Remaking America's First Suburbs

In this op-ed, Bruce Katz and Robert Puentes argue that America's older, inner-ring, first suburbs -- like Nassau County -- must embrace a new vision for remaking themselves.

1 minute read

February 1, 2006, 2:00 PM PST

By David Gest

"Like some television reality show, Nassau County, home to Levittown and other pioneering suburban developments, is in for a supreme makeover in the coming decade.

Yet this makeover will not come easy. Because of the usual controversies over scale and scope, Nassau's vision for stronger downtowns, diverse neighborhoods, next-generation housing, open space and expanded public transit will be difficult to achieve.

The brutal fact, however, is that Nassau County and many other older, inner-ring 'first' suburbs built after the end of World War II have little choice economically and physically if they want to survive and thrive."

"Remaking first suburbs will not happen overnight. It will require a new generation of government and business leaders who are willing to risk political and private capital. It will also demand a rethinking of obsolete, outdated suburban attitudes toward density, urbanity and diversity."

Thanks to Katy Hight

FULL STORY: Extreme Makeover: Nassau

Sunday, January 29, 2006 in The New York Times

Urban Development New York

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

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.