, Massachusetts. Located twenty-six miles west of Boston, Maynard was the home of the world's largest woolen mill. In 1950 the mill closed and 1,200 jobs were lost. During the next ten years, the town gradually recovered as the mill became the home of several innovative companies. Ultimately, the mill became the headquarters for the world's largest manufacturer of minicomputers. The circle is now complete: the mill is full and houses a company that claims a "world's largest" designation. The article analyses the rise and fall of the American Woolen Company; examines the steps taken to stimulate recovery, and their results; identifies and examines the important elements that led to the economic transformation; and offers potential lessons for planners in towns undergoing similar changes.Publication Linking Urban Tree Cover Change and Local History in a Post-Industrial City(2021-01-01) Roman, Lara A.; Catton, Indigo J.; Greenfield, Eric J.; Pearsail, Hamil; Eisenman, Theodore; Henning, Jason G.Municipal leaders are pursuing ambitious goals to increase urban tree canopy (UTC), but there is little understanding of the pace and socioecological drivers of UTC change. We analyzed land cover change in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (United States) from 1970–2010 to examine the impacts of post-industrial processes on UTC. We interpreted land cover classes using aerial imagery and assessed historical context using archival newspapers, agency reports, and local historical scholarship. There was a citywide UTC increase of +4.3 percentage points. Substantial UTC gains occurred in protected open spaces related to both purposeful planting and unintentional forest emergence due to lack of maintenance, with the latter phenomenon well-documented in other cities located in forested biomes. Compared to developed lands, UTC was more persistent in protected open spaces. Some neighborhoods experienced substantial UTC gains, including quasi-suburban areas and depopulated low-income communities; the latter also experienced decreasing building cover. We identified key processes that drove UTC increases, and which imposed legacies on current UTC patterns: urban renewal, urban greening initiatives, quasi-suburban developments, and (dis)investments in parks. Our study demonstrates the socioecological dynamism of intra-city land cover changes at multi-decadal time scales and the crucial role of local historical context in the interpretation of UTC change.Publication Urban Greenways: A Systematic Review and Typology(2020-01-01) Horte, Olivia S.; Eisenman, Theodore S.Greenways are multifunctional linear landscapes that provide a range of socio-ecological benefits. As a domain of landscape planning research, greenways gained traction in the late 20th century and today, there is substantial interest in greenway planning and design. This is especially true in urban areas, as noted at the sixth Fábos Conference on Landscape and Greenway Planning. Yet, cities encompass biophysical flows, sociopolitical relationships, and formal structures that are distinct from non-urban areas and urban greenways may reflect an evolving type of landscape planning and design that is related to but distinct from greenways writ large. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no previous review of scholarship on greenways in an urban context. We address the aforementioned gaps by reporting on a systematic assessment of peer-reviewed literature. The review encompasses 52 refereed articles using the term “urban greenway” or “urban greenways” in the title, abstract, or keywords drawn from three prominent academic databases. Our analysis covers seven research categories, and this undergirds a typology and definition of urban greenways. In so doing, we seek to illuminate typical traits of urban greenways to inform future landscape planning scholarship and practice.Publication According to the Plan: Testing the Influence of Housing Plan Quality on Low-Income Housing Production(2017-01-01) Ramsey-Musolf, DarrelFor more than 20 years, scholars have assessed a plan’s content to determine the plan’s quality, with quality serving as a proxy for planning efficacy. However, scholars rarely examine the relationship between a plan’s quality and the plan’s intended outcome. Thus, it is unclear whether quality influences planning outcomes or even advances equity. To close this gap, this study assessed a non-random sample of housing plans from 43 cities in California’s Los Angeles and Sacramento regions to observe how cities accommodated low-income housing needs and to observe whether each plan’s quality influenced low-income housing production. The analysis indicates that the plans identified 42 different planning tools to accommodate low-income housing needs, and nearly 60% of the implementing objectives proposed construction programs. Quality is influential after the city’s location, land-use, population, and the plan’s compliance with state housing law are taken into account. In summary, quality illuminated how these cities accommodated low-income housing needs and, in conjunction with other city conditions, quality influences low-income housing production. Due to this non-random sample, this study calls on planning scholars to subject quality to more empirical tests on planning outcomes in other areas to increase quality’s importance in scholarship.Publication University Community Partnerships(2014-01-01) Cooper, Jonathan G.; Kotval-K, Zeenat; Kotval, Zenia; Mullin, JohnUniversity-Community