This document analyzes demographic and housing data around six entry points to the Dequindre Cut greenway in Detroit using GIS tools. The analysis found that the majority of the population is located near entry points 4 and 5, with entry point 4 having the most housing units and highest percentage of vacant units within a half mile. Seven schools were also identified within a half mile of an entry point, with opportunities to use the greenway for access. In conclusion, density and development opportunities exist concentrated around the central entry points along the greenway.

1. GIS ANALYSIS OF THE
DEQUINDRE CUT
Justin Lyons
July 23, 2014

2. Contents
• Background
• Project Scope
• Map Layers
• Project Tools
• Observations
• Conclusion
• Sources
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3. Background
• The Dequindre Cut is a rails to trails, greenway project in
Detroit, MI
• Located on east side between Eastern Market and Detroit
Riverfront
• Currently 1.35 miles long and runs below grade
• Mack Ave extension to be completed Spring 2015
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4. Project Scope
Analyze population and
housing around the
Dequindre Cut greenway in
Detroit, MI
• Concentrate on six entry
points to trail
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5. Map Layers
• Streets (Esri)
• Block Group Demographics (US Census)
• Detroit Schools (City of Detroit)
Key research attributes:
• Population
• Housing Units
• Vacant Units
• Occupied Units
• Rental vs. Owner Occupied
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6. Project Tools
Application a variety of geoprocessing tools to compile and
analyze data
1. Created a geodatabase to store all project information
2. Manually located six entry points and converted
graphics to features
3. Formed ½ mile and ¼ mile buffers around each entry
point
4. Intersected block group demographics with buffers
5. Selected schools with in buffers and create a new layer
6. Generated summary statistics to further analyze data by
entry point
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7. Observations
Majority of population is
located around entry
points 4 and 5
• Entry point 4: 6,428
people
• Entry point 5: 4,331
people
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8. Observations
Entry point 4 has the most
housing units within a half
mile
• 5,161 units
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9. Observations
Vacant housing is located
primarily around entry
point 4
• 17% of units within a half
mile of entry point 4
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10. Observations
Seven schools within a
half mile of an entry point
• Two high schools
• Five K-8 schools
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11. Conclusion
• Majority of housing and population along the Dequindre
Cut is concentrated around the central entry points
• Primarily rental housing (ex: 75% renters within half mile
of entry point 4)
• Students in area could use path as access to schools
• Research opportunity for economic development and
increase density
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12. Sources
• ArcGIS 10.1
• Map Layers
• World Street Map (Arc GIS Online)
• Detroit Public Schools (City of Detroit)
• Block Group Demographics (US Census)
• “Dequindre Cut.” Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
http://detroitriverfront.org/riverfront/dequindre-
cut/dequindre-cut
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