Downtowns are dead, dying or on life support, says expert with over 50 years of researching urban policy

return2ozma@lemmy.world to News@lemmy.world – 404 points –
Downtowns are dead, dying or on life support, says expert with over 50 years of researching urban policy
fortune.com
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Unfortunately, in most cities that is illegal. Zoning laws prevent turning commercial property into residential even when it is possible. It also prevents developers from building moderate, high, and even certain types of low density housing.

In most US cities. Hmm, I wonder if we can spot a solution...

Be careful what you wish for. Houston is notorious for abolishing its zoning laws, which means that residential and commercial properties are haphazardly scattered rather than concentrated into distinct areas.

People never know when a CVS will pop up next door to their home. Now you know why they form HOAs.