A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing Greenway Oriented Development in Your City
Best practices and lessons learned from exisiting greenway development in the South.
This is the final essay in a five-part series about greenway-oriented development.
After exploring case studies across the South, it is clear that many planners want a little more GOD in their cities. No, not religion - I’m talking about greenway-oriented development, a fresh approach to urban growth that completely changes how a community might interact with its greenspaces. From Atlanta's BeltLine to the Razorback Greenway in Northwest Arkansas, concentrating housing, retail, and offices around greenways has many benefits. As more municipalities explore greenway-oriented development (GOD), here are some things to consider as your city plans its next greenway-oriented project.
Pave the Way with Planning and Regulations
One of the biggest hurdles is that traditional zoning codes often aren't designed to accommodate GOD. In various cities, planners and developers struggled to conform to the zoning codes while also creating properties that interacted with the greenway effectively. Permitting processes, parking minimums, density limits, and setback requirements frequently push development outward rather than oriented toward recreational amenities. Updating land use regulations to incentivize trail-oriented buildings and districts will make an enormous difference as these developments crop up.
Strategies might include designating greenway-oriented development overlay zones, reducing parking requirements in trail-adjacent areas, allowing higher densities and reduced setbacks for projects fronting greenways, and revising permitted uses to enable the right mix of residential/commercial activations. It is integral to do this for both residential and commercial properties, as this type of development relies on both to be successful.
Balance Density with Environmental Protection
While increased density can bring investment and vibrancy, concentrating too much development directly adjacent to sensitive trail corridors risks degrading the outdoor experiences meant to be showcased. Rather than turning the greenway into a sidewalk, it is more effective to preserve generous greenbelts and vegetative buffering. This will not only keep the greenway green, but it will also mitigate impacts like noise, light pollution, and overcrowding.
Environmental performance standards, low-impact stormwater controls, dark sky lighting requirements, and landscape guidelines can further this balance. Acquiring surrounding land for conservation prevents overdevelopment from encroaching on the natural side of greenways.
Activate Destinations through Programming
Merely placing buildings along trails isn't enough - envisioning trails as activated "park-once" districts strengthens the urban/nature connection. Designing lively public plazas, integrating public art, allowing outdoor dining, and hosting community events like markets or fitness meetups creates dynamic anchors to bring new visitors to the greenway. Oftentimes, properties around greenways will activate it themselves, but municipalities can help develop these event calendars to ensure success.
Multimodal Connectivity is Key
While every city's mobility needs differ, municipalities should ensure robust pedestrian and cycling infrastructure linking neighborhoods to greenways. It is integral to prioritize safe street crossings, protected bike lanes, and seamless transitions between the urban streetscape and recreational trails. If it is possible to integrate these districts into public transportation offerings, that would make it even stronger.
Engage the Private Sector
While there is plenty of public enthusiasm for increased trail and park accessibility, private capital is necessary to create the types of spaces envisioned by many planners. In Atlanta, there has been strong evidence of increased property value when developing adjacent to the BeltLine, however, more data quantifying this "GOD premium" could spur greater buy-in. Public-private partnerships, developer education, and strategic land acquisition can further align interests.
As more municipalities explore greenways as frameworks for resilient urban growth, projects across the South are showcasing how interweaving our built and natural environments can fuel opportunities for development. By implementing this type of growth, cities can harness the full potential of greenway-oriented development to shape healthier, more sustainable communities for the future.
Sonia Birla is a student at UNC Charlotte majoring in Finance, Geography, and International Studies. She is the James Hardie Fellow for Urban Development Spring 2024.
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