WHAT THE COMMUNITY SAID
Respondents to the Area 11 Kick-off Survey expressed that it was important to both preserve the single-family character of their neighborhoods and to limit medium and higher density housing to major streets and commercial districts. While residents ranked the variety of housing choices in the top 10 things they liked most about the East Brainerd area, 83% said limiting new development to locations that have adequate streets, sewers, schools, and emergency services was important or very important. The following section highlights some recent demographic shifts in Area 11 and their impacts on housing needs.
The Reunion neighborhood includes a mix of single-family detached homes and attached townhomes.
EXISTING CONDITIONS & TRENDS
Changing Demographics
The population of Area 11 has been growing at a rate of 1.62% per year. The two largest increases in the past decade have occurred among young people ages 25 to 29 (87%), followed by seniors between 70 and 74 (71%). If these trends continue at the same level, it will result in nearly 4,000 new residents over the next 10 years, a large portion of which will likely be young people and young families.
Additionally, the percentage of families with children under 18 has decreased by 12%, while the percentage of people living alone, or having a senior living with them, has increased by 10%.
At the same time, housing prices in the region continue to increase, but a growing number of households are making less than the 2017 median Area 11 income of $61,521.
These trends suggest a need for more housing, and a greater diversity of housing types. More seniors increase the need for mobility options, health amenities, and housing that allows people to age-in-place. Young professionals tend to be interested in housing attainability, and having nearby restaurants, bars, entertainment, and parks. Young families often want to stay in an area that provides schools, libraries, daycare, and recreation centers. As a result, a variety of amenities, services, and jobs that are close to housing is also needed.
Commercial buildings that include apartments, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) i.e. backyard cottages or mother-in-law suites, and other types of housing are being built in many cities to accommodate changing demographics and lifestyle preferences. https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/adus-come-in-many-shapes-and-styles.html
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
Adding more housing, including a greater diversity of housing types, typically takes the form of small lot single-family homes, townhomes, 2-unit, 4-unit, 8-unit apartment buildings, and larger apartment complexes to meet the changing demographics and lifestyle preferences. The following table highlights some of the opportunities and challenges of adding higher density housing to a community.
Adding diversity to a community’s housing can take multiple forms, many of which can be designed to “fit in” with, or near, existing neighborhoods or commercial centers.
Clustering a diversity of housing near destinations makes other transportation choices, such as improved transit service, sidewalk connections, and bike infrastructure, more feasible.
The development of higher density housing is often met with resistance from the existing residents due to perceived concerns that these developments may lower property values or increase crime.
Concentrating medium to higher intensity housing within and around commercial centers provides a residential base that supports businesses and retail.
Higher residential densities can add to traffic congestion, if such developments are located where sidewalks, bike lanes, or transit is not available.
Concentrating medium to higher intensity housing within and around commercial centers reduces the expansion of higher density housing into existing single-family neighborhoods.
Expansion of multi-family housing into established single-family areas can change the character of existing neighborhoods.
Townhomes, condos, apartments, and homes on smaller lots can serve as a transition, between single-family homes and a commercial center.
Higher density residential development can create nuisances for adjacent residential uses, if they are not properly sited or buffered.
A variety of housing types provides residents, at various stages in life, with lifestyle options to best suit their needs.
HOUSING: CONCLUSION
The shifting demographics and preferences in Area 11 present challenges for meeting the community’s housing needs. What types of housing will continue to provide options for a diverse Area 11 community while preserving the desired residential character of Area 11? Please answer the survey questions about what types of housing options are preferred and where they should be located.
Survey Time!
Click the button below to begin the survey.
Questions?
Contact Eric Matravers – Area 11 Project Lead, at areaplan@chattanooga.gov or call 423-643-5920.