Document Type
Article
Publication Date
January 1971
Volume
9
First Page
189
Abstract
Three centuries before Christ, Aristotle postulated that an essential element of a stable democracy is the presence of a landholding middle class-a group of citizens having an intrinsic interest in the effective functioning of the state. He perceived that a home is more than just shelter; it provides the individual with an interest in the success of the commonwealth. This theory takes on special importance today as the press of urban living presents a serious challenge to the ability of our present system to provide adequate living conditions for our citizenry.At present, our population is 205 million; it will double in the next 40 to 60 years. This influx, under present growth patterns, will seek to settle in an area described by census statisticians as "urban.'' In 1960, 70 percent of our population was urban; by 1980, it will be 80 percent. It is suburbia, where most of our urban residents presently reside, that will absorb the preponderance of this increase. With these multitudes will come the problem of congestion, adequate education, transportation, air and water pollution, recreational facilities, unemployment, crime, taxation, and racial strife. Assuming we could provide shelter for our increasing population, what kind of life would they lead?
Recommended Citation
Barlow Burke,
Creating a Community Process of Land Development for Urban Growth,
9
Hous. L. Rev.
189
(1971).
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/facsch_lawrev/859