Rural areas are benefiting from clustered development and Open Space Zoning. Unlike typical subdivisions which divide the land into large lots, Open Space Zoning wins. TDRs create a market by which farmers, for example, can sell their development rights to someone wishing to develop in a receiving area for TDRs. Conservation easements and land purchases offer yet another long-term protection for especially valuable open space, natural areas and farmland. Land trusts across the country have been active in accomplishing this.
Many communities can benefit by concentrating growth and investment.
Older towns and cities can be revitalized by cleaning up environmentally contaminated land, reinvesting in existing neighborhoods, and changing governmental infrastructure financing policies. Examples include infill housing and brownfield development. Public dollars often provide hidden subsidies to sprawl while changes in strategies and priorities can actually combat sprawl, reinforce existing built areas and reduce pollution. There are so many little things that we can do to conserve energy and save money. Urban Options will audit about 50 student rentals this fall to determine their energy efficiency.