Research Abstracts - UrbanStudiesAbstracts

Urban Studies Abstracts

CREATING AN URBAN ARTS DISTRICT FROM WORCESTER’S BROWNFIELDS

William Adu-Boahen, Dante Comparetto, Sianeh Konie, Patrick Shanley, and Tonya Vargas

Faculty Adviser: Steven H. Corey, Ph.D.

This poster will examine the feasibility of turning the old Junction Machine Shop on Beacon Street in Worcester into the center of a thriving Arts District. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) defines a brownfield as an abandoned or idle property that contains some level of hazardous and/or toxic waste. There are hundreds of these sites in Worcester and their remediation and rehabilitation into new enterprises can help reinvigorate the city’s economy. As one of Worcester’s original factories that helped spin off dozens of industrial endeavors, the Junction Mill may again usher in a new era for the city.

ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS: POLLUTION OF LAKE QUINSIGAMOND

Robert Bilotta and Christopher Hoey

Faculty Adviser: Steven H. Corey, Ph.D.

This poster will examine issues related to pollution in and around Lake Quinsigamond. Investigators will pay special attention to those issues and questions being raised by people who live and recreate on or near the lake by evaluating public forums and hearings.

WHAT HAPPENED TO COMMONWEALTH GAS?

Nicholas Charette, Maria Skinner, Stephen Roberts, and Karl Snickars

Faculty Adviser: Steven H. Corey, Ph.D.

This poster is going to take an in-depth look into the history of the Commonwealth gas site adjacent to the Port of Worcester. In addition to site history, current remediation efforts and potentially sustainable uses for the future will be explored.

UPSALA STREET CLEAN UP

Laura Clancy and Astra Perkins

Faculty Adviser: Steven H. Corey, Ph.D.

This poster will examine the brownfield site located at 36 Upsala Street in Worcester, Massachusetts. It will illustrate the history of the site and current remediation efforts that influence current and future uses.

TOXIC EDUCATION

Bryan Cormier, Will Edge, and Paul Blanchard

Faculty Adviser: Steven H. Corey, Ph.D.

This poster will look at hazardous contaminants at the Tatnuck Elementary/Middle School that has potentially dangerous chemicals and oil on the property.

WORCESTER STATE COLLEGE “ELECTION 2008” STUDENTS’ SURVEY

Shiko Gathuo, Ph.D., and Marc J. Wagoner, Ph.D.

The recent election for President of the United States represents a potential turning point in terms of civic engagement, as there was a groundswell in youth participation. We wondered if the students here at Worcester State College were a part of such activity. What level of interest in this election did students have? What level of political knowledge did they have; what were their information sources? One week prior to the election (November 4, 2008), we distributed a survey to students to address these questions. We will review what some students at WSC were considering during that period in time.

REDEVELOPING THE HISTORIC COES KNIFE FACTORY

David Harris and Darren Schmidt

Faculty Adviser: Steven H. Corey, Ph.D.

This poster examines the redevelopment of the former Coes Knife factory in Worcester, Massachusetts from an unsightly brownfield to open recreation space. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) defines a brownfield as an abandoned or idle property that contains some level of hazardous and/or toxic waste. This poster will also examine the history of the factory and its importance to area’s economy.

THE FUTURE OF WORCESTER AIRPORT

Corey Majeau and Scott Poitras

Faculty Adviser: Steven H. Corey, Ph.D.

This poster will exhibit past and current problems with regard to chemical contaminations at the Worcester Airport. It will also show what could replace the airport in the future, such as wind energy turbine facility.

BROWNFIELDS WITHIN THE DRAPER MILL COMPLEX

Chadyn Morrison, Janelle Foley, Mark Costiglione and Joshua Knipe

Faculty Adviser: Steven H. Corey, Ph.D.

This poster will present the history of the Draper Mill Complex in Hopedale, Massachusetts and discuss the environmental impact that this and other brownfields in the area have on the local community. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) defines a brownfield as an abandoned or idle property that contains some level of hazardous and/or toxic waste. In addition to site history, remediation efforts and plans for future development of the Hopedale Mill Complex will be analyzed.

ENDING HUNGER TOGETHER

Maureen Power, Ph.D.

Ending Hunger Together will be a photographic poster collage of the work of the Commonwealth Corps at Worcester State College.

STANDARD FOUNDRY: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

William Toombs, Jr. and William Toombs, Sr.

Faculty Adviser: Steven H. Corey, Ph.D.

This poster will explore the history of the old Standard Foundry in South Worcester. It will show potential uses for the site and ways in which it can once again become an asset for the city.