Making Inner-Ring Suburbs Redevelopment-Ready

To counter the perception that redevelopment projects take longer and are more expensive for developers due to slow, unpredictable approval processes, the Michigan Suburbs Alliance will create a set of redevelopment process standards. "The communities hope to eliminate prolonged debates that can arise over building heights and zoning changes. Public hearings can sometimes last past midnight as residents and public officials wrestle over adding liquor licenses or approving environmental cleanup efforts.Older communities say they are often at a disadvantage when competing for development with new municipalities that can offer clear land, or greenfield sites. Building on cornfields can save developers time and money because they can avoid pollution problems left behind in long-standing municipalities."

Thanks to Steve Horstman