Shaping Contemporary Suburbia: Perspectives on Development Control in Metropolitan Chicago

Shaping Contemporary Suburbia explores municipal policies that pose fascinating and far-reaching consequences for the regional quality of life. Illustrated with more than 30 maps and photographs, it offers a comprehensive look at the strategies local governments in the Chicago metropolitan area use to enhance their appearance, character, and efficiency. It includes chapters on techniques to improve the attractiveness of retail strips, the appearance of signs and billboards, the regulation of home-based businesses, the quality of day-care centers, the "sustainability" of development, and other aspects of suburban development. Shaping Contemporary Suburbia is well-suited for use by community leaders, local planning boards, and college-level students.