New Britain-Hartford Busway Project

A health impact assessment was performed to determine the health impacts of an express Busway planned to run between New Britain and Hartford Connecticut. Specifically, the assessment focused on resident employment, community safety, and the possibility of neighborhood gentrification. Data indicated that the increases in employment possibilities offered by reliable transportation such as a Busway would have a positive effect on the health of residents, especially in New Britain and Hartford. The current Busway plans could have an adverse effect on community safety, especially around the proposed multi-use trail. Additionally, the possibility of neighborhood gentrification after construction of the Busway could pose a risk for those residents lacking sufficient resources.

Recommendations

The HIA made recommendations for increased lighting and police call stations along the multi-use trail, as well as improved barriers between the Busway and adjacent residential neighborhoods. Additionally, a recommendation has been made to monitor community demographics for signs of gentrification, so that plans can be made for to mitigate any effects on the economically-insecure residents.

Challenges

At the time of dissemination of the data to the Council of Governments, gentrification was looked on as a positive for the region, without thought to the hardships that could be placed upon the residents of the area, many of who already pay more than 30% of their household income on rent. More recently, decision-makers are starting to consider the impacts of gentrification on the community.