High-density Housing Targets City Sprawl

San Jose, CA, will reserve underused land for new apartments instead developing on vacant land. The decision is being praised for addressing the housing shortage while controlling sprawl.

1 minute read

February 22, 2001, 6:00 AM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"San Jose, a city shaped by decades of suburban sprawl, took a critical step Tuesday toward controlling its growth by reserving more than 100 acres of land along the city's expanding light-rail lines for thousands of new apartments and condominiums. The city council's unanimous vote, which could produce more than 7,000 new homes, commits San Jose to a course many cities have been slow to take. Rather than develop on vacant land at the city's fringes, San Jose will build on underused parcels along the planned Capitol and Vasona light-rail lines."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

Wednesday, February 21, 2001 in San Jose Mercury News

Young Professional

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 and Environmental 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 and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

September 30, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

Gavin Newsom gesturing with both hands out behind a podium.

Newsom vetoes high-speed rail supervision bill after agency receives condemnatory audit

The audit found the CHSRA approved almost $600,000 in unallowable travel expenses.

October 4 - Cal Matters

The Seaglider, a plane-shaped vehicle with four wings that curve sharply towards the sea after a few feet.

Nation sees first electric plane-boat hybrid take off in public demo

The Viceroy Seaglider can fly at speeds of 180mph for up to 180 miles.

October 4 - Smart Cities Dive

A data center. It is a low, white building, seen from above.

One of nation’s poorest counties to receive $6 billion data center

The developers estimate the project will create 200 permanent jobs and 1,000 temporary construction jobs.

October 4 - Mississippi Today

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

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Senior Planner

City of Thousand Oaks

Community Development Director

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design