Low density is certainly one of the dysfunctions of the dominant development pattern since 1950, but it is not the only one. Two other factors — segregation of destination types and a lack of connectivity in the local street network — also contrive to force people into their cars for most daily activities, even in neighborhoods with high housing density.
Development and Redevelopment
Density and Sprawl Are Not Mutually Exclusive
Wednesday, August 24th, 2011What makes a great place to live?
Friday, August 19th, 2011CNNMoney’s list of great places to live is a good start, but how about some more smart-growth indicators included in the criteria they used?
Accommodating Growth in Mercer County
Thursday, August 11th, 2011Development pressures in Mercer County are likely to increase in the next 25 years, exacerbating traffic and loss of open space. Redevelopment is one way to address this problem, by accommodating new growth in areas with existing development and infrastructure. However, redevelopment efforts can face strong public resistance. New Jersey Future convened several groups of thought leaders in Mercer County to examine some of the reasons for this resistance, and to highlight steps that can be taken in the future to minimize it.
Blackouts and a Bright Spot in the Energy Master Plan
Thursday, August 11th, 2011New Jersey Future released its comments on the Draft 2011 Energy Master Plan, with a mixed review on transportation, commitment to the green economy and solar siting.
Memo to HR: Want to Attract Top Young Talent in New Jersey? Move to the Cities
Friday, August 5th, 2011Some employers in New Jersey are realizing that its hard to attract top young talent in the suburbs.
Exclusionary Zoning, Sprawl on the Rise
Thursday, July 21st, 2011A new study by Rowan University’s Geospatial Research Laboratory finds that municipal zoning in New Jersey has resulted in a land-use pattern that has grown substantially more exclusionary and more sprawling over the last two decades.
New Jersey Cities Breathe Sigh of Relief
Tuesday, July 19th, 2011Gov. Christie has put transitional aid to cities, accompanied by oversight mechanisms, back in the budget, but has said he wants to wean cities off this aid. Given a half-century of disinvestment in urban areas, that may not be possible as soon as he would like. Until cities’ property tax bases reverse their decline, state aid will still be needed to deliver critical services.
Revision to Land Use Law Advances Smart Growth
Thursday, July 7th, 2011Gov. Chris Christie has signed legislation that updates the Municipal Land Use Law to make municipal “General Development Plan” (GDP) approvals and other longer-term approvals available to higher-density projects, including those with a mix of uses.
The Mall as Private City
Wednesday, June 29th, 2011Illuminated by two more decades of hindsight into the evolution of the retail sector, the mall does share some previously under-appreciated similarities with the old downtown that it nearly killed off.
Smart Growth Photo Contest
Sunday, June 26th, 2011The first annual Smart Growth Photo Contest was a great success, with over 130 entries. Congratulations to our grand prize winner, Andrew Svekla.