Boise Infill Study by Urban Land Institute and Idaho Smart Growth Challenges Assumptions Property Values and Traffic Aren’t Adversely Affected, Study Finds
BOISE, IDAHO – A newly-completed study of urban infill projects in existing neighborhoods of the Treasure Valley finds that property values and traffic counts are unaffected by such development.
The study, titled “The Consequences of Residential Infill on Existing Neighborhoods in the Treasure Valley”, was carried out by Idaho Smart Growth under a grant from the Urban Land Institute’s Idaho District Council.
The study will be presented to the public in an Urban Land Institute event scheduled tonight at 7 p.m. at the Boise High School Auditorium.
“This study shows us that as the communities of the Treasure Valley mature, we can refine how we carry out infill developments so that goals are understood, property rights are respected, and neighborhood residents accept the changes occurring around them,” said Frank Martin, chairman of Urban Land Institute’s Idaho District Council. “Urban Land Institute is pleased to play a role in bringing a higher level of understanding about what communities want and need when it comes to infill development.”
The key findings:
•There is no evidence of adverse effects on traffic from infill developments on existing neighborhoods.
•There is no clear evidence that infill developments depress property values.
•Infill developments are perceived by neighborhoods to provide few public amenities.
•The loss of neighborhood open space on public and private land within existing neighborhoods is deeply felt by residents.
•Design quality can positively affect neighborhood acceptance of infill developments.
•There is a lack of understanding among neighbors about project goals and the consistency of infill development with adopted plans and regulations.
•Density does not correlate to perceived acceptance of infill projects studied.
“Clearly, communication is a crucial element of successful infill projects,” said Rachel Winer, executive director of Idaho Smart Growth. “We look forward to helping raise the sensitivity of our local governments to the need to communicate thoroughly with neighbors of infill projects so that goals are communicated, sensitivities are considered, and property rights are protected.”
About ULI Idaho
Since its inception in 2004, the Idaho District Council of ULI has convened urban planning panel conferences that have attracted more than 1,000 elected officials, regulators, members of the development community and other professionals.
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