“But not all empty lots breed crime. New research suggests that vacant lots that are cleaned up and maintained see reduced crime in their immediate surroundings. Cleaning and greening empty lots can even make people feel safer, according to the study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, published this week in the journal Injury Prevention”

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A Greener, Safer Empty Lot - Neighborhoods - The Atlantic Cities

Agreed. I wish most community development initiatives realized this fact and focused a lot on the low hanging fruit, like lot maintenance, as part of their strategy.