Redevelopment Practices Research Articles

A study in Modern(ist) urbanism: planning Vancouver, 1945–1965

ABSTRACT:The implementation of Modern Movement town planning is still regarded as both rapid and relatively unproblematic in the aftermath of World War II. A more complex narrative emerges from an examination of the urban redevelopment policy and practice at Vancouver, British Columbia, during the immediate World War II decades. The analysis focuses on the civic and professional discourse of redevelopment. It illuminates the diverse interests and processes by which Modernist planning theory and practice were introduced, modified and resisted. New concepts and values are shown to have been subject to internal no less than external forces of revision.

Market-oriented compensation instruments: lessons for Dutch urban redevelopment

Market-oriented compensation instruments have recently been the focus of considerable attention among planners in several countries, as it is increasingly suggested that the market and not the state should resolve planning problems, with little or no public financial intervention. After earlier experiments in rural areas, planners in the Netherlands are currently looking for an application of these instruments in urban redevelopment practices. The article reflects on these types of instruments in urban redevelopment. Some US cases will be used as illustration, as the country has a long tradition with these instruments, whereas they are relatively new in the Netherlands.

Community Benefits Agreements and Local Government

Problem: As community benefits agreements or community benefits arrangements (CBAs) become more common in redevelopment practice they are generating conceptual confusion and political controversy. Much of the literature on CBAs is focused on local organizing coalitions’ inclusivity and political strategies, or on the legal aspects of the agreements, providing only limited information to planners who encounter advocacy for CBAs. Purpose: I aim to help planners prepare to deal appropriately with community benefits claims in their communities by closely examining four urban redevelopment projects in which CBAs have been negotiated by stakeholder organizations, legislators, developers, and government agencies. Methods: I characterize the 27 CBAs in effect in the United States as of June 30, 2009, based on their participants and structures. I then examine four of these CBAs in detail using the semistructured interviews I conducted with individuals involved in crafting, advocating, and implementing them and coverage in major daily papers, alternative newsweeklies, blogs, and the business press. Results and conclusions: The cases featured in this article suggest that four key factors influence the way CBAs work in practice and the extent to which they vindicate or refute the claims of CBA proponents and detractors: the robustness of the local development climate; the local politics of organized labor; the accountability of the community benefits coalition to affected community residents; and, most importantly, the role of local government in negotiation and implementation. Takeaway for practice: Public sector actors, including elected officials and the staffs of redevelopment agencies, housing departments, workforce development agencies, parks and recreation departments, and budget departments become implicit parties to CBAs and often play significant roles in implementing them. Thus, public sector planners should carefully review and evaluate the implications of community benefits claims for local government's interests and goals. Depending on the circumstances, these evaluations may lead local officials to support community benefits arrangements or to oppose them. Research support: This research was supported by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.

Applicability in Hong Kong of London's experiences on urban redevelopment practices

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to: study reviews of the urban renewal practices in Hong Kong and London; compare the perceptions of the design professions in both cities on the importance of different urban design considerations when defining urban renewal strategies; and verify the applicability of London's experiences in achieving sustainable urban renewal in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review was conducted to compare the urban renewal practices in Hong Kong and London. Questionnaires were sent to design professions in both cities who were actively involved in Hong Kong's and London's urban (re)development projects. ANOVA was adopted to compare the perception patterns in both cities.FindingsThe survey and ANOVA analysis revealed that the urban design considerations short‐listed for this study could contribute towards the sustainability of economy, environment and social equity. It was noted that the distinctive features of cities of various locations do have impacts on certain perception patterns of the professionals.Originality/valueThis article adds to the limited literature in this area and will be of interest to those involved in urban redevelopment practices.

Community Experiences and Perceptions Related to Demolition and Gut Rehabilitation of Houses for Urban Redevelopment

Reports about current residential demolition practices received from residents and plans for large-scale urban redevelopment in East Baltimore provided impetus for this study to assess community concerns and develop approaches to addressing them. This article describes the following themes regarding residents' experiences with demolition and gut rehabilitation of older housing performed as part of urban redevelopment: (1) lack of notification and awareness about protective measures; (2) concerns about environmental and safety hazards; (3) psychosocial impact from displacement, disruption in daily life, and inattention to community concerns; and (4) recommendations to improve redevelopment practices, including ideas to control neighborhood exposure to environmental hazards potentially exacerbated by residential demolition and gut rehabilitation. The findings from focus groups substantiated and deepened our understanding of earlier anecdotal reports of residents' concerns and emphasized the need for including community perceptions and ideas in addressing environmental and psychosocial issues related to urban redevelopment.

Smart Growth

As urban development and redevelopment practices evolve, infrastructure, housing, and other public service policies should consider current thinking on "best development practices, " or what is now called "Smart Growth. " This commentary builds on a number of recent publications and on the work of academics, developers, architects, and others known by some as "new urbanists, " who provide best practices to guide development strategies, innovative land use patterns, and infrastructure projects.