Urban Renewal

Bid Rent Theory

W. Alonso showed the relationship between what a property renter (or buyer) was willing to spend based off on the function of the property and its distance from the CBD.

Urban Decay

Lack of demand for inner-city land... vacant blocks, derelict buildings or graffiti in public places.

Because population growth rates have slowed or declined, inner-city areas are often decaying.

Inner City

When inner-city land is left vacant for long periods of time, it becomes an unproductive area that is not supplying employment, income, or tax revenue.

According to the Bid-Rent theory, inner-city land should be in high demand and command high prices. (because near CBD)

Urban Decay Exceptions

Why is this an exception???

- Buildings may require extensive upgrading

- Outer areas with more space, cheaper land

and good communications becomes more

attractive. (follow suburbanization...)

Traffic congestion can impede access

Brownfield Land

Land previously used for industrial purposes or some commercial uses... has been vacated

The land may be contaminated or is feared to be so

Once cleaned up, such an area can become host to a business development such as a retail park (replacing what was once a factory)

Urban Renewal

Governments and citizens groups often embark on projects to rejuvenate inner-city areas experiencing decay.

Infill

The rededication of land in an urban environment from undeveloped to a populated area

Gentrification

When middle class people move into run down inner city areas with the intention of renovating the old buildings.

Pros and Cons of Gentrification

Pros: Creates urban renewal

Cons: Lower income residents get pushed out due to property values going up

How do people shape cities?

- Government planning... creating layout of city

- Zoning laws... dividing up areas for residential, commercial, industrial

- New Urbanism

New Urbanism

An urban design movement which promotes environmentally friendly habits by creating walkable neighborhoods containing a wide range of housing and job types

Urban Consolidation

The process of increasing the density of residential buildings in an urban area.

How to achieve Urban Consolidation

1. Infilling gaps in an urban area... rededication of land in an urban environment, usually open space, to new construction.

2. Bringing disused buildings back into productive use

3. Replacing low density dwellings with medium or high density dwellings. (# of people living can increase)

NIMBY

"Not In My Back Yard"... no Walmart, gun ranges, strip clubs, or even people of all walks of life

DINK

"Duel Income No Kids"... many choose to live in urban areas and follow their careers

Anchor-Store

One of the larger stores in a shopping mall, usually a department store or a major retail chain... necessary for the financial stability

Subdivision

The act of dividing land into pieces that are easier to sell or otherwise develop