New zoning regulations that encourage multifamily projects are transforming downtowns in several New Jersey cities. The zoning policy shift could produce the biggest transformation of North New Jersey’s downtowns since the arrival of malls pulled shoppers away from town centers in the 1960s and 1970s, according to NorthJersey.com.
The suburban communities are responding to millennials who want to live in urban environments and aging suburbanites who want to downsize in their hometowns. “People want to live in places where they have that downtown, where they can live close to things that they’re going to eat and things that they’re going to buy, and the market is following,” said Maggie Peters, director of the Bergen County Economic Development Corp.
Permits for multifamily units in the county have outpaced single- and two-family permits every year since 2009. Since the 1970s, most of the region’s communities had zoned their downtowns for commercial uses. In recent years, some have added hundreds of new apartment units.
One area town, Ridgewood, which already has a thriving downtown retail district, has resisted the trend so far. Concerns over parking and traffic have come to the fore as the community considers zoning changes that would allow large multifamily projects downtown.
(http://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen-county-s-suburbs-embrace-a-touch-of-the-city-1.1134517)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 28, 2018
Modular construction may be key to relieving housing crunch
May be only way to meet needs as ranks of construction workers decline.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2018
Thirty nine San Francisco high rises at risk of collapse in major earthquake
Vulnerable buildings have welded columns and beams.
Codes and Standards | Jun 26, 2018
Boston enacts new climate resiliency rules for buildings
New policy is likely a first in the nation.
Codes and Standards | Jun 25, 2018
Integrated Project Delivery guide offered by Pankow Foundation
An Action Guide for Leaders offers answers to critical IPD questions.
Codes and Standards | Jun 21, 2018
New app said to automate code compliance
Startup offers plug-in that scans 3D models.
Codes and Standards | Jun 20, 2018
Home values and local tax revenues at risk from high tide flooding, scientists group says
Analysis of property data identifies communities prone to frequent flooding.
Codes and Standards | Jun 19, 2018
Structural engineered wood products exempt from new EPA formaldehyde ruling
Exempt products include structural plywood, oriented strand board (OSB).
Codes and Standards | Jun 18, 2018
Seattle City Council repeals controversial new per-worker tax on large employers
Measure was aimed at raising $50 million for homeless services, affordable housing.
Codes and Standards | Jun 14, 2018
Hardscape from development makes ‘1,000-year’ flood in Maryland worse
Impermeable concrete made it easier for water to overwhelm drainage system.
Codes and Standards | Jun 13, 2018
United States Resiliency Council announces support for Calif. earthquake resiliency bill
Measure would help cities identify structures that could fail in major quake.