Research + Exit Projects
In addition to the lab's many projects and partnerships, emerging research takes place through graduate and undergraduate-level theses and exit projects. Introduced below are final papers in the Urban & Regional Studies (URS) and Master of Regional Planning (MRP) programs in Cornell's Department of City & Regional Planning. The focus areas of research include the following topics:
Bridging the Gap Between Data And Communities: A Model for Vacant Land Redevelopment in Cleveland
Hanyu Zeng, MRP '25
In Cleveland, Ohio, the challenges of vacant land redevelopment are becoming increasingly urgent, with numerous barriers hindering the process. In response, a GIS-based methodology was developed to prioritize vacant land uses, integrating data-driven analysis with ground-truthing to achieve consensus on optimal land utilization. This model enhances land use efficiency by prioritizing city initiatives, promoting more compact and mixed land uses, and incorporating insights from both experts and residents. This paper provides a detailed overview of the model’s background and implementation process, while also discussing key barriers to its effective application and promotion. One of the key takeaways was the need for a comprehensive and equitable approach to revitalizing underutilized vacant parcels—one that integrates GIS-based suitability analysis with ground-truthing...
A Tale of Two Steel Cities: A Comparative Analysis of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Birmingham, Alabama
Kaitlin Von Tindol, MRP '25
This paper examines the structural shifts of economic development planning in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Birmingham, Alabama following the rapid decline of steel production in the United States over the latter half of the twentieth century. The paper is a historical analysis of the steel industry’s former presence and economic dominance in both Pittsburgh and Birmingham and examines the factors that led to the success of the former industry in both cities. Additionally, the paper provides commentary on the forces that led to both city’s need to restructure their economy following the collapse of United States steel production. Finally, the paper provides commentary on the lasting institutions facilitated by steel production’s presence in both cities and the current industries that now dominate both cities’ economies following the loss of a significant portion of their former steel industry...
Rethinking Vacancy: Exploring a Temporary Use Model for Vacant Land in Chicago
Andrew Epps, MRP '24
Urban vacant land is a pervasive feature in many U.S. cities. Following the 2008 foreclosure crisis, local governments sought to reduce the high concentration of municipal-owned vacant land through initiatives that transferred lots to private ownership. This approach provided short-lived financial benefits but left large amounts of vacant land without plans for reutilization. This research explores how municipal strategies can adopt a temporary use model that allows for incremental, short-term interventions on vacant land. Focusing on Chicago, this paper compares the city’s former Large Lots Program with three case studies in the Washington Park neighborhood to illustrate different approaches to vacant land reutilization...
Tactical Urbanism in the Rust Belt: Top-Down and Ground-Up Strategies for Effecting Change at the City Scale
Aashka Patel, MRP/MLA '24
Community Development Corporations in Troy, NY: The Promises and Pratfalls of Non-Profit Engagement
Lauren Oertel, MRP '24
Community Development Corporations have been a critical asset to disinvested communities nationwide since the 1960’s. Among many American rustbelt cities, Troy, New York residents face socioeconomic injustices because of the urban renewal regime and continued deteriorating infrastructure. For the Troy community to combat these inequities, it is critical to identify existing services, initiatives, and needs of residents and visitors. This study assesses how an adopted community development corporation model could effectively translate and address these needs. Exploring this topic requires a comprehensive examination of the challenges and opportunities that an organization may encounter, particularly in terms of organizational capacity and financial and political relationships...
Living on a Prayer: Faith-Based Housing in Cleveland, OH
Matt Goldenberg, MRP '24
The housing shortage is a pressing issue in the United States, with the situation showing little signs of improvement. The distribution of missing units as a percentage of available supply trends is not evenly distributed by state. Most heartland states east of the Mississippi River see rates of less than 10%. Conversely, California stands at 31%, with Washington, Oregon, Florida, and New York trailing at 26%, 22%, 20%, and 18% respectively (Corinth & Dante, 2022, p. 11). This paper presents faith-based housing as an underutilized resource that, if tapped, would serve to lessen the negative effects of the housing shortage. Core to this position is a quantitative argument that churches and other houses of worship can operate housing more efficiently due to their general exemptions from property taxes, and their ability to realize below market basis for land acquisition costs...
Vacant Land in Cleveland: Understanding and Streamlining Vacant Land Disposition and Incentives
Renee Eddy Harvey, MRP '24
Cleveland, Ohio is home to roughly 360,000 people and 30,000 vacant lots. Population loss and economic decline, due to deindustrialization and the 2008 housing crisis, led to the city’s rise in foreclosed properties, with thousands of them demolished by local land banks. These now vacant lots hold potential for housing development and green infrastructure. Their viability for green infrastructure is particularly important as Cleveland and its residents look to increase green spaces, notably in disinvested communities with excessive vacancies. However, the land bank’s current structure limits green infrastructure projects, as housing remains a major objective. By establishing which vacant lots are unbuildable for housing, more green infrastructure projects can be implemented...