Take Action Against NIMBY
Communities looking for ways to combat NIMBY issues can learn from three analyses by the Solutions for Treatment Expansion Project (STEP) of the Institute for Public Strategies in San Diego.
Property Value Comparison
STEP commissioned a realtor to assess the sales value of 71 homes located within five blocks of treatment facilities, and compared them to houses located in the same areas, but farther from the facilities.
In five locations surveyed, property values near treatment facilities were slightly higher than in the comparison areas. In one location, property values were approximately the same. In another location, property values were slightly lower.
The eight state-licensed residential treatment facilities had been at their locations for five to 50 years.
Crime Rate Comparison
STEP also analyzed crime data mapped by the Automated Regional Justice Information System, a criminal justice network utilized by 38 local, state and federal agencies in the San Diego region. The analysis included nine diverse neighborhoods that have licensed residential treatment facilitates. Crimes reported immediately in the area were compared to those reported in the larger neighborhood.
STEP found that crime levels in the areas surveyed were consistency lower next to licensed treatment facilities than elsewhere in the same area. However, higher crime rates were found around alcohol sales outlets and areas where drugs were available.
Public Opinion Survey
Finally, STEP interviewed 202 adult residents of San Diego County living within one-half mile of a residential treatment facility in six different neighborhoods.
Compared to those who did not live within one-half mile of a facility, those that did more likely to think that a facility had a positive impact on neighborhoods. The people surveyed consistently reported that the treatment facilities were among the best kept residences, and that the staff and residents were conscientious about being good neighbors. Almost 4 out of 5 residents reported that they think property values in their neighborhood were increasing, and over 7 out of 10 said they think the treatment centers have a positive or neutral effect on neighborhoods.
For more information on STEP, please visit: www.publicstrategies.org/goodneighbor_home.htm
San Diego is a Demand Treatment! Community.
