New York City Research Articles

Spatially varying associations between community-level predictors and COVID-19 outcomes in NYC

Abstract Background The cumulative impacts of COVID-19 on hospitalization and mortality were not uniformly distributed across New York City (NYC). To better understand potential drivers of this observed geospatial disparity, we explored the associations between community-level sociodemographic characteristics and cumulative COVID-19 hospitalizations and mortality using geographically weighted Poisson regression (GWPR). Methods Cumulative COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality rates in 177 NYC modified ZIP code tabulation areas as of Dec 2022 were taken from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and sociodemographic predictors were taken from the 2018 American Community Survey. GWPR was applied using both non-multiscale (single bandwidth) and multiscale (flexible bandwidth) models to assess which predictors were significant and which associations varied spatially (allowing them to potentially act as both risk and protective factors, depending on the location). Results Multiscale GWPR models outperformed non-multiscale models in rendering residual spatial autocorrelation insignificant. Although multiscale GWPR allowed flexible bandwidths for each predictor, most yielded global bandwidths, suggesting geographically consistent effects. For mortality, the percent of residents without health insurance acted solely as a risk factor. Similarly, for hospitalizations, the percent of residents with a disability acted solely as a risk factor. The percent of residents with a bachelors degree or higher acted solely as a protective factor against both outcomes. Conclusions Even when associations were allowed to vary spatially in GWPR models, we still found geographically consistent associations between many sociodemographic predictors and cumulative COVID-19 outcomes in NYC. Consistent risk factors, such as prevalence of disability, or protective factors, such as prevalence of higher education, highlight potential areas for city-wide policies to reduce the burden of future epidemics. Key messages • For cumulative COVID-19 outcomes across NYC communities, geographically consistent risk factors include disability prevalence for hospitalization and lack of health insurance for mortality. • Increasing prevalence of higher education acted as a geographically consistent protective factor against both hospitalization and mortality due to COVID-19.

Impact of park renovation on children’s quality of life in New York City

Abstract Background Despite increasing interest in the role of parks on children’s health, research on the impact of park interventions is limited. This study uses a quasi-experimental pre-post design with matched controls to evaluate the effects of park redesign and renovation on children’s quality of life (QoL) in underserved New York City (NYC) neighborhoods with predominantly Hispanic and Black populations. Methods Utilizing longitudinal data from the Physical Activity and Redesigned Community Spaces (PARCS) Study, we examined the parent-reported QoL of children aged 3-11 years living within a 0.3-mile radius of 13 renovated parks (N = 201) compared to 11 (N = 197) control parks before and after the park intervention. QoL was measured using the modified KINDL questionnaire, a health-related QoL scale that assessed children’s physical and emotional well-being, self-esteem, and well-being in home, peer, and school settings. A difference in difference (DID) linear mixed model was used to compare QoL between intervention and control groups. Results We found a significant improvement in the physical well-being subscale of KINDL in the intervention vs. control group (DID=6.35, 95% CI = 0.85-11.85, p = 0.024). The differential improvement was strongest among girls (DID=7.88, p = 0.023) and children with parents in the lowest socioeconomic background (education high school or less DID=8.38, p = 0.024; Not employed DID=7.53, p = 0.048; Single/Widowed/Divorced DID=8.67, p = 0.025). No significant differences were found in other subscales. Conclusions Our study indicated a beneficial impact of improving park quality on the physical well-being of children residing in underserved neighborhoods. These findings support investments in neighborhood parks to advance health equity.

Association of park renovation with park use in New York City

Abstract Background Equity-driven citywide park redesign and renovation, such as the Community Parks Initiative (CPI), has the potential to increase park use and opportunities for physical activity in underserved communities. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in patterns of park use following park redesign and renovation in low-income New York City (NYC) neighborhoods. Methods The Physical Activity and Redesigned Community Spaces study was a prospective quality improvement pre-post intervention study design with 33 intervention and 21 matched control neighborhood parks. Data were collected at baseline (prerenovation) and 2 follow-up points (3 months and 1-year post renovation) between 2016 to 2022 summers. Main outcomes encompassed park use and physical activity levels assessed using the well-validated System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities. Park use was quantified by total number of park users, categorized by age group (≤20 years vs ≥ 21 years), sex, and physical activity level (sitting or standing vs walking or vigorous activity). Changes in outcomes between groups were compared via the generalized estimation equation. Results A total of 28,322 park users were observed across 1,458 scans. At baseline, 59.7% were 20 years or younger, 46.3% were female, and 43.8% were sitting or standing. Intervention parks showed more net park users compared with control parks from baseline to the final follow-up (difference-in-difference relative rate ratio, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.22-2.35] users/scan). The association was driven by a significant increase in adult users at intervention parks and an overall decrease in all users at control parks. Conclusions In this quality improvement study, park redesign and renovation were positively associated with park use in low-income neighborhoods. However, park renovations may need to be accompanied by other programmatic strategies to increase physical activity.

