# Modeling the Health Benefits of Superblocks across the City of Los Angeles
###### Abstract
To counter the adverse health impacts of air pollution, the City of LA has explored the use of transit malls, people-first streets and superblocks to reduce gasoline-powered automobiles and diesel freight vehicles passing through neighborhoods, TRAP, noise and the urban heat island effect [14]. Some preliminary modeling by [PERSON] et al. [15] to predict the health benefits of these interventions has been undertaken, but their work is limited because their proposed Zero Emission Areas (ZEAs) were few in number and modest in terms of areal extent. In this study, we aim to build a more powerful series of arguments for implementing superblocks on a larger scale across the City of LA. The superblock method has several advantages over conventional urban planning approaches. Firstly, it reduces the amount of traffic and promotes sustainable transportation options, such as walking, biking and public transportation. This can lead to improved air quality, reduced carbon emissions and increased physical activity. Secondly, superblocks can increase the amount of green space and promote more livable, healthy and walkable neighborhoods. This can result in improved public health outcomes and increased social interaction. Additionally, superblocks can support local economies by reducing the amount of car traffic and creating more attractive and pedestrian-friendly commercial districts. Finally, superblocks can be implemented gradually and incrementally, allowing for a flexible and adaptable approach to urban planning that can respond to changing needs and priorities over time. However, implementing superblocks in urban planning can have both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, superblocks can improve public health by reducing traffic and air pollution, encourage active transportation and enhance quality of life. Additionally, superblocks can also lower carbon emissions and create more livable neighborhoods. However, implementing superblocks can also result in disruption to car traffic, economic impacts, implementation challenges and a lack of data on the long-term effects. It is important to carefully weigh these factors when considering the implementation of superblocks in urban planning. Balancing the advantages and disadvantages of implementing superblocks requires careful planning and stakeholder engagement. To achieve this balance, urban planners and policymakers should conduct thorough research,engage with stakeholders to understand their needs, consider alternative solutions and develop a comprehensive implementation plan. By taking a holistic and proactive approach, it may be possible to create more livable and sustainable communities while addressing potential challenges. Quantitative research that considers scenarios of transforming various percentages of residential areas would greatly enhance stakeholders' ability to evaluate the pros and cons of implementing Superblocks. In this study, we use BenMap-CE (_Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program-Community Edition_) [16] and i-Tree tools [17], along with several datasets from EnviroAtlas [18], to model the health benefits that would accrue from transforming 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50% of the residential neighborhoods in the City of LA into Superblocks. BenMap-CE provides a well-documented suite of tools to examine the health impacts of monitored air quality changes, the health burden of recent and future modeled air quality and transportation, and climate-related impacts. Based on the expected changes in urban and transport planning related exposures calculated by the i-Tree program, we used BenMAP-CE with remotely sensed satellite imagery and local air quality monitoring data to: (1) estimate the reductions in four types of air pollutants (listed in Table 1) in the City of LA; and (2) model the health effects of reductions in those exposures by Superblock interventions and the accompanying economic impacts.