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Mixed Use Developments Related Areas People Shopping United States

Id ESLPod_0941_CN
Episode Id ESLPod 941
Episode Title Types of Shopping Areas
Title Mixed-Use Developments
Text

In recent years, many part of the United States have seen a "trend" (increase or decrease in the popularity of something over time) toward "mixed-use developments," or areas where buildings and structures have "residential" (related to homes), "commercial" (related to businesses), "retail" (related to sales), "recreational" (related to playing and relaxation), and "industrial" (related to manufacturing) uses. For example, buildings might have offices or retail stores on the first floor, and apartments on upper floors.

Mixed-use developments are "a departure from" (different from) the very "strict" (rigid, defined, and inflexible) "zoning" used in many parts of the United States in the past. These "zoning plans" allowed only a particular type of use in a single area, so residential areas would be separate from office areas and retail areas.

Mixed-use developments offer many advantages over single-use zones. For example, they "tend to have" (usually have) a greater variety of housing and they encourage "greater population density" (a higher number of people living in a certain area). People usually have shorter "commutes" (transportation between home and work) because they live closer to their workplaces. Mixed-use developments are generally more "pedestrian-friendly" (safer and more comfortable for people who walk instead of drive).

However, mixed-use developments are generally more expensive, and they are a "riskier" (with a greater chance of not succeeding) investments, because all the different "intended" (uses) must be able to "stay in business" (remain open; continue to be operational) over time. Mixed-use developments often have limited parking spaces, which can create traffic problems unless there is a good system of public transportation.

Topics Shopping

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