Project Scope
The City of Springfield solicited a professional consulting firm to conduct a housing needs assessment and conditions study to provide recommendations for a future neighborhood revitalization strategy. A data driven report was created to identify citywide and neighborhood focused housing priorities and provide policy alternatives and intervention strategies to guide the City in decision making for future housing needs. This study included a detailed assessment of current housing conditions, demographics, market demands, housing gaps, and strategies to mitigate these gaps. Data-based analyses, conclusions and policy recommendations for the City of Springfield was also included and provided in an easy-to-read manner.
Our Work
The APD-U Team used a data-driven process as a foundation, and incorporated urban planning principles to create a housing study that considered prompting neighborhood progression while minimizing displacement. An existing conditions analysis of over 47,000 parcels, review of existing plans/studies/projects, and extensive stakeholder and community engagement provided the context for housing condition, affordability, and market trends. A housing analysis was conducted to understand the current local housing breakdown and housing gap. A zoning analysis and neighborhood suitability analysis was also conducted to identify areas best suited for development of price appropriate housing and to identify “middle neighborhoods” or those that could benefit greatly from public-sector financial intervention. The result was the development of a housing study and neighborhood revitalization strategy that supported Springfield’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Deliverables
- Parcel analysis of land uses, conditions, and tenure with accompanying map series;
- Neighborhood Suitability Analysis
- Investor Property Analysis
- Zoning Analysis
- Neighborhood Preservation Strategies
- Neighborhood Improvement Strategies
- Implementation Plan Matrix