York Northern Research Articles

What Are the Relationships between Public Transit and Gentrification Progress? An Empirical Study in the New York–Northern New Jersey–Long Island Areas

Transit-oriented development has been a widely accepted tool among transportation planning practitioners; however, there are concerns about the risk of increasing residential property values leading to gentrification or displacements. Therefore, it is critical to provide precise investigations of the relationships between public transit and gentrification. Although numerous studies have explored this topic, few have discussed these relationships based on detailed measurements of gentrification from a regional perspective. This study aims to fill the research gap by measuring the gentrification subcategories through a hierarchical definition based on data in the New York–Northern New Jersey–Long Island areas and applying the transit desert concept as the measurement of transit services. Through multinomial logistic regression and machine-learning approaches, findings indicate that the rate of transit deserts in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods is higher than the others. In addition, the impacts of transit services are significant in gentrification but insignificant in super-gentrification. These findings can advance the knowledge of the role of the transit service in different gentrification progresses. Based on these findings, policymakers need to be careful when allocating public transit budgets and note the effects of these investments on neighborhoods with different socioeconomic statuses.

The agglomeration of American R&D labs

We employ a unique data set to examine the spatial clustering of about 1700 private R&D labs in California and in the U.S. Northeast Corridor. Using these data, which contain the R&D labs’ complete addresses, we are able to more precisely locate innovative activity than with patent data, which only contain zip codes for inventors’ residential addresses. We avoid the problems of scale and borders associated with using fixed spatial boundaries, such as zip codes, by developing a new point-pattern procedure. Our multiscale core-cluster approach identifies the location and size of significant R&D clusters at various scales, such as a half mile, 1 mile, 5 miles, and more. Our analysis identifies four major clusters in the Northeast Corridor (one each in Boston, New York–Northern New Jersey, Philadelphia–Wilmington, and Washington, D.C.,) and three major clusters in California (one each in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego).

Origin of Small Understory Beech in New York Northern Hardwood Stands

Abstract I sampled understory beech with heights that were 4 ft tall or less to determine their origin in 22 northern hardwood stands in New York. The proportion of seedling-origin beech ranged from 5 to 75% across sites. However, in 20 stands, the majority of beech (58–91%) with heights of 2–4 ft tall had a root sucker origin. Coupled with other information from published sources, findings suggest four possibilities about beech regeneration: (1) seed production and/or early seedling survival may have a clonal linkage, with some genotypes producing little viable seed, or with few seedlings surviving after germination; (2) a prevalence of root suckers among the taller understory beech suggests their higher potential for long-term survival and development and limited shifts in the genetic makeup of that species within a stand; (3) at some level of stocking, taller understory beech root suckers may interfere with survival and development of seedling regeneration; and (4) because the taller understory beech has a root sucker origin at most sites, root suckers may just develop more rapidly than seedlings.

Fishery biology and management of Protonibea diacanthus (Sciaenidae) aggregations in far Northern Cape York Peninsula waters

