It's an interesting argument. Here in the Inland Empire of Southern California a noted economist, John Husing, has argued for more freight and logistics activity, arguing that it provides jobs for those without college degrees. There is considerable concern from racial minorities about "complete streets" because they feel that the bike lanes come in with the white people, although it may be more of a chicken and the egg phenomenon. Minorities and poor people may not contact or may not feel listened to by their elected officials, but as people with social capital and political skills of lobbying and activism come in, the bike lanes start popping up, which then make communities more desirable. Ultimately we do need safer streets, but it may be necessary for engineers and planners to take a pause and listen to people and understand their concerns.
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Hank Fung P.E., M.ASCE
Pomona CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-19-2017 12:38
From: Karl Schwartz
Subject: Environmental Justice "EJ" communities
Just look at this based prof. who actually thinks about the consequences of progressive mindset. Harvey is legit... and a super down2earth teacher. Helped me get me CE degree @ Davis and made me laugh a bunch in class :)
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Karl Schwartz P.E., M.ASCE
Dirt Guys
Bakersfield CA
(661)448-2776
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2017 10:43
From: John Harvey
Subject: Environmental Justice "EJ" communities
Recently discussed at a Street Lights meeting sponsored by Complete Streets America in Sacramento by a bicycle advocate from what was referred to as an “environmental justice” (EJ) community, the three signs of gentrification coming are a yoga business, a latte shop and a complete street. What are the answers to improving the lives of folks in so-called EJ communities in terms of helping them get more active transportation, reduce air pollution and maybe even produce jobs that pay more than minimum wage but don’t require a college degree? Can complete streets shut down good high school degree jobs in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, etc by shutting down freight access? Have complete streets become an end to themselves? Or are they a tool for achieving these community goals, but need to be used carefully to avoid the yoga/latte/gentrification outcome?
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John Harvey P.E., M.ASCE
Professor
University Of California
Davis CA
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