COMMUNITY ANALYSIS

Understanding an area whether that is a “neighborhood”, street intersection or corner, Census Tract, or some other physical place can help us better understand who lives there, what features exists such as schools, parks, libraries and grocery stores.

When given a choice, most people prefer to live close to the basics of community life—schools, stores, parks, libraries, and shops. Research has revealed that living in areas and communities that are rich in amenities positively affects socially positive attributes such as trust, "neighborliness", mental and physical well-being, and increased school attendance and performance by school-aged children.

The following analysis attempts to provide some insight into how best to move forward to answer these questions.

 _{Note: as you scroll through the presentation, map layers may load slowly; be patient and allow a few seconds for the information to load.} 

Using the Geographic Information Science (GIS) software--which is a special geographic-based analysis tool--a 15-minute drive time and a 15-minute walk time boundary were created based on the location of Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church (see map). This travel distance tool considers the time it would take a vehicle driving (or a person walking) on the local street network (and associated speed limits and stop signs) to drive/walk to, or from, the church location. The measure of 15 minute driving/walking time is a commonly used baseline to determine a community area, though other measures can also determine community.

In addition to the drive time area (in dark blue) and walking time (in pink), city council districts were also included to provide some geographic context.

Determining your local community

This map shows a layer that begins to establish the community context of Baltimore based on city council districts. This initial step helps provide a general sense for the area around Brown Memorial Park Avenue Church, and also informs what city leaders are responsible for specific areas of the City of Baltimore.

Contact information is visible by clicking on city council districts; a pop-up box will appear.

Knowing the characteristics of the population that live near the church allows better understanding of their needs or factors that affect their lifestyle such as income, access to a vehicle, age, and household income.

For example, knowing where large numbers of people who are 65 years old and older might present an opportunity for an outreach effort or a meals on wheels program. Knowing where households headed by a single female may reveal areas where mentoring or social support might be helpful.

 _{Explore the neighborhood characteristics (based on Census Tract) by clicking on the map. There are many socio-demographic details that will appear in the pop-up box. Clicking on the legend will provide information on different map layers.} 

Socio-demographic population features within the 15-minute drive radius:

Of the estimated population of 483,600 persons who live within the 15-minute drive time area:

• Most households are renters (105,203) compared to owner occupied (88,726).
• 101,318 families (473 average per neighborhood area)
• 42,791 married households (199 average per neighborhood area)
• 47,574 Female head of household (222 average per neighborhood area)
• There are 235,348 housing units
• 193,929 are occupied housing units
• 88,726 housing units are owner occupied
• 105,203 housing units are renter occupied
• 41,419 housing units are vacant

 _{Source: American Community Survey, 2016.} 

This map shows neighborhoods by the percentage of black residents. The map shows that large percentages of black residents of Baltimore live to the west/northwest and directly east of Brown Memorial Park Avenue Church.

 _{Explore the map by zooming in and clicking on areas to learn about the population characteristics in that location.There are many socio-demographic details that will appear in the pop-up box. Clicking on the legend will provide information on different map layers.} 

 _{Source: American Community Survey, 2016.} 

This map shows neighborhoods by the percentage of white residents. Note the distinct contrast between areas on this map compared to the previous page. Clicking on the polygon that includes Brown Memorial Park Avenue Church, we see that this area is approximately 56 percent white and 32 percent black. The data also show there are more renters than homeowners. The largest age group consists of 18-24 year olds.

 _{Explore the map by zooming in and clicking on areas to learn about the population characteristics in that location.   Clicking on the legend will provide information on different map layers.} 

 _{Source: American Community Survey, 2014-2018.} 

Where are the most vulnerable people living?

The degree to which a community exhibits certain social conditions, including high poverty, low percentage of vehicle access, or crowded households, may affect that community’s ability to address human suffering and financial distress in the event of disaster. These factors describe a community’s social vulnerability. This concept was created by the Center's for Disease Control to help community planners identify and map areas (Census Tracts) with greater needs in the event of a significant hazardous event.

The map shows a theme (RPL_Theme 1) that focuses on socioeconomic vulnerability that measures persons below poverty, unemployment, income, and high school education or higher. Note that the areas with vulnerable populations are also in areas with high numbers of non-white populations.

 To learn more about social vulnerability click here. 

