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- Info
Lots or crops: The land supply dilemma
| Author: |
Healy, Robert G. |
| Date: |
1985 |
| Periodical: |
Urban Land |
| Abstract: |
Although builders and preservationists disagree over many issues, most would probably affirm that the United States has a "land supply problem." But the two groups define very differently the meaning of that phrase. Most apparent to builders and homebuyers is the high price of building lots. And, sometimes, physically suitable and legally buildable lots seem almost unavailable in the marketplace. But another part of the problem, as seen by urban planners, environmentalists, and some people in the agricultural community, is rapid urbanization that removes productive land from farming and forestry and calls into question the future prices and availability of food and fiber. Builders and planners alike would like to see both an abundant supply of building lots and plentiful food. Practicality argues for a middle ground-adoption of an "insurance strategy" that recognizes the merits of providing suitable building area while preserving valuable farmland. Reaching this ground means delineating and resolving the two sides of the land use issue. |
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