Smart Growth Tools- Hackettstown

In New Jersey, Asian and Pacific Islanders are growing in population by 50.63%. In general, the population is growing 4.5%, while the white population is decreasing by 6.16%. This continues to show that population characteristics are always dynamic.
But, as the population continues to change, so does the economy. The income has decreased 10.95%, but for people in the 90th percentile, their income has increased 33.56%. 
Additionally income levels for people of color are $9 less than white workers in general, in New Jersey. 

Looking more specifically at the population of Hackettstown, it is pretty heavily populated, in a state that has the highest population density already. Focusing on public transportation could help the people in Hackettstown, since it would cut back on using cars that emit lots of carbon dioxide. Additionally, since it's a really rural area, public transportation would help connect areas as well as assist people getting places faster and more efficiently. 

Class Presentations Part 2

The presentations for class today are very engaging when it comes to issues in various areas across the U.S. 
Chapter 8's group did a great job presenting the issues with Hurricane Katrina that are tied to issues of transportation. Environmental affects like debris dumping and oil spills highlighted the complex issues involved. The group also did a good job highlighting the need for better transportation for those who cannot afford private transportation in a state of emergency/evacuation. The struggles of rebuilding New Orleans and the fear the residents have show the reality of an unprepared area. 
Chapter 9 was presented well, discussing the issues with the prosperous Atlanta airport. Much of the air and noise pollution causes many minority and low income groups to suffer, which will only increase if the 5th runway is installed like the group noted. The maps the group provided showed the issues with the landlocked area and how the air pollution coalesces to cause a major issue. Highway sprawl was another issue the group did a nice job discussing- how the expansion of the prosperous area can displace many people and cause more environmental damage. 
I think my group did a nice job highlighting the issues and goals of MPOs and their role in various communities. I think MPOs play an important role in making sure community issues are balanced and represented. 
Chapter 11's group was very thorough when it comes to alternative fuel usage and the "diesel issue." Nonrenewable resources end up polluting urban areas because of the cluster of industry and transportation, causing cancer and asthma. The ozone and various air pollutants that cause respiratory problems affect those in condensed areas, mostly lower-income and minority groups. The group presented the statistics and the issues well, as well as the affects. The pollution technologies were interesting, gauging the amount emitted and what people can physically deal with before being poisoned. The group also did a great job highlighting the benefits of alternative fuel sources, with less health issues and more domestically produced. These air quality issues sparked the demand for better air quality, which was great to hear. 
Group 12 discussed fiscal issues that come with housing and transportation, and how the government tries to share benefits and responsibilities equally. Without it, the group explained, the gentrification and residential segregation across centuries would continue. Brownfields and greenfields were discussed as well, and the issues and benefits of each. Brownfields were sites of industrialism that are highly contaminated, but make it easy to access infrastructure. Greenfields aren't connected to infrastructure, but it's unlikely they'll be contaminated. Smart growth is highlighted again, allowing for more stable and sustainable communities. The balance between regional and local governance was discussed, such as Regional Coalition Building and how to integrate people in suburbs and central cities, and how each form of governance is tied to MPOs. Minorities fear regionalism because it reduces political power as well as diluting cultural identity. Regionalism is advocated for, however, to get the community to work together and save green spaces areas as well as money.  

Class Presentation Reviews 1 

The presentations for this section of chapters was very informative and well put-together. 
Manuel Pastor's section was interesting, highlighting inner cities, poverty, and transportation through the lens of Latinx communities. I found the distinction of this communities issues' interesting. They also suffer from trying to find jobs, but it's a working poor class that has low wages rather than not being able to access a job. The group presenting this chapter also noted that Latinx communities are more removed so they can't get the benefits of smart growth as fast. 
I think my group did a decent job at presenting the information from our chapter. Reading this information, I found it interesting how William Johnson connected urban issues to the Civil Rights Movement, and his push to emphasize strong communities in order to make a difference. The idea of residential segregation upset me, knowing people struggle to thrive because of segregation to this day. Nashville was a neat place to study, looking at it geographically to see sprawl and suburbanization. The group did a great job presenting the case study and the issues people in Nashville face expansion/population growth. 
The 6th groups' case study of a rural, segregated area in SC posed interesting questions as to what people do about transportation and housing when they are in such far-removed places? When development takes place, a lot of land is lost, and the environment is degraded, adding new ideas of segregation and racism to the mix when considering rural areas- how to allocate pollution, who needs to move to build more suburban neighborhoods, etc.
I really liked the 7th chapters because I take Food Justice with Professor Harrison. Hearing again the struggles of finding food near homes, that is also well-priced and healthy, is always a struggle for lower-income households, especially without private transportation. As the group pointed out, this leads to obesity and other health issues because healthy food isn't easily accessed. This disproportionately affects communities of color, who suffer these health and food issues more often because of their location, income, and transportation means. 
The groups did a great job highlighting these points and issues, as well as making clear what the author of each chapter was trying to convey, and the solutions. 

