The Future of First Generation Suburbs In The Delaware Valley Region

The Future of First Generation Suburbs In The Delaware Valley Region

Product No.: 98026
Date Published: 07/1998

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Many older boroughs and townships that developed rapidly following World War II face challenges to their fiscal and socioeconomic stability. These 'first generation suburbs' are experiencing population and job loss, increased social needs and limited tax base to finance services. Focusing on this group of communities, this report will (1) review the history of suburban development and decentralization in the Delaware Valley region, (2) measure fiscal and socioeconomic conditions in the region, and (3) develop recommendations to overcome these problems through tax reform, regional planning and local initiatives.

Geographic Area Covered: Nine-county Delaware Valley Region Including The Counties Of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery And Philadelphia In Pennsylvania; And Burlington, Camden, Gloucester And Mercer In New Jersey.

Key Words: Decentralization, History Of Development, Inner Ring Suburbs, Municipalities, School Districts, Directed Infrastructure Investment, Tax Base Sharing, Urban Growth Boundary, Local Economic Development

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