Mapping Paths to Healthier Urban Futures

Alexander Mori

Co-Presenters: Kiana Nunez, Rida Sajjad

College: College of Liberal Arts

Major: BA.PSYCHOLOGY

Faculty Research Mentor: Venesa Alicea-Chuqui

Abstract:

Background
Trenton, New Jersey includes several historically marginalized neighborhoods that have experienced long-term disinvestment driven by industrial decline, discriminatory housing policies, environmental burdens, and aging infrastructure. These conditions are pronounced in communities such as Coalport, where cumulative socioeconomic and environmental challenges shape development outcomes. Persistent socioeconomic and health disparities affect predominantly African American residents and the area’s Latino immigrant community. Reflecting broader patterns of environmental injustice and uneven redevelopment, this project examines: (1) how public-space investments, affordable-housing strategies, and improved connectivity can support equitable revitalization without driving displacement, and (2) how new and retrofitted housing can advance clean-energy goals, strengthen public health, and expand workforce opportunities.

Methods
This phase relies on literature review and analysis of open datasets, including GIS layers, environmental-exposure indices, demographic and health indicators, and historical land-use records. Spatial analysis identifies burdens such as brownfields and lead-exposure risks and evaluates their overlap with socioeconomic vulnerability and aging infrastructure. The research also highlights data gaps related to displacement, housing-health linkages, and neighborhood clean-energy adoption, as well as limitations in previous redevelopment efforts.

Conclusion
Findings underscore need for improved metrics to track displacement risk, environmental-governance performance, housing-health connections, and clean-energy integration. The next phase will incorporate interviews, participatory design, and spatial visualization to validate findings and refine equity-oriented planning tools. Combining geospatial analysis with community-grounded narratives will produce visual and descriptive outputs that clarify current conditions and inform evidence-based recommendations for future development in Coalport and comparable communities.

Keywords: Urban Revitalization, Environmental Justice, Open Data, Public Health, Clean Energy