When addressing land use issues, the Michigan Association of REALTORS® believes that communities should make every effort to allow for a healthy balance of low-, medium- and high-density projects that provide affordable housing and unique neighborhoods.

Allowing for more housing choices at different price points increases affordability. Higher densities mean less land per unit, reduced site preparation and lower per unit infrastructure costs.

Different lot sizes allow for different designs. Local lawmakers should be encouraged to provide opportunities for developers to break away from cookie-cutter neighborhoods, and give people a choice in price, design and location.
Developers and municipalities can channel growth in condensed areas that are not environmentally sensitive. The legislature and interest groups can work together with local municipalities to ensure that the right balance and growth exist to enhance the community.

Encouraging growth in the right locations can also enhance communities. This creates new neighborhoods where residents are within a short walk to the supermarket, or a cup of coffee at a local shop. Residents identify with these special characteristics, which, in turn, create community pride. These communities then become the example of, not the exception to, vibrant cities. Strong community pride translates into safer neighborhoods, better schools and additional development for a better quality of life.

This type of mixing uses creates the opportunity for a healthy neighborhood where a child can walk to school, a resident can walk to the store for milk or neighbors can congregate for a picnic.

It’s a type of growth that gives people the opportunity to leave their cars in their garage and walk to work. Workers can choose to live near their employers instead of choosing for a commute, which means fewer cars on the road and healthier residents. Mixed use can add jobs or homes to an area, improving the balance of the two.

Smart neighborhoods would attract people from different backgrounds to connect in a place that invites biking, walking and access to green spaces. This is a place created by public input, designed with special attention to a pedestrian environment and uncompromising dedication to superior design in a family-friendly setting.

This is the goal of MAR, and should be the goal of every community in Michigan. By working together we can make it happen.