Long Island Can Build Up, Or Out

9 March 2010 - 9:00am

That's the conclusion of a new report by The Long Island Index. Equal development can be achieved by building into the island's last greenfields or upwards from infill opportunities like underused parking lots.

Lisa Selin Davis writes, " In their 2010 report, "Places to Grow," the LII has charted specifically where houses and shops could replace lots that stand simply as temporary housing for cars.

They found that "there is enormous potential for development and growth in existing downtown and railroad station areas -- roughly 8,300 acres of unbuilt land in over 150 village downtowns and rail station areas." In other words, why drive to the train station, or downtown, when you can live there? And, in theory, if you already live close to transit and commerce, then you need fewer cars, thus fewer parking spots."

Full Story: Paved paradise?
Source: Grist, March 2, 2010
Bookmark and Share
How might instant, near-home car rental allow households to give up a third or second car? Would the substantial savings a household receives from owning and maintaining fewer cars more than compensate for the extra time and discomfort spent riding transit?