Over the past 12 months, there’s been something of a meltdown in the US housing industry, and one of the hardest hit locations has been the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. In Cuyahoga County, there are an estimated 15,000 homes abandoned due to foreclosure, which have attracted vandals, squatters, and arsonists.

To avoid some of the problems, the city has begun tearing down the vacant properties. But rather than redevelop the properties, many local authorities are urging a conversion to parks, yards, and other forms of greenspace.  

With a continuing oversupply of houses, the proposal makes decent economic sense, protecting value of the homes of the residents that remain on one front, and increasing the inherent value of the area with the nearby parks on the other. Residents have even been encouraged to buy up foreclosed plots adjoining their property as additional yard space.

While reducing density generally has a negative effect on the eco-friendliness of a community, this greenspace initiative in Cuyahoga County allows residents additional space to plant trees and hang clothes to dry, while at the same time encouraging outdoor activities that could lead to more use of non-automotive transportation.