Reuse of previously developed land and buildings can add housing and tax revenue without the loss of open space. It also conserves land, energy, and previous investments in buildings and infrastructure. MetroFuture directs more than 69% of all new housing construction to land that was previously used for other uses. Regionwide, the reuse of 7,700 acres of mostly commercial and industrial land (6% of the region’s existing commercial and industrial land) would accommodate 240,000 housing units. The share of housing created through redevelopment would vary across the region: 95% in the Inner Core; 66% in the Regional Cities and Maturing Suburbs; and 32% in Developing Suburbs.

Over 2,500 acres of existing commercial and industrial land (2% of the region’s total) would be redeveloped for higher density commercial uses, accommodating 60% of new job growth regionwide, at an average density of 70 jobs per acre. Relatively more growth would occur through redevelopment in urban areas than in suburban areas.

If Current Trends continue, 75% of new suburban housing units would be built on undeveloped greenfields. Regionwide, 80% of new jobs would be created on greenfields. As employment in manufacturing and other basic industries declines, vacant industrial properties will remain that way as new economic development occurs on greenfields; previous investments in infrastructure will be lost.

Objectives:

• 60% of new commercial and industrial development in the region (measured in terms of jobs created) will occur on land that is already developed.
• 61% of new residential development in the region (measured in terms of housing units) will occur on land that is already developed.