Experts argue that cities need to convert public land near water into private housing. No major reclamation projects have occurred since 1976. This change could ease shortages and drive urban growth in smart new ways.
In a recent article, researchers Zigmund Forrest and Maxwell Tabarrok noted a striking gap in American city planning. Since Battery Park City finished in 1976, no major urban land reclamation projects have taken place. They point to water-adjacent public land that sits unused and suggest turning it over for private housing to unlock its full value.
Private developers can build homes faster and more efficiently than public agencies. This shift would boost housing supply, create jobs, and bring new tax revenue to cities. It also allows governments to focus on other services while residents gain modern living spaces in prime locations.
Leaders must act now to address growing housing needs. By reclaiming and selling public property, cities can expand without sprawl and create vibrant communities. Past successes show this path works, and fresh projects could inspire similar efforts across the nation.
Original Author: D. Dowd Muska | Source: FEE
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