Developing A Propensity For Density

Roger K. Lewis of the Washington Post wonders if people fear change or density.

1 minute read

January 1, 2004, 9:00 AM PST

By Connie Chung


"People fear change. Proposals to modify existing communities conjure up visions of worsening gridlock, increased public service demands, higher taxes, lower property values, dysfunctional schools and unwanted social encounters....Polarization between proponents and opponents of growth is as great as ever. Those who manage and enable growth--real estate developers, designers, public-sector planners and regulators--have not succeeded in getting their message across. For whatever reasons, they have failed to educate or persuade the public they serve, and on which they depend....If anything is wrong with future development plans for these places, one already served by transit and the other awaiting transit, it's the proposed densities. They might be too low."

Thanks to Connie Chung

Saturday, December 27, 2003 in The Washington Post

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Rendering of proposed housing development on former Desert Pines golf course in East Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas Golf Course to Become Over 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing

The project is part of an initiative to build affordable housing on shuttered golf courses.

November 20, 2024 - KTNV

Close-up of laptop with real estate listings shown on map.

Cities and States Taking Action to Limit Rent-Setting AI

Federal prosecutors are charging a software company with using algorithms to artificially inflate rents.

December 2 - CALmatters

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit train at elevated station with hills and palm tree in background.

BART to Raise Fares in January

The transit agency says it needs more state and federal support to meet its operating costs and avoid a growing budget gap.

December 2 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Long row of Bixi bike share bikes parked at station on street in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Bike Share Breaks Ridership Record With 13 Million Rides

The Bixi system introduced a winter pilot project last year, leading to a rise in winter cycling.

December 2 - The Montreal Gazette

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.