City of New York’s Cabinet for Older New Yorkers is a Model for Age-Inclusive Policy Design and Implementation

The global population is aging with adults living longer and declining birth rates creating major implications for policy and infrastructure. The City of New York is cultivating an “Age-Inclusive” model that considers the needs of older adults today while laying the groundwork for tomorrow. Focused on cross-agency collaboration that approaches problem solving and design through the multi-dimensionality of every-day life, New York City Mayor Eric Adams introduced the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers (“Cabinet”) as a novel approach to imagining, designing and implementing policy, structural and systemic changes. Dozens of reforms have been developed and rolled out through the Cabinet, impacting the lives of thousands of New Yorkers across generations. The Cabinet is a model for policy design that can be replicated across cities and issue areas.

"Who You Are and Where You Live Matters": Hospice Care in New York City During COVID-19 Perspectives on Hospice and Social Determinants: A Rapid Qualitative Analysis.

Context: Social determinants of health (SDOH) impacted the quality of home hospice care provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perspectives from professionals who provided care identify challenges and lessons learned from their experience. Objective: To examine hospice professionals' perspectives of how SDOH affected the delivery of high-quality home hospice care in New York City (NYC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted semistructured interviews with 30 hospice professionals who delivered care to home hospice patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in NYC using a qualitative descriptive design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit professionals from a range of disciplines including physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and hospice administration and management. Participants worked for one of two large NYC metro hospices and one outpatient palliative care practice serving the five boroughs of NYC and the surrounding suburbs. Rapid qualitative analysis was used to identify themes. Results: Thirty hospice professionals were interviewed, spanning a variety of clinical and administrative roles. Most (21 out of 30) reported that social determinants affected access and/or delivery of equitable hospice care. Two key themes emerged from interviews: (1) SDOH exist and affect the delivery of high-quality care and (2) disparities were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in barriers to care. Subthemes outline barriers described by hospice professionals: decreased hospice enrollment, telehealth challenges, resulting in deficient patient/family education, shortages of nursing assistants in some neighborhoods, and diminished overall quality of hospice care for some patients. SDOH created barriers to hospice care through neighborhood factors, resource barriers, and system challenges. Conclusion: SDOH provide a context to understand disparity in the provision of hospice care. COVID-19 exacerbated these conditions. Addressing multidimensional barriers created by SDOH is key in creating high-quality and equitable hospice care, particularly during a crisis.

Traffic as an Urban Health Determinant: Coverage of the New York City Congestion Pricing Plan on TikTok.

Social listening can provide deeper insight into public sentiment regarding policy proposals, as seen with the congestion pricing initiative in New York City (NYC). The purpose of this study was to assess the content of a sample of TikTok videos related to congestion pricing in NYC. A total of 100 unique videos were extracted from the hashtag #nyccongestionpricing on TikTok and coded for the presence of the following information based on four different areas of focus: video metrics, details about pricing plan, effects of pricing plan, and user-related issues. In total, the 100-video sample received 17,375,818 views, 1,285,610 likes, 89,883 favorites, and 100,634 comments. Only 3 of the 25 content characteristics were present in a majority (> 50) of the videos. These were mentions location (below 60th street of Manhattan) (N = 65), mentions cost (N = 61), and mentions cons of pricing (N = 56). Mentioning location had a significant effect on the views (p = 0.0163) and likes (p = 0.0225) a video received. Mentioning cost had a statistical impact on the views (p = 0.0098), likes (p = 0.0128), favorites (p = 0.0128), and comments (p = 0.0030) that the video received. Mentioning the MTA and benefits of the congestion plan significantly lowered metrics of engagement. Themes that emerged were personal, often negative and tended to focus more on cost to citizens and location, despite the evidence of negative public health impacts. This research can be used as a springboard for future research that examines social listening at the intersection of public health and policy.

