Did Smart Growth Hit a Wall?

Has the coronovirus called into question urban planning principles that have held sway for decades? Whither density and mass transit? The effects of this are explored by Timothy Coyle reporting for Fox and Hounds.

“It wouldn’t be unreasonable to conclude that because of the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 virus or urban unrest dense housing would be less in vogue than it used to be. After all, wasn’t there a high rate of contamination of the virus in residentially compact New York City? And didn’t the city council there – at the urging of the mayor, and living with the worst incidence of shootings in history – recently slash the budget for neighborhood law enforcement? By $1 billion?

“Hailed as the centerpiece of “smart growth” denser housing – or “urban cram”, as some builders liked to call it – was presented by environmental advocates and city planners as the answer to a variety of growth problems in California, and the nation. They promised that placing more people in ever-smaller urban spaces would systematically revitalize downtown neighborhoods and, in doing so, would curtail further single-family “sprawl” into the hinterlands.

“Moreover, the decision of residents to venture out to the suburbs – and buy a single-family home – didn’t diminish as hoped. Those sentiments have remained – over 80 percent of housing consumers prefer owning to renting. (In light of today’s chaos in urban areas – highlighted below – the number has likely grown.)

“Perhaps the most compelling symptom of what is clearly a sign of serious urban decay is the universal breakdown of authority. It’s as if decency and the rule of law have been abandoned. According to an increasing number of local officials, it’s no longer considered offensive behavior for thugs to purposely wreck property or take over governance of certain sectors of the downtown areas. Relaxation of bail rules and backtracking prosecutors have put criminals in charge of cities.

“Given these conditions – and no discernible way out except to flee – it’s no wonder people are leaving urban areas. In droves. U-Haul and other moving companies report being overwhelmed with customers leaving downtown neighborhoods. They say they can’t keep up with the new business.