Jade: "modesly" is actually an innovative contraction peculiar to discussion of housing patterns, urban demographics and inner-city residential development.  Its etymology is traced to discussion of "more densely" developed urban centers especially in reference to residential units.  In today's usage you might read "modesly" devloped city centers generally promote more affordable urban residential tenancy.   Indeed, it is an esoteric term and it's not surprising it causes some confusion.  

You may be thinking of "scrupub", which, in contemporary use, refers to policies and legislation designed to benefit a small special interest group by "screwing the public."