The Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is creating a 30-mile transportation system between downtown Nashville and Gallatin, Tennessee. The three transit-oriented development (TOD) sites will be Madison, Hendersonville, and Gallatin. The Nashville MPO initiated a Northeast Corridor Study to develop a strategy for implementation. The HIA looked at design factors that would promote engaging in active transportation and potential barriers to utilizing active transportation. The HIA also looked at access to healthy foods, street connectivity, green space, air quality, housing, and safety. To gain input from the community, the HIA utilized surveys to determine which design elements residents supported. Approximately 1,000 surveys were distributed within the three TOD areas.
The HIA recommended optimizing design to enhance connectivity and physical activity for all members of the community, including vulnerable populations.
Outcome
The first phase of the HIA resulted in design considerations that were included in the plans for one site, such as senior housing, community gardens, walking paths, a community gathering space and public art. The MPO plans to use the pilot experience to conduct a more comprehensive HIA as part of the second phase of the planning process.
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This Health Impact Assessment Report first appeared in The Cross-Sector Toolkit for Health. The Cross-Sector Toolkit for Health was originally developed by the Health Impact Project, formerly a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts. The creation of this resource was supported by a grant from the Health Impact Project. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Pew Charitable Trusts, or the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
