Walking Into the Future of York County

By Shanna Weist

There have been major changes in the economy and the housing market over the past few years. In some parts of the United States property values have dropped significantly, foreclosures are at record highs, and fluctuating gas prices have made long commutes more costly.

As a result of these economic forces, the preferences of what type of homes and communities people want to live in has changed as well. The National Association of REALTORS conducted the 2011 Community Preference Survey to explore how American’s preferences regarding communities and housing have changed over the last seven years.

The survey reveals that, ideally, most Americans would like to live in walkable communities where shops, restaurants, and local businesses are within an easy stroll from their homes and their jobs are a short commute away. According to the survey, when considering a home purchase, 77% of respondents said they would look for neighborhoods with abundant sidewalks and other pedestrian-friendly features.

However, 80% would prefer to live in single-family, detached houses over other types of housing such as townhouses, condominiums, or apartments. Ideally, Americans want both walkability and single-family homes. When asked if they can’t have their ideal situation, the majority of Americans would choose living in single-family homes over a walkable community.

The survey also revealed that while space is important to home buyers, many are willing to sacrifice square footage for less driving.

How can York County use this information?

York has not been immune to national economic trends. New Construction growth has slowed dramatically but our population continues to rise. What municipalities in York should do now while there is pause in new construction is to take the time to plan for the future. Directing growth into areas where the infrastructure exists with the creation or revitalization of walkable communities.

Currently York County has very few municipalities who have enacted ordinances for smart growth communities such as Traditional Neighborhood Developments or TNDs. Traditional Neighborhood Development is a type of land use that permits a compatible mixture of residential, commercial and civic uses integrated with open space to create a balanced community. TNDs typically have higher density in exchange for open space preservation. The concept of TND is not new. There are hundreds of TND communities across the United States - some as close as Lancaster County. The Community Preference Survey revealed that 56% of Americans want to live in smart growth communities such as TNDs.

The York/Adams Regional Smart Growth Coalition developed a TND Handbook for municipalities. Now seems to be a ripe time for municipalities to study the idea of adopting a TND ordinance.

The Survey is good news for York City and our boroughs because it shows that people want to live in walkable communities convenient to businesses. However, when it comes time to consider redevelopment projects in our urban areas it may be wise to place greater emphasis on detached single-family home development. The results have shown that while Americans want walkability they are not willing to give up single family homes for it. Can we have them both? Yes, with the proper ordinances. Now is the time to enact them.

Shanna Wiest is the government affairs director for the Realtors Association of York & Adams Counties and has been with the association since 2005. In her position, she advocates for homeownership, economic development and smart growth planning. Shanna also serves as the secretary/treasurer for the York/Adams Regional Smart Growth Coalition and the president of the Economics Club for the York County Chamber of Commerce. Shanna earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Dickinson College and her Master’s of Public Administration from Penn State University. Shanna lives in Springettsbury Township with her fiancé Joe