Assessing Health and Environmental Efficiency of Green Development in Post-Industrial Neighborhoods

Introduction

Author: Jose Ramirez

Department: Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement

Advisor: Dr. Joseph K. Hoereth, IPCE, Alexander Diaz, UPPF

Abstract: As legacy industries close across the United States, post-industrial communities often face a “second wave” of environmental burden during the redevelopment process. This research investigates the transition of Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood from hosting the Crawford Generating Station—a coal plant ranked as the nation’s worst environmental justice offender—to the “Exchange 55” logistics hub. Utilizing a qualitative case study and policy analysis approach spanning from the plant's 2012 closure to 2024, this study evaluates the environmental efficacy of this redevelopment against community-established health goals. Data sources include municipal zoning ordinances, Chicago Health Atlas statistics, and primary accounts of the 2020 smokestack demolition. Findings indicate that the current redevelopment strategy failed to mitigate cumulative health disparities, instead exchanging a stationary pollution source for mobile diesel emissions and traumatizing residents through a negligent demolition process. Limitations of this study include reliance on lagging public health datasets and the inherent difficulty of isolating the specific air quality impacts of Exchange 55 from the broader, pre-existing pollution along the 31st Street Industrial Corridor. The study concludes that “green” redevelopment is ineffective without structural zoning reform. To ensure true health equity, municipalities must adopt a “Just Transition” framework that mandates Cumulative Impact Assessments and legally binding Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) before approving new industrial uses in overburdened communities.

Keywords: Environmental Justice, Cumulative Impact Assessment, Just Transition, Green Redevelopment, Zoning Reform, Urban Logistics, Little Village Neighborhood