Which approach is most effective for encouraging redevelopment of underutilized sites?

• A. Increase parking requirements
• B. Tax increases
• C. Density bonuses tied to affordable housing or public benefits with streamlined reviews
• D. Ban high-rise development

Answer: (C)

Encouraging redevelopment of underutilized sites is most effective when you create incentives that make higher-density, efficient projects financially viable while also speeding up the approval process. Density bonuses that allow more units or floor area in exchange for affordable housing or public benefits change the financial math in favor of redeveloping, especially on parcels that wouldn’t pencil out under base zoning. When these bonuses are paired with streamlined reviews, the time and costs associated with permitting are reduced, improving feasibility and shortening the path to construction. This combination aligns private incentives with public goals—more housing, potential affordability, and tangible benefits like open space or transit access—without adding unnecessary friction. In contrast, simply increasing parking requirements raises costs and reduces feasibility; raising taxes increases risk and can deter investment; and banning high-rise development removes a practical tool for efficiently using land and meeting demand, making redevelopment harder rather than easier.