Mooney, Rowhani-Rahbar, and Wagenaar Publish Research on the Association Between Vacant Lot Redevelopment and Violent Crime
Posted: 10/30/2025 (CSDE Research)
CSDE Affiliates Steve Mooney (Epidemiology), Ali Rowhani-Rahbar (Epidemiology), and Bradley H. Wagenaar (Global Health), along with co-authors Nicole Asa and Hiwot Y. Zewdie, published findings from a difference-in-difference analysis of the association between vacant lot redevelopment and violent/firearm violent crime in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH). The study population was 254 vacant lots located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the exposure was redevelopment, defined as repurposing the vacant lot into a permanent structure (e.g., housing) between 2007 and 2023. The authors found a negative association between redevelopment and aggravated assault, firearm aggravated assault, and overall firearm violent crime. Read more.