Improving Health in Communities Near Highways
Somerville, MA
Linnean, with a group of scientists at Tufts University and community activists in Somerville, published a report in 2015 advocating for stronger municipal regulations to protect communities near highways from ultra-fine particles, a currently unregulated health hazard associated with concentrated traffic pollution. The report, Improving Health in Communities Near Highways, provided the most extensive research in this area of public health at the time, and received national coverage for its scientific findings, recommended design interventions, and participatory approach.
In conjunction with the research, Linnean facilitated a design charrette with a group of architects, designers, urban planners, public health advocates, and concerned citizens to apply the strategies to sites in the greater Boston area. The charrette and the report received political support from Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone and State Representative Denise Povost, and have contributed to efforts to adapt city zoning to better address the health effects of highway air pollution.