Economic Shifts and Cultural Transitions: Unraveling the Complexities of Gentrification in Urban Landscapes with the Case of SoHo in New York City

With the continuously changing urban landscape since the early 20th century, influenced by various economic and social factors, this paper investigates the impact of urban gentrification on diverse community groups, especially in metropolises. Examining housing, economic, and cultural dimensions, the study explores the challenges and opportunities within dynamic urban landscapes. Focused on SoHo, New York City (NYC), once an artistic haven, the research employs the lens of gentrification to analyze disparities in housing accessibility and cultural preservation. Additionally, it assesses the economic implications of sustainability initiatives on various socioeconomic strata, unraveling their influence on urban community fabric. Through a concise exploration, the study contributes nuanced insights into the complexities of gentrification and sustainable urban development, given the impact on the original artistic community, long-time residents, and small businesses that have faced challenges or displacement in the wake of rising property values, using SoHo as a case study to deepen our understanding of economic shifts and cultural transitions in urban landscapes.

New York City’s Public Health Approach to Reexamining Race-Based Clinical Algorithms

Clinical algorithms are utilized in clinical decision-making — whether for diagnosis or treatment — with the aim of accounting for pertinent biological factors. However, the use of race in some clinical algorithms disproportionately harms patients of color, often delaying necessary care. The erroneous use of race as a biological variable perpetuates the antiquated notion of race essentialism and demonstrates how medical racism is embedded in health care. In 2021, the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene launched the Coalition to End Racism in Clinical Algorithms (CERCA). To the authors’ knowledge, CERCA was the first citywide effort to convene seven safety-net and four private health care systems for the elimination of harmful race-based clinical algorithms, representing the health institutions in NYC serving the most patients. Focusing on estimated glomerular filtration rate, vaginal birth after cesarean, and pulmonary function testing, CERCA serves as a platform for health systems to discuss and strategize how to effectively de-implement these harmful race-based algorithms. NYC CERCA serves as a model for how a public health department can leverage its role as a convener by collaborating with health systems to address matters of racial inequities caused by systemic racism in medicine and supporting the swift implementation of reparative initiatives on a systems level.

Disparities in neurosurgical care: Using length of stay to evaluate efficiency of care in New York City hospitals

Objective: We sought to analyze public and private hospital patient cohorts in New York City (NYC) to assess differences in hospital access and outcomes from 2009-2022.Methods: Inpatient neurosurgical discharges, as determined by APR-DRG codes, from 2009-2022 were aggregated for seven NYC hospitals, four private and three public, via the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS). Statistical analyses (Z-tests) were performed in Python.Results: 325,351 patients were identified, 223,361 private and 101,990 public. Private hospitals had lower high-severity to low-severity and higher high-mortality to low-mortality risk ratios relative to public hospitals (p < .001). Public hospitals treated a higher proportion of stroke and trauma (p < .001). Average length of stay (LOS) was shorter at private hospitals compared to public (5.3 vs. 7.1 days, p < .001). Statistical significance remained when stratifying for illness severity and elective versus non-elective surgery status. Interestingly, cranial trauma cases were associated with a longer LOS in private hospitals relative to public (7.9 vs. 5.7 days, p < .001).Conclusions: While many factors influence outcomes in private versus public hospitals, LOS can mark the efficiency of care. LOS was shorter at private hospitals in all instances except with cranial trauma. Care efficiency is important for hospital reimbursement, which can directly impact available resources for patient care. These findings emphasize the need to further analyze patient accessibility to neurosurgical care at private hospitals and the resources necessary to support neurosurgical practices within public hospitals.

Assessing spatial and racial equity of subway accessibility: Case study of New York City

Enhancing the utility of public transportation through easy and equitable access has become one of the focal points in the pursuit of social justice goals. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of equitable access to the subway system in New York City (NYC) based on geography and race/ethnicity, shedding light on the complex relationship between transportation equity, racial diversity, and urban dynamics. New York City is selected as the case study due to its diverse demographic makeup, extensive public transportation system, and paucity of previous research on the racial justice dimensions of its subway system. Gravity index is employed to investigate the accessibility of the NYC subway system in terms of distance from stops and the frequency of service while equity is analyzed by Gini coefficients and Lorenz curves. To conduct this analysis, American Community Survey (ACS) data and The General Transit Feed Specifications (GTFS) are used. The findings reveal that accessibility to the subway system varies across New York City's outer boroughs, with Queens, the largest borough by area, notably standing out due to its limited availability of subway stations. Moreover, the study uncovers stark racial disparities in accessibility within boroughs, with the non-Hispanic Black community in Queens (which represents 17 % of the borough's population) facing a pronounced lack of easy access to subway stations. These insights underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy reforms to address the identified disparities. Policymakers and transportation planners should prioritize initiatives such as increasing subway infrastructure in underserved areas, improving the frequency of service, and enhancing connectivity to reduce racial and spatial inequities in subway accessibility.

