Programs & Events
Opposition to Urban Density vs Affordable Housing
Date: Friday, December 9th 2005
In fall 2005 our breakfasts focused on the growing tension between opposition to higher density in neighborhoods and concerns about the affordability of housing. Communities across the city and the country often vehemently oppose developments that are built at higher densities than existing uses, voicing concerns about traffic, strains on infrastructure, and community character. Yet others contend that such higher densities represent “smarter growth” and are essential for increasing housing supply and thereby reducing pressure on housing prices.
Our Fall 2005 series continued with three panelists discussing the major proposals for resolving the tension between opposition to density on the one hand and affordable housing on the other. These proposals include rezoning of non-residential land such as manufacturing zones; upzoning of underused residential land; and reuse of obsolete facilities.
The breakfast featured three speakers:
- Julia Vitullo-Martin, Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and Director of the Center for Rethinking Development
- Kathleen Dunn, Executive Vice President for Development, Community Preservation Corporation
- R. Randy Lee, Principal of Leewood Real Estate Group
