PROS AND CONS OF URBAN RENEWAL

PROS:
Gets rid of decaying, unsafe buildings
Opens up inner city land to improved development (stores, residences. offices, etc)
May eliminate gathering spots for crime
To create better housing opportunities for a community
To promote economic and social growth within the municipality
To diversify the area whether that be racially or economicallyas discussed in our text,
Contemporary Urban Planning. However, to get a new demographic to move in, drastic
changes must be made. Gentrification refers to the moving in of wealthier folks to a
traditionally lower income area.
It may increase density and reduce sprawl
It might have economic benefits and improve the global economic competitiveness of a
city's centre.
It may, in some instances, improve cultural and social amenity, and it may also improve
opportunities for safety and surveillance.
Developments such as London Docklands increased tax revenues for government. In late
1964, the British commentator Neil Wates expressed the opinion that urban renewal in the
United States had 'demonstrated the tremendous advantages which flow from an urban
renewal programme,' such as remedying the 'personal problems' of the poor, creation or
renovation of housing stock, educational and cultural 'opportunities'.

CONS:

With more higher income individuals moving in, the prices in the area start to rise, this
makes the area unaffordable for those with less income.
This also results in culture being lost in the community. Those with higher incomes are use
to living in different communities and as a result have different expectations for
community standards.
May be an improper use of eminent domain by government (seizing someone's
property)
Often times the "replacement development" is poorly planned and not used as thought
Can be expensive and the pay-off may not be worth it
City distinct from its community
May not be affordable
History/historical identity(Boston example)
Relocation (one of the most general problems)
Break unities (social excluding)
Rant-seeking
Nature problem (forrest areas)
Infrastructure and transportation problem
references:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_renewal

https://zoningthegardenstate.wordpress.com/2016/10/24/urban-renewal-and-the-pros-and-
cons-of-gentrification/

https://prezi.com/eef1lvk2k1eg/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-urban-regeneration/