Once a working-class escape, Mastic Beach's dense grid and small lots have been a hindrance to development. Now local leaders are trying to undo decades of urban mismanagement.
In the 1920s, 20-by-100-foot lots could be bought in Mastic Beach for $55. But with such small lots, the cost of living in the town grew too fast, forcing many residents to sell their homes to speculators. One businessman claims simply, "we were exploited, the people that were in power failed us." Now, Vision Long Island, a smart growth group, is working with the city to redevelop the old charm.
Thanks to Jeffrey Goodman
Read the full story: Reversing the tide of poor planning in Mastic Beach
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FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority