America’s Changing Neighborhoods: A Brief History of Urban Planning HUMA 101: Introduction to Humanities Heartland Community College Instructor: Sharon Migotsky

1940s: End of WWII and baby boom lead to development of Levittown (named for the architecture firm, Levitt & Sons) First pre-planned, mass-produced housing complex Contained thousands of low-cost homes First Levittown developed on Long Island; second built in Bucks County, Penn. The term “Levittown” has come to mean “any generic, monotonous middle-class suburb”

1950s: Development of the interstate highway system launches suburban boom Infrastructure of connected roads makes it possible to live and work in different areas Population density shifts away from traditional pattern of urban centers and rural areas For the first time, smaller towns on the highway system can attract prospective homeowners, even if local job opportunities are sparse These smaller communities eventually develop into bedroom communities

Bedroom communities are towns with little industry, retail, and other employment options Opportunities for entertainment are also limited Hence, the term “bedroom communities”—as the majority of work, school, and shopping activities take place somewhere else, the town becomes only a place to sleep Bedroom communities are popular, however Housing is more affordable Traffic, crime, and other drawbacks of urban living are generally lower in bedroom communities

1960s: Change in demographics means that population is growing rapidly Desire for privacy and reduced traffic inspires cul-de-sacs Housing lots become smaller, closer together Baby boom means that there are more children, but smaller yards to play in cul-de-sacs become desirable, as they reduce traffic Increases privacy Increases safety

Cul-de-sacs also have drawbacks, however Having only one point of entry (with no cross-streets) can cause traffic jams May be difficult for emergency vehicles to reach houses in time, as only one route is available Difficult for large emergency vehicles, such as fire engines, to maneuver in cul-de-sacs Much more expensive and time-consuming for city to snow-plow and maintain Many municipalities are now restricting or banning the development of any new cul-de- sacs

1970s: Bedroom communities give way to edge cities Edge cities are suburban areas that provide more opportunities and services than bedroom communities Citizens become tired of commuting to the city for work, school, shopping Greater number of two-career families means that jobs near home are in demand Cheap land and consumer demand lure industry and retail away from urban areas and into edge cities

1980s: Environmental awareness leads to development of curbside recycling in many areas Security concerns prompt development of gated communities A gated community restricts access Ironically, however, gated communities do not reduce rates of crime

In a repeat of the cul-de-sac era, many municipalities eventually move to ban gated communities Gated communities increase racial and social-class tension in cities already struggling with these issues One gated community in Dallas even has exclusive access to a private highway, frustrating other motorists caught in daily traffic jams Restricted access also means longer response time for emergency vehicles and costly delays for city maintenance crews

1990s: Perceived need for legislative clout motivates subdivisions to form political action committees (PACs) PACs lobby state and local officials for desired zoning laws, tax credits, updated utilities, etc.

2000s: Growth of internet and desire for increased communication leads to development of community association web sites PACs now “meet” online to plan strategy “Named” subdivisions attempt to build sense of identity and exclusiveness through web sites In one notorious case, a homeowner’s association uses its website to publish grievances over neighborhood spats over messy yards, noisy pets, etc. A lengthy lawsuit ensues, pitting neighbor against neighbor

The End