quote:
Originally posted by rwarn17588
In general, I am in support of the *concept* of New Urbanism. However ...
-- When will walkable neighborhoods become attractive enough that people will actually move into them? What will it take?
-- What do we do with the sprawling neighborhoods in the meantime? Do they become ghost towns?
-- How do we convert the old neighborhoods into more walkable places? Won't tax dollars be inevitably involved?
Answers for questions 1 & 2:
Question 1-
Throughout the US walkable communities are becoming more and more attractive. However, they're not necessarily more attractive for everyone. The target market for most urban loft-type projects is 20-somethings that do not have children. I myself fit into that target market category, and would love move into a walkable urban community setting. My only restriction right now from moving into that setting is the stage of my career and income level- which are in infancy.
Question 2-
No, the sprawling communities do not become ghost towns at all. Again, not every living situation is attractive to all home consumers. A lot of people enjoy their cookie-cutter neighborhood and prefer the suburban lifestyle. So in my opinion, real estate developers and community planners should focus on offering both types of products. Another key here is that a walkable community doesn't necessarily have to be in an urban area. Walkable communities can be developed in the suburbs as well. The differences between the suburban and urban walkable communities may lie in the building density. For instance, in an urban area you may see a mid or high rise building with lofts on the upper floors and shops/restaurants/bars on the bottom floors. In a suburban area you might see a park in the middle of a square block. On two sides of the block there might be single family houses with front yards and garages. On the other two sides might be small botiques and restauarants, or maybe a church or a school. The entire square block should be connected with sidewalks.