tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079297043552042968.post5218293707471710377..comments2024-03-28T14:02:40.132-04:00Comments on Discovering Urbanism: We now know more about the built environment and transportationDaniel Nairnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14127732825472374125noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079297043552042968.post-67531926370033031872010-06-10T13:50:01.010-04:002010-06-10T13:50:01.010-04:00Eric, please sign me up to follow this blog. The b...Eric, please sign me up to follow this blog. The built environment is a key factor in terms of promoting a non-fossil-fuel-intensive way of life.Tom Overhttp://civicallyengaged.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079297043552042968.post-19003920993247399692010-06-07T19:48:07.438-04:002010-06-07T19:48:07.438-04:00This is all very interesting.
Previously, I coul...This is all very interesting. <br /><br />Previously, I could only suspect that development density was not as critical as assumed. Of course, what matters more is the diversity of offerings in accessible (and, ideally, walkable) proximity. Now we can say that planning for connectivity and diversity really is important. Self-contained TND's just as far from grocery stores as anything else just miss the point. This is why Richmond and Savannah work better for me as models of VMT reduction and better mode-share balance.<br /><br />Perhaps I'm more pessimistic, but I don't think that retrofitting connections is all that easily accomplished, although I do see the possibilities of greenways. I place more importance on how we take control of development at the periphery. It requires careful thought to network planning. <br /><br />To achieve connectivity at the periphery I see a lot of possibility. This is what I suspect it will really take...I think it means banning roads greater than 3 lane sections, forcing clusters of development to work out interconnected networks amongst themselves. Instead of having one arterial facility, you will need to split it into two or three. This is how Charlotte is planning its interchange network on the remaining I-485 link, creating 3 lean transverse thoroughfares accessing a single interchange system. <br /><br />Secondly, it takes diversity, creating new subdivision models where you include the diverse uses as part the attractions they offer. <br /><br />In any of the studies did they not look at the availability of sidewalks, bike lanes, etc? I'm just wondering why they do not mention physical infrastructure. <br /><br />I heartily second your glee to see more academics jumping into the blogosphere. You are more than gracious to share so much as a student, but I hope all you academics out there realize that, as a practitioner, THIS is the venue where I decide whether or not what you have written is worth my time. I don't have the luxury to go to your talks and conferences, much less if they are 500 miles away from me.Eric Orozcohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00320742140050171881noreply@blogger.com