The Story of Planning and Land Use Regulation at Large American Freight Ports

Keywords: Land Use, Transportation, Ports
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

Large freight ports are distinct and important spaces within many urban regions. Historically, they were centers of activity with mixed land uses. Today, most are clearly demarcated and separated from the rest of the city with land uses primarily related to moving materials or industry. There has always been an area of warehousing at large ports and that continues today. However, today what is “warehoused” are stacked containers.

Until recently the numbers of these units along with the area they took up was fairly consistent. With the continued global supply chain crisis, the container distribution system has been disrupted with containers now often remaining on site for longer periods of time. This has then caused a backlog of containers and an increased demand for places to put them. Some ports today are being forced to rent vacant land nearby for this purpose often disrupting the surrounding neighborhoods.

This talk will begin with a historical assessment of the changing land use patterns and regulations in and around large American freight ports. Following will be several case studies on current planning, regulation, and advocacy in and around several large American large freight ports. This project is being funded by National Center for Intermodal Transportation.