Partnerships have been recognized as a valuable contribution to both the academic community and our cities and towns. In the words of Henry Cisneros, former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Design secretary, “The long-term futures of both the city and the university in this country are so intertwined that one cannot—or perhaps will not—survive without the other.” Increasingly, colleges and university are bringing their time, energy and resources to bear on local problems. They are using their other physical, financial and intellectual capital to facilitate economic development, provide social services, technical assistance and create opportunities for applied research.Publication Accessory Dwelling Units as Low-Income Housing: California’s Faustian Bargain(2018-01-01) Ramsey-Musolf, DarrelIn 2003, California allowed cities to count accessory dwelling units (ADU) towards low-income housing needs. Unless a city’s zoning code regulates the ADU’s maximum rent, occupancy income, and/or effective period, then the city may be unable to enforce low-income occupancy. After examining a stratified random sample of 57 low-, moderate-, and high-income cities, the high-income cities must proportionately accommodate more low-income needs than low-income cities. By contrast, low-income cities must quantitatively accommodate three times the low-income needs of high-income cities. The sample counted 750 potential ADUs as low-income housing. Even though 759 were constructed, no units were identified as available low-income housing. In addition, none of the cities’ zoning codes enforced low-income occupancy. Inferential tests determined that cities with colleges and high incomes were more probable to count ADUs towards overall and low-income housing needs. Furthermore, a city’s count of potential ADUs and cities with high proportions of renters maintained positive associations with ADU production, whereas a city’s density and prior compliance with state housing laws maintained negative associations. In summary, ADUs did increase local housing inventory and potential ADUs were positively associated with ADU production, but ADUs as low-income housing remained a paper calculation.Publication Pathways to Coastal Resiliency: The Adaptive Gradients Framework(2018-01-01) Hamin, Elisabeth M.; Abunnasar, Yaser; Dilthey, Max Roman; Judge, Pamela K.; Kenney, Melissa A.; Kirshen, Paul; Sheahan, Thomas C.; DeGroot, Don J.; Ryan, Robert L.; McAdoo, Brian G.; Nurse, Leonard; Buxton, Jane A.; Sutton-Grier, Ariana E.; Albright, Elizabeth A.; Marin, Marielos Arlen; Fricke, RebeccaCurrent and future climate-related coastal impacts such as catastrophic and repetitive flooding, hurricane intensity, and sea level rise necessitate a new approach to developing and managing coastal infrastructure. Traditional “hard” or “grey” engineering solutions are proving both expensive and inflexible in the face of a rapidly changing coastal environment. Hybrid solutions that incorporate natural, nature-based, structural, and non-structural features may better achieve a broad set of goals such as ecological enhancement, long-term adaptation, and social benefits, but broad consideration and uptake of these approaches has been slow. One barrier to the widespread implementation of hybrid solutions is the lack of a relatively quick but holistic evaluation framework that places these broader environmental and societal goals on equal footing with the more traditional goal of exposure reduction. To respond to this need, the Adaptive Gradients Framework was developed and pilot-tested as a qualitative, flexible, and collaborative process guide for organizations to understand, evaluate, and potentially select more diverse kinds of infrastructural responses. These responses would ideally include natural, nature-based, and regulatory/cultural approaches, as well as hybrid designs combining multiple approaches. It enables rapid expert review of project designs based on eight metrics called “gradients”, which include exposure reduction, cost efficiency, institutional capacity, ecological enhancement, adaptation over time, greenhouse gas reduction, participatory process, and social benefits. The framework was conceptualized and developed in three phases: relevant factors and barriers were collected from practitioners and experts by survey; these factors were ranked by importance and used to develop the initial framework; several case studies were iteratively evaluated using this technique; and the framework was finalized for implementation. The article presents the framework and a pilot test of its application, along with resources that would enable wider application of the framework by practitioners and theorists.Publication Financial Performance Guarantees: The State of Practice(1989) Feiden, Wayne; Burby, Raymond; Kaiser, EdwardFinancial performance guarantees are tools for ensuring that funds needed to pay for improvements called for by development permits and approvals are available in the event a developer defaults on permit requirements. Once limited to surety bonds and cash escrows, new types of guarantees have been developed and are coming into common use. Standby letters of credit, in particular, are being used more widely and have a number of advantages. To use guarantees successfully, municipal governments must make careful decisions about a number of administrative matters. Evidence from 309 municipalities reported in this article can help local planners make the right choices.