Strengthen and Direct Development Towards Existing Communities
Smart growth directs development towards existing communities already served by infrastructure, seeking to utilize the resources that existing neighborhoods offer, and conserve open space and irreplaceable natural resources on the urban fringe. Development in existing neighborhoods also represents an approach to growth that can be more cost-effective, and improves quality of life. By encouraging development in existing communities, communities benefit from a stronger tax base, closer proximity of a range of jobs and services, increased efficiency of already-developed land and infrastructure, reduced development pressure in edge areas (preserving more open space), and, in some cases, strengthening rural communities.
The ease of greenfield development remains an obstacle to encouraging more development in existing neighborhoods. Development on the fringe remains attractive to developers for its ease of access and construction, lower land costs, and potential for developers to assemble larger parcels. Zoning requirements in fringe areas are often less burdensome, as there are few existing building types that new construction must complement, and a relative absence of residents who may object to the inconvenience or disruption caused by new construction.
Nevertheless, developers and communities are recognizing the opportunities presented by infill development, as suggested not only by demographic shifts, but also a growing awareness of the fiscal, environmental, and social costs of urban fringe development. Journals that track real estate trends routinely cite the investment appeal of the "24-hour city" for empty nesters, young professionals, and others, and developers are beginning to respond.
More information from Smart Growth Network partners:
Revitalizing Older Cities Summit Report
www.nemw.org/images/ROCSummitReport.pdf
Models and Guidelines for Infill Development
www.mdp.state.md.us-PDF-OurProducts-Publications-ModelsGuidelines-InfillFinal_1.pdf
Best Practices to Encourage In-fill Development
www.realtor.org/smart_growth.nsf/docfiles/infilldevelopment.pdf/$FILE/infilldevelopment.pdf
Smart Growth Principles
