Although temporary uses were not seen in a favorable light in the past, that it is now quickly changing as the benefits of temporary uses are being recognized. Jennifer Gerend from the AICP in her article "Temps Welcome:How Temporary Uses Can Revitalize Neighborhoods" gives clear examples in which temporary uses have benefited everyone. One such example is the Trapeze School New York which location varies in the Hudson River Park as the waterfront development continues. Although at first public officials were not sure if temporary uses such as the Trapeze School New York were the right choice, they decided to take a risk. A risk that ended up working out for everyone. Trapeze School New York became very popular, and the school has become a very "successful interim attraction" to the currently developing Hudson River Park. Another successful popular temporary uses have been the Seattle's Teatro ZinZanni and community gardens.
According to Jennifer Gerend in her article "Temps Welcome:How Temporary Uses Can Revitalize Neighborhoods" the benefits of temporary uses are various among them the following:
-"Respond to creative proposals (either private or community-based)."
-"Incubate small business."
-"Experiment with uses before committing to a long-term plan."
-"Allow market forces to play out."
-"Buy time while fundraising and planning towards an ultimate master plan."
-"Avoid gaps in activity (especially in retail areas)."
I think that the benefits of temporary uses just mentioned are sufficient reasons to start putting into more practice temporary uses in more cities and towns that have many vacant lots. Another reason that has not been mentioned earlier as a benefit of temporary uses could be the reduction of vacant lots in neighborhoods. Moreover, as there are less empty lots in an area, a neighborhood appearance and overall environment is bound to improve as a result. Also, less vacant lots means less crime-prone lots available for such activities.
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Source:
Jennifer Gerend, "Temps Welcome: How Temporary Uses Can Revitallize Neighborhoods," American Planning Association, Vol. 73, No. 11, December 2007.
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