JPER, Volume 17, Number 2, Winter 1997

Utilizing Mixed-Method Research Designs in Planning:

The Case of 14th Street, New York City

John Gaber and Sharon L. Gaber

Abstract

Planning researchers tend to use single quantitative and/or qualitative research methods in their investigations. Unfortunately, single method research strategies run the risk of missing significant data sets that can cripple a planning investigation. We argue that combining methods into a mixed-method research design provides planning investigators a more comprehensive understanding than would be possible under a single method. The goal of the paper is to cultivate interest in combining quantitative and qualitative investigations into mixed-method planning research strategies and to highlight how and why investigators use mixed-method research strategies.

How the Others Plan: Exploring the Shape and Forms of Informal Planning

Helen Briassoulis

Abstract

Informal planning, although non-institutionalized, leads to planned outcomes that serve particular interests. The informal planning path runs parallel to or mixes with formal planning, shaping the context of formal planning practice. As the subject of informal planning is very broad and relatively unexplored, this article merely sets the stage for further analysis. It does so by pulling several strands of thought from the literature on the informal planning process, with the aim of understanding and explaining observed socioeconomic and spatial phenomena. The shape, genesis, and causes of informal planning are examined; formal is compared to informal planning; and the design of a typology of informal planning is proposed. To conclude, the main directions of future research on the subject are indicated.

Information and Attitudes Toward Mental Health Care Facilities:

Implications for Addressing the NIMBY Syndrome

Lois M. Takahashi

Abstract

Human service providers and scholars have often touted education and information awareness strategies as necessary elements in overcoming community rejection of human services. However, information can affect perceptions in positive or negative ways. This paper presents an analysis of the first national survey of attitudes toward human services in the United States to explore the linkages between information and acceptance of human service facilities. Mental health care facilities provide the focus for analysis. The findings suggest that most respondents believe that they are not "very well" informed about mental disability, that they often do not have personal experience with mental health care, and that the information that they do obtain often emanates from the popular media (particularly television). Ordered logit methods are used to explore the influence of information on attitudes toward group homes for mentally retarded persons and toward mental health outpatient facilities. Implications of this ana

ysis for understanding the NIMBY syndrome are discussed.

Neighborhood Regeneration: The State of the Art

Naomi Carmon

Abstract

In this article, I present a historical overview of neighborhood regeneration programs, concentrating on the United States and the United Kingdom while also presenting programs in other Western countries and in Israel. The overview is based on a series of evaluation studies as well as an extensive literature survey. Three generations of neighborhood remedies identified in all these countries are critically analyzed. The analysis includes a model case of the second generation and a new typology of the third. Based on theoretical understanding of urban processes and the lessons drawn from past experience, the article concludes with constructive proposals for a new generation of neighborhood renewal policies. While former policies benefited either people or areas, the proposals discussed here were developed to promote both and thus, where appropriately implemented, to halt the cycle of distress in neighborhoods.

Local Government Land Use Policy Responses

to the Century Freeway/Transitway

Joseph F. DiMento, Sherry Ryan, and Drusilla van Hengel

Abstract

Change in local land use policy is generally a necessary precursor to future land use changes. Using the recently opened Century Freeway/Transitway (I-105) in Los Angeles County as a case study, this article examines the land use policy responses of local jurisdictions traversed by a new transportation facility. Focusing on this local policy context, we analyze former and current general plans and zoning ordinances from the 13 jurisdictions near the freeway/transitway and we interview city managers or directors of community development from each jurisdiction. Changes have most often been to foster commercial and mixed use designation. However, our analysis of zoning changes in the corridor area also indicates that some jurisdictions are attempting to deintensify land uses, and this dynamic is even more evident when a wider analysis area of the affected jurisdictions is employed (one mile band). We offer several reasons for these results and comment on relevance to an understanding of accessibility.

Genesis of a Western European Spatial Policy?

Louis Albrechts

Abstract

Economic and social cohesion, sustainable development, and balanced competitiveness of the European territory are the arguments traditionally used in favor of a European spatial policy. This article focuses on documents and projects designed to lead toward an overall European Union spatial policy. It provides an overview of the content and the leading principles and indicates strengths and weaknesses of the emerging spatial policy as reflected in the documents Europe 2000, Europe 2000+, and the European Spatial Development Perspective. A European planning activity is considered to be acceptable to the extent that it is complementary, empowers the local level, and coordinates the EU spatial activities.

Instruction

Teaching about Property Rights and the Environment

William C. Baer

Abstract

Property rights are integral to the professions involving planning, development, and environmental issues. A theoretical and historical framework on land and property rights gives students preparing for these professions a deeper understanding of the concepts underlying current practice. Without this background, practitioners are relatively ignorant about the rich history that is involved in how we perceive and govern property. This article reviews how such a course was developed for undergraduates in these programs, including the selection of the substantive issues covered; the problems in teaching about property rights to students who have not yet had experience with the concepts; and the various assignments used to transmit a relevance that students otherwise might think missing.

Comment

How Much For Housing? Cautionary Indications on the State of Shelter Concerns in Planning Education