What Happened?
Many major cities across the country are experiencing a “demographic inversion” which is bringing a new type of resident back into regions that once lay victim to urban sprawl. As a result, new development projects are incorporating demands of the new resident demographic in cities such as Buffalo.
The Goal
Several cities that have managed to crawl out of economic and population declines over the past few years are starting to see affluent suburbanites move back into urban areas to take advantage of various amenities such as shopping, dining and nightlife. As a result, many cities must redevelop neighborhoods to accommodate housing and other demands.
Buffalo, and many other cities, is planning accordingly as more low-income residents are being displaced by affluent professionals returning to the city. Cities must consider what amenities that were established decades prior to accommodate lower-income residents should be replaced and with what new resources in response to the demographic shift.
In response, Buffalo is launching a Green Code strategy to utilize smart growth principles while developing neighborhood amenities. Buffalo, developers are increasing housing projects and converting abandoned commercial and industrial properties into residential living units. To create more cohesive neighborhoods and resources, Buffalo is attracting private sector partnerships to help create sustainable urban spaces with green infrastructure and focus on clean energy. Mixed-use neighborhoods, walkable streets and a $375 million medical school construction will help spur city planning and economic development.
Break It Down
The Buffalo Green Code aims to align land use strategies with city planning initiatives to boost economic activity and sustainability. The city developed a Comprehensive Framework with several key components:
- Land Use Plan: Outline the next 20 years of city planning
- Brownfield Opportunity Areas: Land use and zoning recommendations for brownfield areas specifically
- Local Waterfront Revitalization Program: Land and water use plans for coastal developments
- Unified Development Ordinance: Revamped zoning code and regulations to make development easier and more efficient
- Urban Renewable Plans: New urban renewal plans to enable the sale of city-owned vacant properties for low prices
Zone Talk
Buffalo is also hosting Green Code Working Group sessions that engage community stakeholders in brainstorming meetings on how best to zone and develop key areas of the city. More than 400 residents have provided input for the new Unified Development Ordinance plan as well to rework zoning codes. The final decision on zoning codes will be made after careful study and analysis of the impact on:
- Neighborhoods
- Retail centers
- Industrial and commercial sites
- Medical and educational campuses
- Open spaces and waterfront
- Streets and parking
- The environment
- Signage
The city released a sneak peak of its final zoning code project that aims to simplify new developments while maintaining flexibility to changing circumstances and demands. The report emphasizes the importance of public-private cooperation to ensure consistency and quality in new developments, with a focus on sustainability and long-term growth.
The New City
Gov1 has followed a variety of projects in urban areas that aim to redesign the modern city such as free transit options and urban farming initiatives.