Land with lots not built on

[NA NA]

I'm not really sure how to ask this questions, so I will do my best:

Currently I am looking for land that has a lot of acreage that already has a road paved or needing pavement. Essentially I am looking to make a recreational park on downhill terrain. 

Anyway, sometimes when I am driving around I run into an area where it looks like a housing development was going to be built, but then just sits there for years. I was wondering on how to find information on these type of places so I can further research what is going on with the development. 

Any help with how to research would be great. :)