FACTORS AFFECTING LAND TENURE IN THE URBAN FRINGE

A STUDY OF ATTITUDES WAS CONDUCTED TOWARD THE SALE OF LAND IN EIGHT TOWNSHIPS IN PENNSYLVANIA TO ENABLE UNDERSTANDING OF THE FACTORS THAT AFFECT SALES DECISIONS. IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC PLANS FOR RETAINING OPEN SPACE OR FOR BRINGING LAND INTO DEVELOPMENT ARE DEPENDANT UPON THE UNDERSTANDING OF URBAN FRINGE LAND TENURE. COMPARISONS IN THE STUDY ARE LIMITED TO SELLERS AND OWNERS UNWILLING TO SELL. IN THREE CATEGORIES OF SALES MOTIVES - FINANCIAL GAIN, CHANGES IN SURROUNDING LAND USE, AND PERSONAL - THE SELLERS WERE MOTIVATED PRINCIPALLY BY PERSONAL REASONS WHILE THE NON- SELLERS BELIEVE THAT LAND USE CHANGES WOULD BE MOST LIKELY TO INFLUENCE THEM.