Mixed-use neighborhoods reduce crime.(NEWSWORTHY)

Mixed-use neighborhoods that combine business and residential development may lead to lower levels of some types of violent crime, according to a new study.

The study, led by Christopher Browning, a sociology professor at Ohio State University, found that certain types of violent crime decreased in both impoverished neighborhoods and affluent areas.

"A residential neighborhood needs more than the addition of one or two businesses to see any positive impact on violent crime," says Browning. "There needs to be a sufficient density of businesses and residences throughout the community to really see the benefits. You can't develop a mixed-use community in a limited way, with just a few businesses in one corner of a neighborhood. You need enough business and enough housing to have a vibrant pedestrian community, with people walking around and watching what's going on around them."

The impact may not happen immediately, though. In sparsely populated neighborhoods, an increase in business-residential density leads to higher levels of violent crimes for a period of time. But after building density reaches a certain threshold, certain violent crime begins to decline.

The study found that the number of homicides and aggravated assaults increased in low-density mixed-use neighborhoods as the density increased, but began to decline after a threshold of density was met. Robbery levels continued to increase along with commercial-residential density, perhaps because it is a more strategic crime that is easier to hide from potential witnesses and is not as susceptible to control by watchful citizens.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

There are two theories about mixed-use neighborhoods and violent crime. Some people have argued that businesses attract more foot traffic to neighborhoods and this increased street activity brings more "eyes on the street," which helps to reduce crime. Other people argue that increasing the number of businesses can cause residents to withdraw into their homes because they see more strangers in the community, making crime more likely. This study is the first to determine which of these theories is correct.

The study's findings are important as cities across the country are considering mixed-use developments as a way to reinvigorate downtowns and blighted neighborhoods. The results are encouraging, as the study found that mixed-use developments could help reduce some violent crimes--in both affluent neighborhoods and disadvantaged neighborhoods.

"If anything, mixed-land use was slightly more effective in preventing crimes in disadvantaged areas," Browning explains. "That suggests there is the possibility of creating more viable streets and public spaces in blighted neighborhoods with properly planned development."