Vacant Land: An Urban Resource
As population continues to shift from cities to outlying areas, many
aging industrial cities throughout the United States are burdened with
acres of abandoned, trash-strewn land. Philadelphia Green has become a
national leader in transforming this vacant land into an asset for
neighbors and for the future of the city. Based on its own extensive research, Philadelphia Green developed a
clean and green approach that involves clearing debris, planting trees
and grass, and installing fencing or other protective barriers. This
model for land management, which includes strong partnerships with
community-based organizations and city agencies, dramatically improves
the appearance, or "curb appeal," of struggling neighborhoods. The goal is to make the land more attractive—to retain existing
residents and businesses, and then attract new urban dwellers and
commercial investments to the city of Philadelphia. Using these
methods, Philadelphia Green promotes a citywide agenda for reclaiming
vacant land as an integral part of urban revitalization.
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