Posts Tagged ‘broken window theory’

5 Things I experienced in Gary, SD

July 7th, 2009

As I promised, here’s an update on what I experienced over the weekend at the Gary, South Dakota 3rd of July Celebration.  For a town of 250 residents, they held an amazing event.  Both the Sioux Falls Argus Leader and the Watertown Public Opinion published stories.  Rather than describe the activities or the grand opening of the Buffalo Ridge Resort, I want to share “5 things I saw” in Gary while I was at the celebration. 

1. The transformation of a decaying community asset:  I’ve previously stated that I believe most rural communities have hidden assets waiting to be transformed.  And the former South Dakota School for the Blind may have been more decay than asset.  But a quick look at these before and after pictures will show what vision and hard work can do.  I hope it inspires other rural communities to look for assets they can develop.

2. A community coming together:  Gary residents have always come together to sponsor some great community celebrations.  This year, they put together an incredible set of activities for their two-day 3rd of July Celebration that coincided with the Buffalo Ridge Resort grand opening.   Not only do events like this bring money into town, but they also create a sense of community for residents and visitors alike.  (If you want to see what other events the community has planned, I’d encourage you to check out their new website.)

3. A Sense of Opportunity:  While taking some pictures Friday, I overheard one middle-aged guy say, “I want to move back, and I mean here (meaning Gary) not Watertown.”  I don’t know where the person lives or what he does for a living, but I’ll bet he wasn’t the only one to say that over the weekend.  The Buffalo Ridge Resort has undoubtedly created some employment opportunities, but hopefully it will also inspire others to dream of creating their own businesses.  (Anyone who has such dreams should contact Briana Hoffman, Deuel Area Development, Inc — briana.hoffman@rurallearningcenter.org .)

4. An entrepreneur who reinvested in his community after striking success:  Let’s be honest.  It would have been easier for Joe Kolbach to take the earnings from selling his wind energy business and move to the big city.  Instead, he chose to reinvest in the community that helped him build his company.  

5. Skepticism:  Yes, I overheard a few other people talking about how tough operating a resort facility in a town of 250 people will be.  But as Joe Kolbach said in the Argus Leader, “People can’t imagine why I’m spending the money on building this. But this is a passion for the whole community. It will work. I wouldn’t have built it if I thought otherwise.”

 

So what will the future hold? Some people will root against the Buffalo Ridge Resort because of jealousy and small-mindedness. That happens in big cities and rural communities alike.  Hopefully most people in the Gary region understand what an incredible opportunity stands in front of them.  I’m sure there are a lot of communities who would welcome such a development with open arms. 

Personally, I’d never root against anything Joe takes on.  He built a company from scratch, and has already done more with former blind school campus than most people thought possible.  Those are people who usually find a way to get the job done.  And they are the type of people we could use more of in our rural communities.

       

Note:  Be sure to check out more before and after pictures on Flickr.

Update:  Check out this post at Madville Times about the project.

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Posted in Community Development, Economic Development, In the News, Quality of Life, Rural | Comments (5)

Home Demolition — A Housing Strategy?

May 21st, 2009

When most people think about Habitat for Humanity programs, they think of volunteers helping homeowners build new homes.  The New York Times, however, tells us of a Saginaw, MI Habitat affiliate who has added demolition to its mission.

Saginaw is approximately 100 miles northwest of Detroit, and has experienced outmigration due to tough economic times in the automotive industry.  In describing Saginaw, the article notes:

Saginaw… is a city of contrasts: neighborhoods of enormous, well-kept homes (this was, after all, a lumber town before it was a car town) but also blocks of vacant lots and shuttered houses.

Sounds like a lot of rural communities in our part of the country could meet this description as well. Nice, new homes often sit out on the edge of town, while older homes in the community’s core have often rotted away.

Although my preference is for purchase, rehab, resell programs rather than demolition, anyone who accepts the evidence of broken window theory will appreciate the importance of maintaining tidy neighborhoods.  And because the organization’s volunteers tear out recyclable features (ie - cabinets, fixtures, sinks, etc…) for resell, the organization is also generating income to complete its mission of helping people get into new or rehabbed houses. 

The bottom line is that communities with vacant houses need to deal with the issue. Saginaw’s Habitat for Humanity chapter appears to be pointing the way to one solution.

Photo by: piddix/Flickr

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Posted in Housing, In the News, Rural | Comments (0)

More evidence to support “Broken Windows” Theory

February 18th, 2009

Back in December2008, I wrote about the negative effects associated with “broken windows theory” and suggested litter, graffiti, abandoned buildings, and other signs of “disorder” might limit or decrease the willingness of community members to work together on projects.  

I’ve yet to find any hard research linking broken windows to descreased community support, but a study in Lowell, Massachusetts offers further evidence that community beautification can help reduce crime.  

Other resources on “broken window theory”

Note:  I’ve been looking for information about “broken windows” theory in rural places, but haven’t’ had much luck.  I’d appreciate any resources people can pass along.

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Posted in Community Development, In the News, Rural | Comments (0)

Broken windows are a big deal

December 8th, 2008

The physical appearance of our communities matters.  And it matters a great deal! 

Usually, I tell people that “dumpy looking communities” are less attractive places for new families.  But a story in The Economist, reminded me that how our communities look may also impact how people behave.

The Economist story focused on the results of a study based on a concept known as “Broken Window Theory“.  Simply put, this theory argues that people who see signs of “disorder” - like broken windows, litter, graffiti, and public intoxication– in their neighborhoods are more likely to commit minor crimes. 

Admittedly, the crimes reported in the study as a result of the disorder were negligible, ranging from not making the effort to throw away a flier (littering) to taking a $5 bill that belonged to an unknown person (stealing).  So, the question is, do these small acts have the potential to snow-ball into something more serious? 

As I read the article, I also kept thinking about what effect “orderliness” might have?  Is it possible that people who live in neat and tidy communities might be more willing to help their neighbors?  Are they more likely to work together on projects with less community conflict? 

That conjecture might make a good follow-up study, adding valuable arguments to why we need work on community appearance.  But at a minimum, I hope it helps community leaders see how clean towns can reduce the minor criminal acts in their communities.

Note:  A special thanks goes to Planetizen for making me aware of this story. 

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Posted in In the News, Leadership, Rural | Comments (3)