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8 Higher-Density Development <br />is that complex interrelated factors such as the high concentration of poverty and <br />poor educational and employment opportunities combined to doom the public <br />housing projects. Even very-high-density housing can be practical, safe, and desir- <br />able. For example, the mixed-income apartments and condominiums or luxury high <br />rises in New York and Chicago—some of the safest and most expensive housing in <br />the country—prove that density does not equal an unsafe environment. <br />The purpose of this publication is to dispel the many myths surrounding higher- <br />density development and to create a new understanding of density that goes <br />beyond simplistic negative connotations that overestimate its impact and under- <br />estimate its value. Elected officials, concerned citizens, and community leaders can <br />use this publication to support well-designed and well-planned density that creates <br />great places and great communities that people love. With the anticipated popula- <br />tion growth and continuing demographic and lifestyle changes, consensus is build- <br />ing that creating communities with a mix of densities, housing types, and uses will <br />be both necessary and desirable. <br />Higher-Density Development: Myth and Fact is the sixth in a series of Urban Land <br />Institute myth and fact booklets. The series is intended to clarify misconceptions <br />surrounding growth and development. Other topics covered have included trans- <br />portation, smart growth, urban infill housing, environment and development, and <br />mixed-income housing. <br />Higher-Density Development: Myth and Fact examines widespread misconceptions <br />related to higher-density development and seeks to dispel them with relevant facts <br />and information. Although the benefits of higher-density development are often <br />understated, so are the detrimental effects of low-density development. The advan- <br />tages and drawbacks of higher-density development are compared throughout this <br />publication with the alternative of low-density development. In the process, mis- <br />conceptions regarding low-density development are also addressed.