Abstract
1. Problem Definition: This project addresses the urban challenges in Cleveland, Ohio, as part of the ULI Hines Student Competition for Jan 2025. Cleveland faces critical issues including post-industrial land use, fragmented neighborhoods, and environmental degradation along the Cuyahoga River. Through GIS analysis, this project will develop a data-driven proposal to improve connectivity, land use, and environmental resilience within Cleveland’s urban core.
2. Approach: Using ArcGIS Pro, I will analyze demographic trends, infrastructure, and environmental factors to identify optimal areas for development and revitalization. This involves layering spatial data to visualize patterns and relationships and applying GIS tools such as buffering, spatial joins, and proximity analysis to focus on key elements: connectivity enhancements, flood-prone areas, and community needs. Insights from previous ULI projects, which have used GIS to assess connectivity and open space accessibility, will guide the analysis.
3. Datasets and Sources:
o Land Use and Zoning: City of Cleveland GIS data to evaluate underutilized parcels and zoning compliance.
o Demographic and Socioeconomic Data: U.S. Census Bureau, for assessing population distribution and community demographics.
o Transportation and Accessibility: Cleveland’s transit data and road networks to plan for transit-oriented development.
o Environmental Data: EPA and local GIS layers for flood zones and green infrastructure, especially along the riverfront.
4. Objectives: The goal is to leverage GIS to identify potential zones for mixed-use development and enhanced connectivity in Cleveland. The analysis will reveal priority areas where urban revitalization and environmental resilience intersect, informing a final proposal aligned with Cleveland’s sustainability and community objectives.
5. References:
o ULI Hines Student Competition Archives (previous GIS-supported approaches).
o City of Cleveland GIS Resources and Planning Department data.
o EPA Environmental and Watershed GIS data for Cleveland.