8. Encourage Growth in the Existing Urban Area.

A key part of the growth strategy is to redevelop blighted areas and “infill” on some of the remaining vacant land in the urbanized area. These areas are already served with roads, utilities, schools and shopping centers. For some of these older neighborhoods to remain viable, amenities and services must be upgraded. The preferred area for new suburban development should be vacant lands immediately adjacent to the existing built up area. Some of the other alternatives, such as prematurely “leapfrogging” out into rural areas, have significant, negative fiscal and environmental effects.

Principles and Concepts for neighborhoods:

• Restoration in older neighborhoods will increase property values, provide housing close to work and preserve historic structures.
• Remnant land and blighted property in the urbanized area have adequate public infrastructure and should be redeveloped. Emphasis should be on mixed uses, expansion of housing choices and increased neighborhood stability.
• Public investment in schools, streets, sidewalks and alleys, trees and other landscaping, parks and open spaces is essential to the vitality of older neighborhoods.
• Trees and natural areas will enhance the character of neighborhoods and provide buffers from incompatible uses.

Principles and concepts for commercial corridors:

• Commercial corridors should be pedestrian, bicycle and transit friendly, emphasizing wider, separated sidewalks, textured crosswalks, street trees and new street furnishings such as benches and transit shelters.
• Commercial corridors should provide internal connections, shared parking areas, and pedestrian access.
• Older commercial corridors, when redeveloped, should foster mixed uses including retail, office and apartments.

In some older neighborhoods, like Fort Sanders, well-designed additions and garage apartments are appropriate.

Infill housing can complement historical architecture.

Parks, street trees and landscaping are essential to neighborhood vitality.

The revitalization of older corridors can include shops with apartments or offices in upper stories.

This is not a legal document. It does not replace or amend the existing procedures and regulations governing the publication of agency information. If you have questions, please contact MPC by telephone at (865) 215-2500.