Urban/Master Plan for Hackettstown

The Master Plan for Hackettstown has been updated a few times across the years. The 2008 Plan mentions in sections 12C that "Greater emphasis is being placed on the importance of pedestrian safety and connectivity of sidewalks and paths by State and Federal agencies." This means that the town is considering various forms of transportation, including walking, and the NJ Transportation Planning Authority highlighted a need for "walkability improvements." This town has also been considered eligible for State and Federal grants for road, transit and pedestrian improvements, some of which have already been completed. The 2013 Plan wants to "To encourage the location and design of transportation routes which will permit the free flow of traffic while discouraging location of such facilities and routes which will result in congestion or blight." Additionally, "Guiderails, pipe railing, or other appropriate barricades, shall be designed and placed at drainage structures, streams, embankment limits, curves and other required locations as specified by New Jersey Department of Transportation," showing an emphasis on safety. They also wanted a more pedestrian-oriented area that includes civic services and commercial options, along with housing and better access to public transportation. This plan also wanted to include more safety for bicyclists, as well as public transport for public places, residences, and shelters. This will help residents stay connected with easier access to various locations across the town.  

Hackettstown Advocacy

My final paper will focus on my hometown of Hackettstown, New Jersey. The All Aboard group and the Hackettstown Historical Society are both advocates for the town, helping to improve it through various networks. Since Hackettstown has many historic buildings across the area, the Historical Society helps protect them and research them to offer information to visitors. They curate artifacts, protect houses, and maintain cemetery records, helping to keep the unique historic background of Hackettstown prevalent. All Aboard is affiliated with Main Street Hackettstown, and is partially funded in part by the Hackettstown Town Council. This group "is, in many respects, similar to a Special Improvement District." It's goal is to enhance the downtown area, "and has extended loans to property owners and lent design assistance that has resulted in improvements to commercial structures in the downtown area." They also help investigate the quality of different areas around town and determine if it needs some restructuring or improvements. "The design standards should focus on preservation of existing structures and ensuring design compatibility of new structures and renovations with what already exists. Standards should be sensitive to cost concerns of property owners." (Master Plan)

Environmental Justice 

I've taken the Environmental Justice class offered here at Drew with Professor Harrison, and it is illuminating in what it shows about how society and the environment intersect. Issues of the environment cannot be separated from human activities- we shape nature as much as it influences us. However, we can also respond to the environment, and these responses are where environmental justice comes in. Groups of people are forced to bear the burden of environmental issues more so than others, due to religion, race, gender, and class. 
Environmental Justice is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as "fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies." I agree with this statement- every group of people should bear the burdens and reap the benefits of our environment equally. Environmental injustices are when these disadvantaged groups suffer the burdens more without any of the benefits coming their way. This could be placing people of color in more flood-prone areas, building nuclear power plants near people of color, allowing the white/wealthy the privilege of larger lawns far away from air, water, light, and noise pollution. http://www.ejnet.org/ej/ highlights specific examples of environmental racism that are played out across the United States, including waste management, exposure to toxins, and atomic bomb testing. Not only are pollution, overharvesting, and environmental degradation horrible for the planet in general, but additionally, people from underprivileged groups have to bear the brunt of these issues when they may not even be the ones contributing the most to the problems. Balancing the issues and the benefits among everyone is Environmental Justice, and needs to be fought for. 

Blog #15- An Inconvenient Truth

Watching An Inconvenient Truth, it was great seeing how well the elements of climate change were arranged in a way everyone can understand. Al Gore, being charismatic and informed, was really helpful in showing the impact humans have on the earth, such as the chart that went off the screen, the ice melt, desertification, the coral bleaching, the flooding, and the heat waves. He put them in a very human and urgent perspective, showing that things need to change now or we won't have a choice. Having so many different sources, like clips of Al Gore, videos, statistics, different research elements, and clips of other politicians, showed how connected everyone is to this issue, and that it is necessary to discuss and act on now.