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A
comprehensive assessment of quality of life in Charlottes' neighborhoods was completed
using 18 social, physical, crime, and economic variables. Four dimensions of quality of
life were defined. These dimensions were further aggregated into an overall Quality of
Life Index. Based upon a cumulative score on the Quality of Life Index, NSAs were grouped
into three categories: stable, threatened and fragile. These categories were used in the
earlier CWAC Quality of Life studies, but the variable data sources and methodology are
different. Grouping
data into categories is a valuable tool to create a general standard that can convey the
idea of quality of life in individual communities. Moreover, it permits a comparison of
the quality of life between NSAs as well as comparison within the entire city. However,
this general categorization should only be used to recognize the generic level of need in
a community. Each NSA is unique, and its score on the individual dimensions and possibly
individual indicators should be recognized as critical to assessing the specific
conditions and needs of a neighborhood. Stable: Stable NSAs are those that have few social
problems, low rates of crime, few infrastructure and housing needs and high levels of
economic vitality. These are neighborhoods that score highly on the Social, Physical,
Crime, and Economic dimensions. Threatened: Threatened NSAs are those that score relatively
high on most of the dimensions but may have a significant problem on one or more of the
dimensions. Fragile: Fragile NSAs generally have low to moderate scores
on all four dimensions. A fragile neighborhood has a lower quality of life and is “at
risk” on multiple dimensions. This
study looks at the very broad issues in each community as well as detailed data. When
assessing individual NSA needs, it is essential to look at both the general level of
quality of life and the particular circumstances that cause a rating. The specific scores
used to compile the categorical groups are contained in the Charlotte Neighborhood Quality
of Life Technical Report. |
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