The Challenge Of Infill

In a remarkable convergence of views on Albuquerque infill, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties state chapter and Bohannan Huston president Brian Burnett and 1000 Friends of New Mexico executive director Randolph Barnhouse stress in their New Mexico Business Weekly guest columns the need for wide public-private cooperation to make infill easier and economically viable by removing procedural, financial and public obstacles. (Summary courtesy of Smart Growth News.)

"If we want infill, the city government, neighborhoods and developers must work together to make it happen," writes Burnett, noting that some local developers said they would "do more infill projects, if they could find the land."

"People often assume infill is cheaper and easier because streets and utilities are in place. It's not. Water and sewer lines are often too small and too old. Curbs, gutters and sidewalks must be replaced. And if the project involves restoring or demolishing older buildings, asbestos and mold are costly problems. Another assumption is that Albuquerque can absorb its growth through infill. According to city planners, Albuquerque has more than 8,000 acres within today's boundaries. It sounds like a lot, but how usable is it?"

Be sure to see both articles: