Which statement about infill development is NOT a typical benefit?

• A. Development on vacant or underused parcels within existing urban areas.
• B. Reduces sprawl.
• C. Always minimizes the need for transit-oriented development.
• D. Supports transit by clustering near existing services.

Answer: (C)

Infill development focuses growth on vacant or underuse parcels within the existing urban area, making efficient use of current streets, utilities, and services. This approach helps curb urban sprawl by locating new development inside the city rather than expanding outward. It also tends to support transit by clustering development near existing transit lines and neighborhood amenities, which can shorten trip distances and encourage walking, biking, or transit use.

The statement that infill “always minimizes the need for transit-oriented development” isn’t accurate. Transit-oriented development is a deliberate planning approach aimed at creating dense, mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly areas around transit stations to maximize access and reduce car dependence. Infill can occur in locations with strong transit access, where TOD remains important, or in areas with limited transit where new or improved transit connections are still needed. Because the need for TOD depends on the specific location and transit context, infill does not inherently eliminate that need.