South Lincoln Homes

A health impact assessment was completed for a master plan for the South Lincoln housing redevelopment owned by the Denver Housing Authority (DHA). EnviroHealth Consulting completed the HIA and subcontracted to MITHUN firm who was hired by DHA to complete the master plan. In the neighborhood, approximately 38% live in poverty, more than half of the children are poor, over half are Latino. EnviroHealth utilized indicators from multiple sources such as the Healthy Development Measurement Tool. EnviroHealth collected data from community residents, community organizers and City staff i.e., focus groups, interviews, walkability and food audits and analyzed surveys and a health study and other completed documents. The consultant reported on the health impacts and the evidence-based recommendations to support better access and healthier lifestyles for the South Lincoln residents. The project’s vision was to transform South Lincoln into a green, healthy, desirable, and safe neighborhood that achieves multiple health related objectives including reducing noise, increasing physical activity, and providing social support.

The HIA made a series of detailed series of recommendations—such as pedestrian-level lighting to improve safety, low impact stormwater management techniques, noise barriers, improved bike lanes and sidewalks, and spaces for a farmers’ market and community garden—many of which were incorporate into the master plan.