Date of Award
5-2012
Document type
dissertation
Access Type
Open Access Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Degree Program
Regional Planning
First Advisor
Henry C. Renski
Second Advisor
John R. Mullin
Third Advisor
Michael A. Ash
Subject Categories
Urban, Community and Regional Planning
Abstract
Why do some communities thrive after closure of a major employment center such as a military base, while others suffer for many years with long-term unemployment, decaying infrastructure, or other indicators of a weak economy? Through a mixed-methods approach, this paper examines a wide variety of community characteristics from past base closures, builds a model of the most relevant indicators of success or failure, and then offers redevelopment lessons to communities facing base redevelopment. This research incorporates a multivariate statistical analysis including panel regression and then a historical study of the five major BRAC closures in New England. While strong pre-existing economic and social conditions are indicative of successful recovery in many situations, there is no universal set of indicators that can predict success. Nonetheless, there are actions that communities can take to help navigate a military base redevelopment - these include establishing a strong leadership system, aggressively seeking federal and state funding, and orchestrating comprehensive planning that synchronizes market research with available infrastructure and opportunity.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/3297580
Recommended Citation
Schliemann, Bernd F., "From Tank Trails to Technology Parks: the Impact of Base Redevelopment for New England" (2012). Open Access Dissertations. 594.
https://doi.org/10.7275/3297580
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/open_access_dissertations/594