The sciaenid Protonibea diacanthus is a large, long-lived predatory fish of inshore northern Australian waters, which forms annual aggregations that are fished extensively by traditional (subsistence) and recreational fishers. There are now widespread concerns that the resource is being overexploited. Indigenous fishers of the Cape York Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) relate that large adult fish (up to 1500 mm total length (TL)) made up the bulk of the catch from the sciaenid aggregations until about 1994. In contrast, sexually mature P. diacanthus comprised only a small component (12 fish out of 270=4.4%) examined in a 1999–2000 sampling programme that was biased towards the largest individuals available. At 790 mm TL, the minimum size at first maturity for female P. diacanthus in this study is much smaller than the 920 mm TL reported previously in Queensland waters. Developing ovaries were observed in specimens sampled from sciaenid aggregations which formed in NPA waters between May and September 2000. However, no fish with ripe or spent gonads were found in the study, so the current timing and location of the spawning season for P. diacanthus in the region remain unknown. Food items observed in the analysis of the diet of P. diacanthus from the NPA included a variety of teleosts and invertebrates. The range of animal taxa represented in the prey items support the description of an ‘opportunistic predator’ attributed to the species. In our sampling, the stomach contents of fish caught during the time of the aggregation events did not differ from those observed at other times of the year. A total of 114 P. diacanthus were tagged and released at aggregation sites during the study period, and 3 fish (2.6%) were subsequently recaptured. The low rate of tag returns from the wild stock tagging programme, both in this study (2.6%) and from recreational fisher tag/release programmes for the sciaenid elsewhere in Queensland (6.5%), were not explained by tag loss nor mortality, given the high retention rate of tags and the zero mortality seen in tank trials. In response to the biological findings from this study, indigenous community councils of the NPA imposed a 2-year fishing moratorium for P. diacanthus. Surveys at aggregation sites in 2002 and 2003 established that much larger fish (mean size 103.5 cm TL) were again present on the grounds, albeit in very low numbers. These recent preliminary results highlight the critical need for continued monitoring and management of the P. diacanthus fishery in the NPA, if prospects for resource recovery are to be realised. The NPA initiative has provided a rare opportunity to negotiate a co-management strategy, based on scientific data and traditional knowledge, for the recovery of a cultural and economically significant fished resource.

Toward Multifunctional Landscapes: Cross‐Sectional Analysis of Management Priorities in New York's Northern Forest*

Abstract Globalization and shifting societal relations with nature generate change and conflicting politics in rural areas of industrialized nations. In this context, multifunctionality has emerged as an important policy logic to stabilize commodity production while encouraging amenity‐based development and the production of ecological services. We argue that the concept of multifunctionality, while originally derived from agricultural trade negotiations, is applicable to integrated rural development challenges in forested landscapes. To understand and realize a progressive form of multifunctionality, information is needed on local actors' land use priorities and the factors that shape their interests. Based on data from a 2004 mail survey (183 valid responses; 61% response rate) in two northern NY communities, one amenity‐oriented and the other timber‐dependent, we conducted an empirical analysis of actors' forest management priorities. Factor analysis allowed us to identify four distinct orientations to management: ecological orientation, recreation orientation, large‐scale timber orientation, and small‐scale industry orientation. GLM regression allows us to assess how economic context, professional roles, and personal lifestyle considerations affect individuals' adherence to these distinct orientations. The commonalities and differences we observe among sets of actors engaged in forest policy and management point to constraints to realization of multifunctionality and to opportunities to develop richer conceptual tools to probe contemporary transitions.

What Is the Effect of Commute Time on Employment?: Analysis of Spatial Patterns in New York Metropolitan Area

Many planners argue that a key reason that residents of central-city and urban neighborhoods do not work is because of a lack of proximity to employment opportunities. The effect of travel time on employment probabilities for residents of urban areas was quantified while accounting for the fact that many are not employed. Data from the 1995 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey ( n = 7,942 working-age individuals) were used to quantify the effect of commute time on employment for residents of the greater New York metropolitan area to test whether longer commute times are associated with lower employment probabilities. First, an ordinary least-squares regression model that explains travel times to work was estimated for those who work. This model was then used to predict the commute times by automobile and transit for all respondents in the New York–Northern New Jersey–Long Island consolidated metropolitan statistical area, regardless of employment status, on the basis of various personal characteristics including race and spatial attributes. Second, a binary probit model was used to estimate the employment probability on the basis of various personal and household characteristics as well as the predicted commute time. The results for work-eligible individuals showed that urban neighborhoods are characterized by a proportionately larger black population (25.1 percent of the urban population), with a relatively lower employment level (71.4 percent), longer average commutes despite the higher job density in urban areas, and relatively lower incomes. Central-city and urban residents reported travel times significantly different from those of their suburban counterparts. The commute times of urban and suburban residents with private vehicles were about equal and averaged 24 min, but urban transit commuters had an average commute of 40 min and suburban transit commuters had an average commute of about 60 min. Irrespective of race, the estimated employment probability for urban residents reliant on transit for commuting was substantially lower than that for urbanites who use automobiles. The findings support the need for policies to improve the accessibility and reliability of transit and to achieve a jobs-housing balance in central-city areas.