 _{Explore the map by zooming in and clicking on the areas with high levels of social and economic vulnerability. Clicking on the legend will provide information on different map layers.} 

 _{Source: American Community Survey, 2014-2018.} 

Where are the most vulnerable people living?

This map shows the previous map of areas with high levels of social vulnerability with the areas of the highest poverty rates. By zooming into the map it becomes more clear that two areas are located within the 15-minute walking boundary and five areas are located to the east.

 To learn more about social vulnerability click here. 

 _{Explore the map by zooming in and clicking on the areas with high levels of social and economic vulnerability. Clicking on the legend will provide information on different map layers.} 

 _{Source: American Community Survey, 2014-2018.} 

Where are the most vulnerable people living?

This map shows the previous map of areas with high levels of social vulnerability with the areas of the highest poverty rates, specifically, the two areas within a 15-minute walking boundary of Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church. Of the two areas located within a 15-minute walk, people have very limited incomes (e.g. below $10,000), experience high poverty rates (56% to 69%), have no vehicle, and are headed by a single female with dependents.

 To learn more about social vulnerability click here. 

 _{Explore the map by zooming in and clicking on the areas with high levels of social and economic vulnerability.}  

 _{Source: American Community Survey, 2014-2018.} 

What's in the neighborhood? And what is missing?

Knowing what is--or is not--present in a neighborhood area is also important. For example, the absence of grocery stores and sources of healthy food options presents opportunities for farmer’s markets or a church food pantry that offers healthy food alternatives.

The graphics below show that within the 15-minute drive time, there are very few conventional grocery stores that offer a wide selection of healthy and affordable food items. Instead, there are a vast assortment of "mini-mart" and gas station convenience stores that offer fast food and heavily processed food items.

The ability to purchase healthy and nutritious food is a key factor in overall physical and mental health and is especially important for children and teenagers to fuel healthy growth and development. In contrast to convenience store and mini-mart options, grocery stores typically offer a wide selection of groceries and including fruits and vegetables and minimally-processed foods at lower prices than foods from convenience stores.

In addition to more variety and higher quality foods, grocery stores usually offer more fair wages and provide employment options for a community. Finally, some grocery stores give back to communities by contributing to food banks, sponsoring sports teams, and contributing to community events.

 _{Explore the map by zooming in and clicking on the circles to learn more about sources of food and grocery store locations. Because of the large numbers of locations, a clustering tool has created different size circles indicating the quantity of stores. In the pop-up box, click on the "Browse Features" section to learn more. Clicking on the legend will provide information on different map layers.} 

What's in the neighborhood? And what is missing?

The map to the right shows Healthy Food Priority Areas for the City of Baltimore.

These are areas where:  1) The average Healthy Food Availability Index score for all food stores is low, 2) The median household income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, 3) Over 30% of households have no vehicle available, and 4) The distance to a supermarket is more than a quarter mile.

In the past, these areas have been referred to as “food deserts.” Conversations with Baltimore City community groups, residents and national leaders revealed that the term “food desert” was often met with critique or disapproval. For some, the term has negative connotations and it implies that low healthy food access is a naturally occurring phenomenon, rather than the result of underlying structural inequities. For others, it connotes a pejorative status when some of these areas are home to vibrant communities with passionate and resilient residents and programs on the ground. In addition, there may be many food outlets available, but healthy foods may be hard to find. The terminology was changed to better characterize what is being measured, recognizing that there is a suite of structural elements shaping Baltimore’s food system.

Of the approximately 621,000 people living in Baltimore City, 23.5% live in areas identified as Healthy Food Priority Areas. Children are the most likely of any age group to live in a Priority Area (28.3%). Black residents are the most likely of any racial or ethnic group to live in a Priority Area (31.5%). In comparison, only 8.9% of white residents live in Priority Areas.

 _{Data source: Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future; City of Baltimore; United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2011 – 2015 5-year estimates.} 

 _{Clicking on the legend will provide information on different map layers.}  

The presence of a park or natural recreation area (e.g., walking trails, bike trail network) increases the quality of life of residents by providing an outlet for physical activity, but also a space that can improve mental health and well-being. These types of public spaces also provide:

• A public venue for events such as concerts, farmer/vendor markets, group events such as weddings.
• Free and convenient places for physical activity that can sometimes alleviate mental health problems and increase overall physical health.
• Parks also provide a place for families with young, active children to gather allowing children the activity that they need while allowing adults opportunities to socialize and connect with other adults.
• Research by the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods indicates that community involvement in neighborhood parks is associated with lower levels of crime and vandalism.