“The little I receive is not enough’’: A qualitative study of food insecurity in the South Bronx

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of food insecurity amongst Bronx residents. Applying a community-based participatory research approach, we conducted a qualitative study, entailing 38 interviews with food pantry recipients, 4 key informant interviews with social service administrators, and two focus groups with 12 food pantry staff and social service providers in New York City (NYC). Applying a precarity framework, we identified three themes: (1) unaffordability of living expenses in NYC; (2) financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic; and (3) institutional and technological barriers to food access. We identified the following subthemes under theme one: rising food costs and high cost of living. Under theme two, we identified four subthemes: (a) large household size driving poverty for Bronx families; (b) vulnerabilities to food insecurity among older adults; (c) budgeting for reduced incomes during the COVID-19 pandemic; and (d) managing unstable employment. Under the third theme, we identified three subthemes: (a) lack of access to healthy, culturally appropriate foods; (b) need for wider service availability; (c) and not having smartphones for telehealth. Study findings demonstrate how precarity impacts the lived experiences of food insecurity and financial hardship for residents of the South Bronx during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Missing History: Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy’s Legacy in Gynecologic Textbooks

Abstract The legacy of J. Marion Sims as the “father of gynecology” has become widely controversial among medical professionals and lay public because of ethical concerns surrounding the development of his surgical techniques and his exploitation of enslaved women for his experiments. Notably, in April 2018, the City of New York relocated a commemorative statue of Sims from Central Park following an art commission’s investigation of his controversial practices. The relocation was viewed by many as a public acknowledgement of the contributions of Anarcha, Betsey, Lucy, and the other enslaved women to the advancement of gynecologic surgery. However, despite the increased public awareness of the women’s sacrifices in recent years medical literature has not kept pace. We compared the portrayal of Sims and these enslaved women within current gynecology textbooks, prior editions, and historical medical literature. We found that gynecologic textbooks more often mention J. Marion Sims by name (74%) compared to the enslaved women he experimented on (24%). Neither current gynecologic surgery textbooks nor primary historical sources contain significant references to these women, meaning much of their story has been lost to history. While there has been increased public knowledge of the sacrifices of Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy and other enslaved women, lay recognition is not enough. Full acknowledgment of their contributions necessitates crediting their roles in Sims’ experiments and stating their names in medical literature.

What does it take for healthy food retail programmes to be successful? Lessons learned in New York City.

Healthy food retail programmes (HFRP) in the USA generally aim to increase healthy foods access to improve diet quality and health, yet the impact is mixed. These programmes primarily target adults, even though adolescents frequently and independently visit stores to purchase snacks. This study's aims are to explore successes and challenges of implementing HFRP (Aim 1) and examine how HFRP can be tailored to adolescents (Aim 2). One-time, virtual, semi-structured interviews with individuals who were involved in a HFRP, followed by a socio-demographic characteristics survey. Interviews were designed based on the RE-AIM framework and the Hexagon Tool and analysed using Braun and Clark's (2006) thematic analysis approach. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participants' socio-demographic characteristics. New York City (NYC). Adults (18 years or older) who have designed, implemented and/or evaluated an HFRP in NYC and speak/understand English (n 21). Aim 1: For successes, strategies to build relationships with the community were most discussed. Regarding challenges, securing reliable funding was the hardest to overcome. Suggested solutions included designing profitable HFRP, targeting shortcomings in food distribution systems and increasing consumer demand. Aim 2: Most participants had not considered adolescents in previous HFRP but suggested involving youth in developing HFRP to encourage youth-driven solutions and promote youth advocacy. Future HFRP should focus on activities that help store owners purchase affordable healthy foods from distributors, which translates to affordability for customers. Federal and local policies can assist by funding complementary programmes. Additionally, adolescents should be considered in these efforts.