Early cohort development following even-aged reproduction method cuttings in New York northern hardwoods

We described a general pattern of cohort development following two types of even-aged reproduction methods in northern hardwoods. Three clearcut sites initially had divergent numbers of stems, because of variable amounts of advance regeneration. By 10 years, total stem densities became quite similar across sites. Three sites treated by shelterwood seed cutting lacked advance regeneration. Compared with the clearcuts, seedlings became established at much higher stem densities there, and even early cohort development followed a consistent pattern. By 20-25 years, both the clearcut and shelterwood sites supported 7600-8900 total stems/ha. Stems >=2.54 cm diameter at breast height peaked at about 6000, but by age 15 following clear-cutting, and not until age 20 after shelterwood seed cutting. The time lag likely reflects initial differences in advance regeneration, and possibly other factors between sites. Basal area at the clearcut sites reached 26 m2/ha within about 25 years. At the shelterwood sites it reached 22 m2/ha by age 25. The quadratic stand diameter increased consistently across sites and treatments. Regression models describe changes in numbers of total stems, numbers of saplings, stand basal area, and quadratic stand diameter for each treatment.

Changes in the Condition and Species Composition of Developing Even-Aged Northern Hardwood Stands in Central New York

Abstract Five Central New York northern hardwood stands were regenerated by clearcutting method, and followed through 20 yr of development. Observations from permanent remeasured plots indicate that a closed canopy formed and completely shaded the ground by 10-15 yr. Data gathered before that time did provide general information about features like the proportion of area stocked with trees and the stem density. After canopy closure, no new species entered the stand. Yet the actual species composition continued to change throughout the 20 yr period. Additional changes will occur as relatively short-lived species like striped maple, pin cherry, and aspen die. For other species, the change of importance will continue to depend on differences in their growth rates and tolerance to shading. Collectively, these dynamics will likely prolong the relatively rapid shifting of species composition for at least one-third to one-half of a century. Such findings suggest that the onset of canopy closure marks the earliest time to glean realistic information about the future species composition of emerging even-aged northern hardwood stands, and that considerable uncertainty remains about what species will eventually dominate the sites. North. J. Appl. For. 13(4):189-194.

Clearcutting Central New York Northern Hardwood Stands

Abstract Clearcutting proved effective for regenerating central New York stands that were dominated by sugar maple along with American beech, black cherry, white ash, red maple, and basswood. Findings from five stands for periods of 7-13 years following clearcutting show densities equivalent to 2,400 to 9,400 saplings of commercial species per acre on 64-100% of the milacres sampled. In each stand, a minimum of 81% of the 6.6 ft radius sample plots were stocked with at least one sapling of a commercial species, suggesting that site occupancy will be fairly complete and uniform as these stands mature. All sites contained abundant regeneration of commercial species immediately after logging, ranging from 15,000 to 57,000 seedlings per acre, but as many as 90% of these were less than 1 ft tall. The species composition generally reflected the original forest with abundant sugar maple and American beech. However, large amounts of black cherry and white ash also appeared on some sites. Many bramble seedlings germinated during the first growing season after logging and developed into a dense uniform cover by the third year. However, the brambles declined as crown closure occurred in the new stands, and disappeared before the tenth year. Clearcutting should successfully regenerate stands of New York northern hardwoods having conditions similar to those of this study. North. J. Appl. For. 6:75-78, June 1989.

Bibliographical Notices The Causes and Curative Treatment of Sterility, with a Preliminary Statement of the Physiology of Generation . With Colored Lithographs and numerous Wood-Cut Illustrations. By Augustus K. Gardner, A.M., M.D., Permanent Member of the National Medical Association; Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine; Member of the Massachusetts Medical Society; Member of the New York Pathological Society;

Bibliographical Notices The Causes and Curative Treatment of Sterility, with a Preliminary Statement of the Physiology of Generation . With Colored Lithographs and numerous Wood-Cut Illustrations. By Augustus K. Gardner, A.M., M.D., Permanent Member of the National Medical Association; Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine; Member of the Massachusetts Medical Society; Member of the New York Pathological Society;