According to the Daily Press, the Newport News City Council has approved a development plan that combines luxury apartments and retail stores as the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Bland Boulevard. Many residents are fearful of additional traffic in an area that is already heavily congested.

Developments of this type are known as "mixed-use", meaning that they combine different types of zoning classifications. Traditionally, commercial and residential development are planned for in geographically separate areas. Most often the goal of mixed use design is to decrease traffic by locating the projects near major transportation hubs (such as Metro in Washington, D.C.). Mixed use developments are also appealing to buyers that prefer to be in very close proximity to stores and restaurants, usually within walking distance. They are becoming increasingly common as localities become more flexible with their zoning ordinances.

These developments can affect property values positively or negatively, depending on how they are constructed and the impact on surrounding infrastructure.

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