Mary E. Morrison reports on a precipitous drop in the percentage of renters leasing parking spaces in new downtown Chicago residential buildings, causing developers to rethink the way they build and market their buildings.
The general drop in parking space demand has been observed by developers for the past decade, but has increased markedly over the past three years. According to Morrison, "It's unclear if the drop in demand for parking spots, which can cost $200 to $300 a month at downtown apartment buildings, reflects a lasting change in lifestyle or a temporary response to the economic downturn-or both."
One developer notes a demand for spaces by only 40% of renters, seemingly well below the range of 0.55 to one space per unit required by the city's zoning code.
While not all buildings have seen a decline, and condos seem immune, developers are adding amenities for car-free tenants nonetheless. Such amenities include Zipcar rentals, bike-sharing services, larger and more accessible bike rooms, and higher ratios of bike stalls.
FULL STORY: Parking demand declines at new buildings
Chicago Tenants’ Union Distributes AC Units to Low-Income Renters
The group wants to draw attention to the dangers of extreme heat and encourage tenants to organize to demand improved conditions.
Divvy Introduces E-Bike Charging Docks
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Chicago Looks to Boulder Landlord Registry as a Model for Tenant Protections
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Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
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NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
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The City of Broken Sidewalks
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USDOT Releases Climate Strategies Playbook
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Global Report Shows Urban Forests Failing to Meet Vital Standards
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Freedom to Move: Investing in Transportation Choices for a Clean, Prosperous, and Just Future
This Union of Concerned Scientists study examines why and how to improve resource-efficient travel options to achieve diverse goals. It estimates that more efficient transport could save up to $201 billion in energy and $128 billion in health costs.
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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
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HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
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