411 homicides, 1130 active liquor licenses, 350 city parks

The goal of this map is to demonstrate the relationship between homicide, locations where alcohol is sold/ consumed, and community green spaces.

Research shows corner stores/ convenience stores don’t necessarily have a negative effect on violent crime. However in higher income neighborhoods corner stores are seen as a positive, while the opposite is true in lower income neighborhoods. I also began noticing that a number of homicides occurred at or near clubs and liquor stores.

A great deal of research has also been conducted on the benefit of turning vacant lots into parks or green spaces in order to reduce violent crime. The most important aspect of this, however, is that community parks are beneficial in reducing violent crime when they are maintained. Many city parks in Detroit are not able to be maintained.

I wonder if Greening of Detroit has any data on areas that they have “greened” and if there is any association with reduced violent crime?

Note: This map was made before the city announced closing down parks and limiting maintenance. Additionally, there will be a regression analysis of homicides to liquor stores (excluding bars and restaurants) soon.

Data sources: City Parks (edited), Detroit Data Collaborative | 2012 Homicides, Detroit Crime and Homicide Group/ Cham Green | 2012 Active Liquor Licenses, Michigan LARA