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Abstract

Researching traditional streetcars’ development impacts is challenging: most U.S. lines operate in downtown areas with many development stimuli. This article addresses that challenge through analysis of New Orleans building permits after Hurricane Katrina. We estimate how post-Katrina permit frequency changes with distance from streetcar stops, controlling for damage, proximity to commercial areas, and pre-Katrina demographics. We find that distance to stops strongly predicts building permits. Residential permits increase with distance to stops; commercial permits decrease. Findings confirm streetcars support commercial development, yet suggest potential displacement of residential uses. Implications for future streetcar projects in New Orleans and elsewhere are discussed.

Keywords

land-use mix neighborhood revitalization rail transit streetcar transit-oriented development

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Streetcars and Recovery

Abstract

Keywords

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