Broken Window Theory

The concept of the Broken Window Theory is basically the more a neighborhood is taken care of (trash pick up, positive use of public space), the less blight an area will attract. This idea seems simple enough in its context, yet there are still several neighborhoods in the Philadelphia region which have mounds of trash where play grounds and gardens used to be. The play grounds provide to children a safe place to play, while gardens like the one above can provide food for the people of the community. Also with less blight it will provide a more positive feel for the people of the communities. Specifically in North Philadelphia where I live there are several forms of public art which are used in areas where abandon buildings and areas of neglect have attracted several forms of blight. Along Girard Ave. in particular as you walk over the bridges to West Philadelphia you will find they have several murals and recycled mosaics along them.  This area of Girard is used heavily by people using public transportation, which makes me feel that these forms of public art have and will continue to contribute to a more positive environment.  I can firmly say that because across from the intersection in the above picture I have personally worked on the land there cleaning up trash and planting trees during my internship with Fairmount Park this summer. Months later I have noticed there is not as much trash as there once was. Although it is not a true form of public art, planting trees and trash pick up can encourage others to do the same.