Citation

Guthrie A, Fan Y. J. Plann. Educ. Res. 2013; 33(4): 381-394.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0739456X13504300

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Researching traditional streetcars' development impacts is challenging: most U.S. lines operate in downtown areas with many development stimuli. This article addresses that challenge through analysis of New Orleans building permits after Hurricane Katrina. We estimate how post-Katrina permit frequency changes with distance from streetcar stops, controlling for damage, proximity to commercial areas, and pre-Katrina demographics. We find that distance to stops strongly predicts building permits. Residential permits increase with distance to stops; commercial permits decrease. Findings confirm streetcars support commercial development, yet suggest potential displacement of residential uses. Implications for future streetcar projects in New Orleans and elsewhere are discussed.

Language: en