1. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 New Perspectives in Real Estate Development In Port of Spain Welcome

2. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Objectives for today Review Current State of available residential in Port of Spain Re-population of POS Higher Density Developments – Myth vs. Fact Roles of the elected officials and Government approval agencies, business leaders, and citizens

3. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Where We Are Why is land and housing so expensive? Availability Access Infrastructure Development Densities Employment Centers Competing interest

4. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 The Ideal Development Environment Re-populating Port of Spain Zoning and it’s consistent enforcement True Mixed Use Going Vertical Development from the edge of Port of Spain

5. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Myth 1 Higher density development overburdens schools and other public services and requires more infrastructure Fact 1 The nature of who lives in higher density housing- fewer families with children- puts less demand on schools and other public services than lower density housing and requires less extensive infrastructure to support it.

6. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Myth 2 Higher density developments lower property values in surrounding areas Fact 2 No discernible difference exists in the appreciation rate of properties located near higher density development and those that are not. Some research shows that higher density developments can increase property values

7. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Myth 3 Higher density development creates more regional traffic congestion and parking problems than low density development Fact 3 Higher density developments generate less traffic than low density developments per unit. It makes walking and public transport more feasible and creates opportunities for shared parking

8. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Myth 4 Higher Density developments leads to higher crime rates Fact 4 The crime rates at higher density developments are not significantly different from those at lower density developments

9. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Myth 5 Higher Density developments are environmentally more destructive than lower density developments Fact 5 Low density development increases air and water pollution and destroys natural areas by paving and urbanizing greater swaths of land.

10. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Myth 6 Higher Density housing is only for lower income households Fact 6 People of All income groups choose higher density housing

11. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Myth 7 No one in suburban areas wants to live in a higher density development Fact 7 Our population is changing and becoming increasingly diverse. Many of these households now prefer higher density housing even in a suburban setting.

12. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 The Final Myth 8 Higher density developments are unattractive and do not fit in a low density community Fact 8 Attractive, well designed and well maintained higher density developments attracts good residents and tenants and fits into existing communities

13. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Imagine the Possibilities

14. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Neighborhood Commercial Center

15. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Transit-Oriented Areas

16. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Industrial Sites

17. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Taking Action

18. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Taking Action If you like what you’ve seen, we need to take action. It won’t just happen. Everyone has a role to play.

19. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Taking Action Elected Officials The Role of Elected Officials: Change the regulatory climate Update our zoning/land use regulations Change the economic climate Density bonuses Tax deferrals and reductions Fee waivers Elected Officials

20. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Taking Action Elected Officials The Role of Elected Officials cont. : Change the dialogue Educate citizens – density brings new amenities, new jobs, new tax revenues, new retail Change the political climate Build citizen support for higher-density growth by creating a community-based vision for growth Assure citizens you will insist on quality Elected Officials

21. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Taking Action The Role of Business Leaders: Attend planning meetings to support good projects Lobby for zoning law changes that allow for higher density and mixed uses Locate businesses near public transportation and existing infrastructure Encourage employees to actively support proposals for higher-density housing near jobs and transportation Business Leaders Business Leaders

22. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Taking Action The Role of Citizens: Get educated about the importance of compact, mixed use development and spread the word. Get involved early in comprehensive community planning. Urge local leaders to create a community-based vision for future smart growth Attend planning meetings and insist on: Quality design that fits in with the community Track record of success Integrated with the transportation system Citizens/ Environmentalists

23. 13 th – 15 March, 2006 Discussion Summary Government and the Private Sectors must both invest in the future by doing their part There needs to be better communication between all the players All must be following the same plan to achieve the same goals We must play as a team not as individuals Win Win Win (The People of Trinidad and Tobago, Government and Private Sector)