Over the last 50 years, auto-dependent commercial development has developed along highways to the point where it dominates the form and character of many of Oregon communities. As a result, most Oregon communities are auto-dependent and rely heavily on state highways for local access and circulation. This causes land use efficiency and livability problems. Local communities can address the issue, and state policies would provide a level playing field for communities to plan for alternatives to commercial strip development and would help protect taxpayer investment in state highways. This document shows some of the positive outcomes of redevelopment for less dependency on automobiles.

Highways and highway interchanges are prime locations for commercial development. Highways provide easy access to stores and offices and good visibility. Thus, over the last 50 years, urban development has followed and been shaped by highway investments. The result is that most Oregon communities are auto-dependent and rely heavily on state highways for local access and circulation.

Existing patterns of highway-oriented, auto-dependent development were recognized in local land use plans when they were adopted and acknowledged under the Oregon Statewide Planning Goals in the 1970s and 1980s. As local governments responded to individual applications to rezone land to commercial use, these patterns grew in a piecemeal fashion. The process has not resulted in coherent, well-planned neighborhoods and communities. And now, auto-dependent commercial strip development is the dominant feature of urban form in Oregon.

Over the last 50 years, auto-dependent commercial development has developed along highways to the point where it dominates the form and character of many of Oregon communities. As a result, most Oregon communities are auto-dependent and rely heavily on state highways for local access and circulation. This causes land use efficiency and livability problems. Local communities can address the issue, but few have done so effectively. State policies would provide a level playing field for communities to plan for alternatives to commercial strip development and would help protect taxpayer investment in state highways.

External Links:

More Information: www.lcd.state.or.us

Further Reading:

Containing the Commercial Strip