Implementation of a peer-delivered opioid overdose response initiative in New York City emergency departments: Insight from multi-stakeholder qualitative interviews

BackgroundEmergency departments (EDs) are critical touchpoints for overdose prevention efforts. In New York City (NYC), the Health Department's Relay initiative dispatches trained peer “Wellness Advocates” (WAs) to engage with patients in EDs after an overdose and for up to 90 days subsequently. Interest in peer-delivered interventions for patients at risk for overdose has grown nationally, but few studies have explored challenges and opportunities related to implementing such interventions in EDs. MethodsWe conducted in-depth interviews with Relay WAs, ED patients, and ED providers across 4 diverse NYC EDs. Sampling was purposeful and continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews followed a semi-structured interview guide based on key domains from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Interviews were conducted by telephone or web conferencing; audio recordings were professionally transcribed. The study utilized rapid qualitative analysis using template summaries and summary matrices followed by line-by-line coding conducted independently by 3 researchers, then discussed and harmonized at group coding meetings. Coding was both inductive (using an a priori code list based on CFIR domains and study goals) and deductive (new codes allowed to emerge from transcripts). Dedoose software was used for data organization. ResultsWe conducted 32 in-depth interviews (10 WAs, 12 patients, 10 ED providers). Four overarching themes emerged: 1) EDs are characterized by multiple competing demands (e.g., related to provider time and physical space), underscoring the utility of Relay and leading to some practical challenges for its delivery; 2) There is a strong role distinction of WAs as peers with lived experience; 3) ED providers value Relay, even though they have a limited understanding of its full scope and outcomes; 4) While the role of structural factors (e.g., homelessness and unstable housing) is recognized, responsibility is often placed on patients for controlling their own success. ConclusionsWe identified four themes that shed new light on the implementation of peer-based overdose prevention programs in EDs. Our findings highlight unique ED inner and outer setting factors that may impact program implementation and effectiveness. The findings provide actionable information to inform implementation of similar programs nationally.

Sickle Cell Disease and Lead Poisoning in New York City, 2005-2019.

Previous analyses of New York City (NYC) health department's lead registry indicated that, among children with lead poisoning, an increased prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD) exists. However, SCD is not considered a risk factor for lead poisoning. We assessed the association between SCD and childhood lead poisoning to determine if specific lead poisoning prevention efforts are needed for children with SCD. We analyzed NYC's lead registry data for children with venous blood lead levels (BLLs) ≥15 mcg/dL during 2005 to 2019. t tests and χ2 tests were performed to compare demographic characteristics, BLLs, and lead exposure risks in non-Hispanic Black children with and without SCD. A t test was used to compare observed SCD prevalence among Black children with BLLs ≥15 mcg/dL with an estimated 0.43% SCD prevalence among Black NYC children. Among 1728 Black children with BLLs ≥15 mcg/dL identified, 37 (2.14%) had SCD. When comparing children with and without SCD, both mean age at peak BLL (62.8 versus 42.7 months; P = .003) and peak BLL (42.59 versus 23.06 mcg/dL; P = .008) were higher for children with SCD. Among risk factors for lead exposure, children with SCD had higher prevalence of pica. Observed SCD prevalence was 1.71% higher than estimated SCD prevalence among Black NYC children (P < .001). We found a potential association between SCD and childhood lead poisoning. Pica emerged as a potentially important risk factor. Our findings might have implications for lead poisoning prevention guidelines for children with SCD.

Chinese American Pain Experience Project (CAPE): Perceptions, Expectations, and Attitudes on Pain Management among Chinese American Postoperative Patients.

Chinese Americans are one of the fastest growing racial and ethnic groups and represent the largest subgroup of the Asian American population in the US and in New York City (NYC) where they number 573,528 in 2021. Despite their numbers, current pain perceptions, expectations, and attitudes of Chinese Americans remains poorly understood, especially as related to postoperative pain. A better understanding of pain experience among Chinese American patients is needed to inform strategies on improving pain management satisfaction. A total of 27 Chinese American postoperative patients from a NYC health system were recruited for face-to-face surveys and interviews with a trained bilingual and bicultural Community Health Worker. Questions from the Survey on Disparities in Quality of Healthcare and Kleinman's Explanatory Model of Illness were integrated into the survey and topic guide. Topics of discussion included satisfaction with healthcare and pain management during hospital stay and health beliefs and practices. More than half of participants experienced language challenges that made it difficult to communicate with healthcare staff. In general, high levels of satisfaction with pain management were reported; however, participants reported feeling less comfortable asking healthcare teams questions. Common themes across interviews included: (1) pain was an expected outcome of the procedure and was thus perceived as tolerable; (2) the wish to not be a burden to others; (3) concerns about side effects of pain medications; and (4) a cultural and language mismatch between healthcare teams and patients on words being used to elicit pain and discomfort. Our project findings can inform pain management strategies and tools to serve the Chinese American patient population.

Machine learning to evaluate the relationship between social determinants and diabetes prevalence in New York City

IntroductionDiabetes is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease and mortality; social determinants of health (SDOH) are associated with disparities in diabetes risk. Quantifying the cumulative impact of SDOH and identifying...

