Redevelopment Concepts

In order to better understand the redevlopment process it is important to know and understand some key concepts associated with redevelopment.

Smart Growth is a movement that is focused on reducing urban sprawls proponents are typically active at the local level, getting involved in the planning and zoning processes. Brownfield redevelopment projects are generally supported by smart growth advocates because reuse of existing properties prevents additional greenfield development and thus reduces sprawl.

New Urbanist developments feature smaller, more densely arranged housing designed to foster a sense of community within a lager urban environment. There is typically a mix of apartments, townhouses, and stand-alone houses in a design that is pedestrian friendly, linked by transit, and set in a larger open space framework. The architecture is often designed on older housing forms. Streets and roads are usually small and may discourage rather than promote vehicle flow. Brownfield sites have been among the most successful locations for new urbanist approaches.

Clean-up and redevelopment of brownfield sites is an important objection many communities, but is often viewed as only part of a larger set of quality-of-life issues. Other objectives may include the use, aesthetics and environmental impacts of surrounding areas, availability of jobs, recreation and entertainment opportunities, and many other features that residents desire in their neighborhoods. These issues are often addressed by insuring the involvement of residents in the planning process for redevelopment projects.

Sustainable development is a growing movement that has gained national attention with the creation of the President's Council on Sustainable Development. This approach links environmental protection, economic growth, and community goals. It represents a shift from command-and-control regulation to collaboration. Sustainability encourages livable communities, protects vital resource land, reverses unsustainable transportation trends, conserves energy and non-renewable resources by reduce urban sprawl.

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