Building Urban Infill Together: Expert Insights for Citizens
Urban infill — building on vacant or underused lots within existing neighborhoods — is one of the most promising strategies for sustainable growth. But for citizens, the process can feel opaque and adversarial. This guide is for residents, community board members, and local advocates who want to move beyond NIMBY versus YIMBY debates and toward constructive engagement. We will cover the decisions you face, the options on the table, and how to evaluate what works for your block, your neighborhood, and your city. Who Decides and When: The Citizen's Role in Infill In most cities, infill projects begin quietly: a developer buys a lot, sketches a plan, and submits a permit application. By the time neighbors hear about it, the design may be nearly final. That is why the first decision for citizens is not which project to support, but when to get involved.