Page 27 - Greensboro, NC-GSO 2040 Comprehensive Plan

CHAPTER 4: BIG IDEA - FILLING IN OUR FRAMEWORK

ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES ADDRESSED A Need for Distinctive Places
The goals and strategies in the Filling in our Framework Big Idea address the Greensboro is losing millennials and the generations that follow as a
following issues discussed in public meetings or observed when collecting data percentage of our overall population. One factor, frequently referred
about the City. More details are available in the Data Book, the Conditions and to as Placemaking, which makes a community desirable to everyone, is
Trends Report, and in the public comment summary. having public spaces that are inviting, social, and aesthetically appealing,
to younger people in particular. Though specifically discussed in the Big
Preservation of Greenspace and Neighborhood Quality Idea “Creating Great Places,” creating a stronger network of walkable,
Greensboro has an abundance of stable neighborhoods and greenspaces, mixed-use centers will form a platform for Placemaking.
including public parks. Population forecasts show Greensboro growing by more
than 60,000 people over the next 20 years. This growth rate is higher than state Efficiency and Land Use
or national averages, but not as high as other major cities in the state. People The overall density of Greensboro, as measured by the number of people per square
are aware of the need to grow and change, but concerned about the impacts of mile, is less than most of the other major cities in the state. Though our density
growth on both existing neighborhoods and greenspaces. increased from 2000 to 2016, it was at a rate lower than any other city in North
Carolina besides Fayetteville, which actually lost density during that period. As
Housing and Neighborhood Options noted in our Data Book, most of Greensboro’s growth during that time came from
National housing preference surveys and demographic trends point to a 20% annexations, not from increasing the population within the existing City limits.
to 35% gap between supply and demand for housing in walkable urban places
during the next decade. Research by the National Association of Realtors and Lower density affects city finances in two ways. On the expense side, public services
others indicates that baby boomers and millennials have very similar preferences are delivered across the entire expanse of a city, and costs generally increase as a
regarding housing options and residential environments. Both groups strongly city grows. Expenses include the installation and maintenance of streets, water and
favor: sewer pipes, and other utility infrastructure and the delivery of public safety, solid
• Shorter commutes; waste collection, and other services. On the income side, denser, walkable, mixed-use
• Walkable urban neighborhoods over auto-oriented suburbs; areas generally have higher tax values per acre than other types of development. Not
• Small or no yard to maintain; having enough density can make it difficult for a city to meet its long term fiscal needs.
• Rental over ownership;
• Living in proximity to shops and services; In addition, infill makes use of investments that the City has already made in streets
• Living among people with a mix of incomes; and other infrastructure, and leverages investments made in existing neighborhoods.
• Living in areas with a mix of residential options; and Infill makes more efficient use of these existing assets, brings vitality into existing city
• Access to quality mass transit. neighborhoods, and puts higher-value property onto the tax rolls.
Creating More Transportation Options
In addition, research shows that the size and variety of housing types in the U.S.
is not well-aligned with current or anticipated levels of demand. Currently 67% of Transportation and land use are connected; planning and constructing streets in
occupied housing units in Greensboro consists of one- or two-person households. coordination with the development pattern of adjacent land uses creates more
By 2025, 25% or fewer households in the U.S. will include children. efficient streets, as well as safer neighborhoods and shopping areas. Having
transportation options in addition to private vehicles is important to a wide range of
people in Greensboro.
The term “Missing Middle Housing” refers to dwelling types that span the middle
ground between detached single-family homes and mid-rise apartments
buildings. Examples include duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes; courtyard Transportation options can include walking, public transit, cycling, and micromobility,
apartments; bungalow courts; townhouses; multiplexes; live-work units; and the growing trend towards the use of electric scooters, electric skateboards, shared
accessory units, sometimes referred to as “granny flats.” Zoning codes in many bicycles, and electric pedal-assisted bicycles. Interest in these options is frequently
cities, including Greensboro, and the financing restrictions of many lending mentioned in public input as is preference for shorter commutes and walkable
institutions have led to limited construction of these traditional housing types over neighborhoods, even when the trade-offs are smaller houses and yards. Residents in
the past 75 years. Missing Middle Housing can effectively supply dwelling units at a more walkable neighborhoods reported greater satisfaction with their quality of life in
greater density that appeal both to affluent buyers, young professionals, and meet the survey of Greensboro by the National Association of Realtors.
the needs of low-income households with fewer options.
GSO 2040 Comprehensive Plan|24