Podcast Summary: Upzoned – Episode: "Incremental Development: Ladies Power Hour"

Release Date: September 25, 2024
Host: Abby Newsham
Guests: Bernice Gradle (Preservation Buffalo Niagara, Buffalo, NY) and Ali Quindlen (Architect and Landscape Architect, Fayetteville, AR)

Introduction

In this special episode of Upzoned, hosted by Abby Newsham of Strong Towns, the conversation takes a unique turn as Abby welcomes two esteemed guests, Bernice Gradle and Ali Quindlen, for an "Incremental Development: Ladies Power Hour." This episode delves deep into the nuances of incremental development, zoning codes, and the pivotal role women play in shaping resilient and vibrant communities.

Profiles of the Guests

Ali Quindlen (02:24):
Ali is a licensed architect and landscape architect based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She helms a design firm focused on creating walkable, economically sustainable spaces and engages in small-scale real estate development, including historic preservation. As the Executive Director of the Incremental Development Alliance, Ali collaborates with fellow professionals to promote adaptable zoning codes that facilitate incremental development.

Bernice Gradle (05:20):
Bernice operates Buffalo Development in Buffalo, New York, specializing in small-scale development and construction since 2007. Currently the Executive Director at Preservation Buffalo Niagara, she leads action-based preservation initiatives, including stabilization programs and apartment renovations. Bernice brings extensive experience from her tenure on the Buffalo Zoning Board, where she played a key role in transforming the Buffalo Green Code.

Key Discussion Topics

1. Zoning Code Reforms for Small-Scale Development

Ali emphasizes the critical need for eliminating minimum lot size and width requirements, which historically were implemented to restrict affordable housing and maintain single-family home dominance. She states:

"[...] eliminating any sort of minimum around how big the lot has to be and then single family zoning, just letting people put a second unit in." (17:50)

Bernice echoes this sentiment, highlighting her success in Buffalo by removing minimum parking requirements, which she considers a bold but necessary step. She adds:

"Remove minimums, which we all know, right? Do it. And we did it in Buffalo." (13:37)

The guests discuss the negative impacts of stringent zoning laws, including inflated housing costs and stifled diversity in housing types. They advocate for zonal flexibility to accommodate sneaky duplexes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), enabling residents to adapt their living spaces to changing needs without significant financial burdens.

2. The Philosophy of Incremental Development

Bernice introduces the concept of "cute equity," where incremental, budget-conscious improvements can significantly enhance a property's appeal and community value over time. She shares her approach:

"Do what you can with what you have, where you are." (38:11)

Ali expands on this by stressing the moral imperative of making continuous, small-scale changes to improve living environments, stating:

"Incremental everything in relation to... we're making the place that people live." (42:58)

Their discussion underscores that incremental development isn't about quick fixes but about building a foundation for sustainable, long-term community enhancement.

3. Building Creative and Attractive Communities

Both guests highlight the importance of aesthetic enhancements in development projects. Bernice discusses her strategic use of color and preservation of original architectural elements to create unique and inviting spaces. For example:

"Being bold with color. There's nothing wrong with color." (26:48)

Ali shares examples from Fayetteville, comparing local projects to well-loved neighborhoods in cities like Paris, where unit density per acre doesn't necessarily correlate with neighborhood livability or charm.

4. The Role of Women in Small-Scale Development

Bernice passionately advocates for increased female participation in development, emphasizing the community-centric and nurturing qualities women bring to the field. She remarks:

"Community conscious, community loving development is what we need." (43:28)

Ali shares her experiences with diversity and inclusivity in the Incremental Development Alliance, noting a rise in women and developers of color joining the movement. She reflects on the historical barriers women faced in real estate and celebrates the progress made:

"It's getting easier and less surprising to have female small developers." (47:22)

5. Inclusivity and Diversity in Development Practices

Ali highlights efforts to make development training more accessible to diverse groups, including offering Spanish-language programs and supporting rural developers. She emphasizes the importance of integrating life aspects, such as parenting, into professional environments to foster inclusivity.

"Making all of our spaces really conducive to little kids, the more that we can make... the more that we get to keep everybody involved." (53:22)

Inspirational Insights and Personal Projects

Bernice shares her passion for preserving architectural heritage on a tight budget, focusing on incremental upgrades that maintain the character and history of buildings. She illustrates how small, thoughtful changes can transform properties without significant financial strain.

Ali discusses upcoming initiatives, including National Field Trips and workshops aimed at fostering collaboration and sharing best practices among small-scale developers. She expresses excitement about community engagement and learning from diverse projects.

Abby touches on her personal projects, such as learning to paint professionally and studying Spanish, emphasizing the importance of continuous personal growth and creativity in professional development.

Down Zone: Book Recommendations and Personal Endeavors

In the closing segment, Bernice recommends "Oppie's Berlin Diaries" by Gabrielle, a gripping account of her grandfather's involvement with the Nazis and her journey to reconcile this legacy. Abby shares her newfound passion for painting and Spanish, inspired by her interactions with Gabrielle.

Concluding Thoughts

This episode of Upzoned powerfully underscores the transformative potential of incremental development when guided by inclusive, community-focused leadership. Bernice Gradle and Ali Quindlen provide invaluable perspectives on dismantling restrictive zoning laws, fostering creative community enhancements, and championing diversity within the development sector. Their insights offer a blueprint for building resilient, vibrant communities through thoughtful, small-scale interventions.

Notable Quotes

1. Ali Quindlen on zoning reforms:

   "Eliminating any sort of minimum around how big the lot has to be and then single family zoning, just letting people put a second unit in."
   17:50

2. Bernice Gradle on removing minimums:

   "Remove minimums, which we all know, right? Do it. And we did it in Buffalo."
   13:37

3. Bernice Gradle on incremental development:

   "Do what you can with what you have, where you are."
   38:11

4. Ali Quindlen on making places better:

   "We're making the place that people live."
   42:58

5. Bernice Gradle on community-focused development:

   "Community conscious, community loving development is what we need."
   43:28

6. Ali Quindlen on the progress of women in development:

   "It's getting easier and less surprising to have female small developers."
   47:22

7. Bernice Gradle on inclusivity:

   "Making all of our spaces really conducive to little kids, the more that we can make... the more that we get to keep everybody involved."
   53:22

Connect with the Guests:

• Bernice Gradle: Preservation Buffalo Niagara
• Ali Quindlen: Kronberg Urbanist Architects
• Upzoned Show Notes: strongtowns.org/upzone

Upzoned continues to explore pivotal stories and in-depth conversations that shape the Strong Towns movement. Subscribe to stay informed and inspired.