Rezoning For An Aging Suburban Population

The first issue of a new journal on aging features a discussion on planning and rezoning of a suburb in response to the desires of an aging suburban population for a walkable community with mixed use and better transit services.

1 minute read

June 1, 2007, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


The first issue of a new journal on "The Dynamics of Aging and Our Communities, features an article by Marry Brizzel, Supervisor of the Town of Colonie, New York, about how the town is changing their planning and zoning to accomodate and plan for the town's aging population.

"As of the last census, one in four residents in the town of Colonie is over the age of 55, and that percentage is only going to grow in the coming years... The ultimate goal of the mixed use zoning and design standards is to transition our commercial corridors from auto-oriented strip malls to a more village like development, where people can walk from the pharmacy to the coffee shop."

The issue also features an interesting article on accessory uses, titled "Accessory Dwelling Units Can Aid in Intergenerational Housing Crisis."

[Editor's note: This article on rezoning begins on page 16 of the PDF document. You must scroll through the PDF until you reach page 16 in order to read the article. The article on accessory uses begins on page 13 of the PDF document.]

Thanks to Paul Bray

Sunday, May 27, 2007 in CCQ Capital Commons Quarterly: The Dynamics of Aging and Our Communities

portrait of professional woman

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

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

5 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

2 hours ago - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

3 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

4 hours ago - Next City