How Mixed-Use Housing Can Revive Small Towns (Part 2)

🚀 In this conversation, developer and former touring musician Scott Graves joins host Craig Della Penna to explore how jazz improvisation, economic theory, and urban planning intersect. From Vermont to Massachusetts, Scott explains how housing policy, zoning, and infrastructure design shape the health of communities—and why America’s built environment may be undermining both economic opportunity and social connection. 🎧 Hosted by: Craig Della Penna 👤 Guest: 🏡 Scott Graves – Principal, SMG Graves Associates | Construction Project Manager | Mixed-Use Housing Developer | Economic Development Strategist 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How jazz improvisation mirrors real estate development and urban planning ✔️ Why zoning and housing policy shape community health and economic resilience ✔️ The hidden cost of suburban sprawl and underused urban land ✔️ Why “tax revenue per acre” matters more than expansion-based growth models ✔️ How cities can unlock housing by activating vacant lots and reforming land use ⏳ Timestamps (Click to Jump to Sections!): 📌00:00 Intro 📌00:34 Meet Scott Graves 📌01:54 Music Meets Urbanism 📌04:53 Art Craft And Trades 📌06:35 GDP Versus Happiness 📌08:04 Waste And Overbuilding 📌09:43 Housing Finance And NIMBYs 📌13:49 Fix Zoning For Infill 📌17:00 Vacant Lots Hidden Wealth 📌20:46 Strong Towns Tax Math 📌22:37 Parking Minimums And Walkability 📌23:53 Agawam No Downtown 📌25:10 Wrap Up And Thanks 💼 Connect with Scott Graves: 🌐 Website → http://smgravesassociates.com/ 📸 Instagram →   / arewehereyetpodcast   🎧 Follow Craig Della Penna: 🌐 Website → https://www.greenwaysolutions.org/ 🌐 Website → https://www.northamptonrealtor.com/ 🌐 Website →https://www.sugar-maple-inn.com/ 📷 Instagram →   / craigdp413   🔗 LinkedIn →   / craigdp   📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/