Number of parks located within a 15-minute drive = 239 comprising 3880 acres of park land.

Areas shaded in green indicate the presence of a park or recreation area. Conversely, those areas without a park or recreation area can be the source of advocacy by community leaders for more recreational and green space.

 _{Explore the map by zooming in and clicking on the areas to learn about the park or recreation area.   Clicking on the legend will provide information on different map layers.} 

This map shows the locations of recreation centers in relation to city parks.

These types of public spaces also provide:

• Convenient locations for community events
• Safe places for children and teens to gather and enjoy active recreation as well as after school programs
• Enrichment and learning activities

 _{Explore the map by zooming in and clicking on the areas to learn the name, address and amenities at recreation centers and parks.   Clicking on the legend will provide information on different map layers.} 

What's in the neighborhood? And what is missing?

Public health and safety in the form of police departments/district stations and hospital locations are some important measures of the quality of a neighborhood area. Knowing that a police district station is nearby is helpful when a safety concern arises. Police station locations are also helpful when arranging child exchanges among separated persons as well as serving as a secure location when selling goods online to unknown persons.

District stations help police officers better understand smaller areas of larger cities and better engage with citizens and understand neighborhood needs and concerns. Likewise with hospitals; knowing where to go during times of medical emergencies or even health procedures can help with planning and arranging transportation needs and scheduling.

  _{Explore the map by zooming in and clicking on the areas to learn the names and locations of hospitals and police stations. Clicking on the legend will provide information on different map layers.}  

What's in my neighborhood?

Besides providing free or low cost access to books, movies, and other media resources, libraries are often a cornerstone of community cohesiveness. Libraries provide a common location for students to study, access to computers, internet access, printing services.

Libraries are particularly critical in challenged areas where residents need access to free books and publications as well as computer and high speed internet access. Additionally, libraries often host community events and enhance a sense of civic engagement and community.

 _{Explore the map by zooming in and clicking on the areas to learn the names, phone numbers, and addresses of libraries.   Clicking on the legend will provide information on different map layers.} 

What's in my neighborhood?

Churches, temples and other places of worship have been a cornerstone of communities for thousands of years. Besides providing a location for religious ceremonies and practices and worship services, churches often play a critical role in serving the needs of local communities. Services can range from food pantries, "little libraries", and emergency services for persons in need.

There are an estimated 850 religious organizations and places of worship within a 15-minute drive of Brown Memorial Park Avenue Memorial Church.

 _{Explore the map by zooming in and clicking on the areas to learn where locations of places of worship. Because of the large number of places of worship, a clustering tool was used that groups large numbers of locations in a small geographic area into one symbol. For greater detail, click on the "Browse Features" in the pop-up box.}  

 _{Clicking on the legend will provide information on different map layers.} 

The Bolton Hill neighborhood area

 _{(Source: Neighborhood Demographics 15-minute Drive)} 

• Population estimate = 4974
• White = 2807 (56%)
• Black = 1581 (31%)
• Asian = 361 (7%)
• Hispanic/Latino = 163 (3%)

Largest age groups:

• Age 18 – 24 = 1496
• Age 45 – 64 = 107

Housing Characteristics

• Female head of household = 126
• Families = 613
• Occupied Housing = 2589
• Owners = 693 (26%)
• Renters = 1896 (73%)

Within a 15-minute walk of the church:

• Limited number of public parks
• Limited number of Healthy food priority Areas
• 26 sources of food and grocery Corner/convenience store = 17 Supermarket/small grocery = 3 Gas station = 4 Pharmacy = 2

• No police departments
• No libraries

Top Five Land Use Designations:

1. Medium intensity commercial
2. High intensity commercial
3. Parking lot
4. Public institutional facility
5. Medium density residential

There are an estimated 40 vacant lots comprising 145 acres in the Bolton Hill neighborhood.

In the Upton neighborhood, there are an estimated 593 vacant lots comprising approximately 187 acres that are designated "redevelopment."