A Bronx Tale of Environmental Justice: The Intersection Between Urban Planning and Transportation

This thesis explores the intersection of urban planning and transportation, focusing on creating sustainable, efficient, and livable cities without overburdening communities. The borough of Bronx, characterized by its diverse socio-economic landscape and intricate transportation network, offers a compelling case study for examining the impact of urban planning strategies on transportation infrastructure. Through a combination of expert interviews, my fellowship with Tri-State Transportation Campaign (TSTC) in 2024, and policy review, this research identifies key areas where transportation planning and urban development intersect and influence each other. The research evaluates current planning practices, assesses the effectiveness of recent transportation initiatives, and proposes integrated strategies to enhance mobility, accessibility, and sustainability. Chapter 1 focuses on current environmental issues of transit accessibility, sustainability, and environmental racism. Chapter 2 goes over the birth of the Bronx, NY, which is the major focus of the thesis. This chapter emphasizes the rights and wrongs when it comes to planning intricate cities, and why the Bronx is a hub for environmental justice cases. Chapter 3 dives into a more in-depth treatment of environmental justice issues concerning transportation-related urban planning issues in the Bronx. Chapter 4 evaluates current transportation-related policies, using expert interviews by major transportation advocates in the Tri-State Area such as Jaqi Cohen, who is the Director of Climate and Equity Policy at TSTC. Chapter 5 concludes with recommendations for policy improvements and strategic interventions aimed at fostering a more efficient and equitable transportation system. The findings will show the importance of cohesive planning efforts that consider both the immediate needs of residents and long-term urban growth.