10. Density

Until recently, Newport News’ zoning has followed traditional suburban development patterns that typically encourage low densities that could cause our population growth to slow even further.  For the City to advance however in areas consistent with population, economic, and cultural growth, densities will need to increase in areas where public transit access is good.  In the future, less space will be available to accommodate our population. That growing population will generate increases to our services and retail markets.  Likewise, an expanding population and shifts in demographic patterns support the rationale for adopting changes to our density policies.   

 

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Compact dense developments that mix uses are needed to achieve a quality urban life and are critical if public transit will be successful. (Popup full image) 


Because the City has exhausted its supply of raw, undeveloped land, the future will provide redevelopment opportunities that could help redefine the density polices that has governed the City’s past development.  Under our current development densities, the City will not be in a position to take advantage of opportunities to meet future challenges and channel growth.   To meet the challenges, density levels must increase in designated areas of the City while maintaining a consistency level with other goals and objectives of the Framework for the Future.