Urban Infill: Its Potential As a Development Strategy

摘要

This report discusses the quality and charateristics of infill parcels (vacant land in otherwise built - up areas), their suitability for development, and the costs and savings associated with infill development. It addresses such questions as how much vacant land exists in already urbanized portions of metropolitan areas, how much of this supply is free of physical or environmental constraints, who owns infill land, and how much of the demand for developable land can be satisfied through infilling. The report also identifies actions that can be taken by local government to encourage infilling. The research findings are based on the results of three intensive case studies conducted during 1979 - 80 in the urbanized areas of Miami, Fla.; Seattle, Wash.; and Rochester, N.Y. Each case involved examination of over 150 randomly selected vacant infill parcels, interviews with their owners, and examination of 40 to 50 developed infill parcels. The report examines the rationale for promoting infill development from the perspectives of government officials at all levels, discusses the actual research findings from the three case studies, and analyzes key characteristics of individual infill parcels from the perspective of the developer / builder. Cost comparisons of infill and fringe development in the three metropolitan areas are presented. The report also presents a guide for local officials and developers carrying out infill projects. Information needed to formulate an infill strategy at the regional, municipal, or neighborhood level is examined and ways in which cities can share information on infill development opportunities with the private building industry and citizen groups are suggested. The final chapter looks at tools and incentives for encouraging investment on bypassed sites by removing regulatory obstacles, reducing risk, upgrading infrastructure, lowering land costs, or otherwise helping to make infill development competitive with expansion at the surburan fringe. Chapter notes, footnotes, tables, diagrams, an index, and appended case study and cost comparison research methods are included.