Scale-Up of COVID-19 Testing Services in NYC, 2020-2021: Lessons Learned to Maximize Reach, Equity and Timeliness.

During infectious disease epidemics, accurate diagnostic testing is key to rapidly identify and treat cases, and mitigate transmission. When a novel pathogen is involved, building testing capacity and scaling testing services at the local level can present major challenges to healthcare systems, public health agencies, and laboratories. This mixed methods study examined lessons learned from the scale-up of SARS-CoV-2 testing services in New York City (NYC), as a core part of NYC's Test & Trace program. Using quantitative and geospatial analyses, the authors assessed program success at maximizing reach, equity, and timeliness of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing services across NYC neighborhoods. Qualitative analysis of key informant interviews elucidated key decisions, facilitators, and barriers involved in the scale-up of SARS-CoV-2 testing services. A major early facilitator was the ability to establish working relationships with private sector vendors and contractors to rapidly procure and manufacture necessary supplies locally. NYC residents were, on average, less than 25min away from free SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing services by public transport, and services were successfully directed to most neighborhoods with the highest transmission rates, with only one notable exception. A key feature was to direct mobile testing vans and rapid antigen testing services to areas based on real-time neighborhood transmission data. Municipal leaders should prioritize fortifying supply chains, establish cross-sectoral partnerships to support and extend testing services, plan for continuous testing and validation of assays, ensure open communication feedback loops with CBO partners, and maintain infrastructure to support mobile services during infectious disease emergencies.

Impacts of Local Circulations on Ozone Pollution in the New York Metropolitan Area: Evidence From Three Summers of Observations

AbstractElevated surface ozone levels are often detected in the New York metropolitan area during summertime. Moreover, surface ozone in this region exhibits sharp spatial gradients and distinctive diurnal cycles under the influence of complex boundary layer circulations induced by the intricate coastal geometry. This study examines how surface ozone is impacted by local circulations spatially and temporally under different temperature scenarios (all summer days, hot summer days, and extreme heat days) with the help of cluster‐based meteorological conditions during the summertime of 2017–2019. The most polluted days are found to be highly associated with hot sea breeze days with weak background flow. When sea breeze development in the New York Bight is delayed and its penetration north is intercepted by the dominant westerlies during hot summer days, daily maximum 8‐hr average ozone (DMA8) in some ozone hot spots of New York City (NYC) and the south shore of Connecticut (CT) typically drops 9–10 ppb under comparable temperature levels. The average regional decrease of DMA8 for NYC and coastal CT is 6.7 and 8.3 ppb, respectively. Furthermore, we conclude that a change in early morning meridional wind direction is the most critical meteorological characteristic in controlling sea breeze onset type and helping modulate ozone exceedances in the region during extreme hot days when ozone exceedances are expected to be very common. The conclusion is further demonstrated with two case studies during the Long Island Sound Tropospheric Ozone Study 2018 field campaign.

Retail on the Ground and on the Books: Vacancies and the (Mis)Match Between Retail Activity and Regulated Land Uses

Problem, research strategy, and findings Though demand for living near urban amenities has grown over the past two decades, retail vacancies continue to plague many urban areas. Are cities overzoning for retail? Can this overzoning explain the proliferation of urban retail vacancies in the past two decades? We first leveraged longitudinal data on retail leases to depict patterns of retail market activity in a sample of seven moderate to large U.S. cities. Second, we used property-level data on land use regulation to investigate whether institutional context, specifically zoning, has played a role in patterns of urban retail vacancy in the past two decades. We drilled down in New York City (NY) and Los Angeles (CA) to compare trends in retail leases with changes in regulated retail land use between 2006 and 2022. We show that in this period retail rents remained flat or declined and that the average retail space did not grow and may have shrunk. Our New York and Los Angeles microdata document that, during roughly this same period, the amount of land zoned for retail increased and that the building square footage zoned for retail grew even more rapidly. Indeed, during the same decades when retail leasing slowed and rents declined, the total amount of land and square footage regulated for retail use increased. Thus, our research indicates that, in addition to market forces, land use decisions have driven the current oversupply of retail space. This also suggests an important role for planning in solving the problem of vacancies. Takeaway for practice If macroeconomic factors drive the obsolescence of certain commercial uses, local zoning and comprehensive planning should respond accordingly. As cities emerge from the pandemic and adjust to new work–live patterns, planning for the volume and spatial distribution of retail will remain an important task for urban planners and managers.