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Street Views: The Real Cost of Highways

Summary

Highways in the Twin Cities have perpetuated environmental and social inequities, disproportionately affecting urban communities. Black residents were displaced during their construction, while suburban areas benefited from wealth-building opportunities enabled by highway access. Today, neighborhoods near highways face higher pollution, urban heat islands, lower homeownership rates, and reduced property values, with life expectancy nearly five years shorter than suburban areas. These areas also report higher asthma hospitalization rates and more households without cars. Advocates are pushing for cumulative impact laws to address these inequities and promote fair housing, healthier environments, and improved transportation. Reconsideration of highways like I-94 could provide a historic opportunity for transformative change.

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