Urban Development Concepts Quiz

Definitions

• Gentrification: Older neighborhoods are replaced with new construction, like shops and housing on the ground floor.

• Infill: Empty or run-down areas within a city are filled with new development.

• Metropolitan area: A large population center containing a large city and surrounding smaller towns and suburbs.

• Rural fringe: Small towns, farms, and open spaces bordering a city's suburbs.

• Suburbs: Developed areas located at the edge of a city, primarily residential but also containing stores and businesses

• Urban Core: The older part of a large city, including the downtown and central business district.

• Urban Fringe: The ring of small towns and suburbs surrounding a large city.

• Urban Sprawl: The rapid, often unplanned, expansion of development from a city into surrounding rural areas.

Pros and Cons of Urban Sprawl

• Pros*

• Lower building costs: Building in rural areas is typically less expensive.

• More desirable homes: Homes outside the city are often considered better places to raise a family.

• Increased business and jobs: Building new houses creates new business opportunities and jobs.

• Cons*

• Increased reliance on cars: Sprawl leads to increased car use, causing traffic congestion and air pollution.

• Habitat loss: Development destroys natural habitats and wildlife.

• Higher taxes: Construction companies, infrastructure expansion, and sprawl contributes to increased taxes.

• Poorly planned development: Often badly planned and leads to environmental issues.

Urban Sprawl Movement

• Urban sprawl begins as a compact urban core.
• Development expands outward, forming an urban fringe.
• The urban fringe is followed by rural open land (rural fringe).

Key Concepts

• Mixed-use development
• Public transportation system
• Smart Growth
• Traffic
• Urban growth boundary