Crime and Regeneration in Urban Communities: The Case of the Big Dig in Boston, Massachusetts

Abstract

Theory in environmental criminology postulates that changes in the urban structure will produce changes in spatial and temporal patterns of crime. This research examined spatial patterns of crime in Boston, Massachusetts using location quotients and buffer analysis. The focus of this reseach ivas how the central artery project ('Big Dig') changed accessibility to a unique neighbourhood in Boston known as the North End. Theoretically, as a result of the increased accessibility, the North End would be likely to experience changes in spatial patterns of crime. Traditionally, however, the population of the North End has remained homogenous in nature, a modifying influence on crime. Analysis using location quotients and location time quotients found that block groups in the North End could not be characterized as 'troubled areas' when compared with the rest of the city. The buffer analysis revealed high rates of certain types of crimes, and high relative concentrations of certain types of crimes around the former location of the central artery. Methodological issues and measurement problems pertaining to this unique situation are also discussed. Theory in environmental criminology postul ates that changes in the urban structure will produce changes in spatial and temporal patterns of crime. This research examined spatial patterns of crime in Boston, Mas sachusetts and focused especially on docu menting the effects of the central artery project on spatial patterns of crime. The 'Big Dig' project (as the demolition of the central artery project has been colloquially known) was conducted over a prolonged period of time and involved a complete demolition of