Thawing the Frozen City: Rethinking Urban Zoning for Dynamic Communities

 In the realm of urban planning, zoning serves as the backbone of how cities are structured and developed. The United States predominantly employs a method known as Euclidean zoning, named after the landmark 1926 Supreme Court case, Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. This system categorizes land into specific types of use, such as residential, commercial, or industrial, and dictates what activities can occur in each zone. Euclidean zoning emerged as a response to the rapid urbanization and industrialization of the early 20th century, intended to protect residential areas from the encroachment of factories and commercial enterprises.

However, this prescriptive approach, which clearly delineates what must occur in each zone, often leads to a lack of flexibility and creativity in urban design. It can result in segregated communities where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces are isolated from one another.

The Mismatch Between Modern Development and the Human Experience

In the United States, contemporary development has strayed from the human experience in several ways. Most developments are designed around the experience of drivers, not accommodating to human beings as children or the elderly. They do not foster the sort of human interactions that contribute to community development. Life is replaced by vacuous, uninspired places where community space isn't owned by the members of the community, and people do not feel a sense of connection to the places they live.

How Urban, Suburban, and Rural Communities Can Change Development Policy

To steer away from this trend and back toward anthro-centric community development, urban, suburban, and rural communities can change development policy in the following ways:

1. Prioritize People Over Cars: Design developments that prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit. This means creating walkable neighborhoods with sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transportation options. It also means reducing the number of parking spaces and making it more difficult to drive in certain areas.

2. Create Community Spaces: Develop spaces where people can gather and interact. This could include parks, plazas, community centers, and libraries. These spaces should be designed to be welcoming and inclusive to people of all ages and abilities.

3. Promote Mixed-Use Development: Encourage the development of mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and office space. This will help to create more vibrant and walkable communities.

4. Support Local Businesses: Support local businesses that are owned and operated by members of the community. These businesses help to create a sense of place and belonging.

5. Invest in Public Art: Invest in public art that reflects the unique character of the community. Public art can help to create a sense of place and make communities more attractive and inviting.

6. Engage the Community in the Development Process: Engage the community in the development process by holding public meetings and workshops. This will help to ensure that new developments meet the needs of the community.

By making these changes, urban, suburban, and rural communities can create developments that are more human-centric and that foster a sense of community.

Conclusion

Contemporary development in the United States has diverged from the human experience. Most developments are designed around the experience of drivers and are not accommodating to human beings as children or the elderly. They do not foster the sort of human interactions that contribute to community development. Life is replaced by vacuous, uninspired places where community space isn't owned by the members of the community, and people do not feel a sense of connection to the places they live.

To steer away from this trend and back toward anthro-centric community development, urban, suburban, and rural communities can change development policy in the ways outlined above. By making these changes, communities can create developments that are more human-centric and that foster a sense of community.

Recommendations for Urban Communities

• Reduce the number of parking spaces in new developments.
• Increase the density of development in urban areas.
• Invest in public transportation.
• Create more public spaces, such as parks and plazas.

Recommendations for Suburban Communities

• Develop mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and office space.
• Create more walkable neighborhoods with sidewalks and bike lanes.
• Support local businesses.

Recommendations for Rural Communities

• Preserve open space and farmland.
• Develop small-scale, mixed-use developments in rural towns and villages.
• Support local farmers and businesses.

By implementing these recommendations, urban, suburban, and rural communities can create developments that are more human-centric and that foster a sense of community. 

When City Hall and Developers Become Too Cozy: How to Protect the Public Interest

We’ve all seen it: gleaming new developments rising in our cities, promising prosperity and revitalization. But behind the shiny facades, a less glamorous story often unfolds – a story of cozy relationships between urban planning departments and land developers, where the public interest can get lost in the shuffle.

Urban planning departments, under pressure to boost economic activity, often prioritize attracting developers at almost any cost. This can lead to:

• Weakened regulations: Zoning ordinances are bent, environmental reviews are fast-tracked, and density restrictions are relaxed to accommodate developers' desires.
• Tax breaks and subsidies: Generous tax increment financing (TIF) districts and other incentives are offered, often diverting public funds away from essential services.
• Compromised design: Concerns about aesthetics, pedestrian access, green space, and community impact are often sidelined in favor of maximizing developers' profits.

Politicians, eager to tout job creation and increased tax revenue (at least in the short term), often turn a blind eye to these compromises. The result? Developments that may look impressive on the surface but ultimately fail to serve the long-term needs of the community.

So, how do we break this cycle and ensure that new developments contribute to the long-term prosperity and benefit of the city and its citizens?

1. Transparency and Public Input: Open up the planning process. Make development proposals, environmental impact studies, and financial agreements readily accessible to the public. Hold meaningful public hearings where residents can voice their concerns and suggestions. Independent oversight committees can also play a crucial role.

2. Stronger Regulations and Enforcement: Implement robust zoning ordinances, design guidelines, and environmental regulations. These should prioritize:

   • Sustainable development: Encourage green building practices, energy efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.
   • Mixed-use development: Promote walkable neighborhoods with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
   • Affordable housing: Require developers to include a certain percentage of affordable units in their projects.
   • Preservation of historic and cultural resources: Protect the unique character of the city.

3. Independent Planning Boards: Empower planning boards with real authority to review and reject development proposals that don't meet community standards. These boards should be composed of diverse members with expertise in urban planning, architecture, environmental science, and community development, not just political appointees beholden to developers or politicians.

4. Long-Term Vision and Master Plans: Develop comprehensive master plans that outline the city's long-term vision for growth and development. These plans should be based on community input and prioritize the public interest, not just short-term economic gains.

5. Focus on Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs): Negotiate CBAs with developers that guarantee specific community benefits in exchange for development approvals. These benefits could include affordable housing, local hiring preferences, job training programs, and funding for community amenities.

6. Rethinking Tax Incentives: Instead of offering blanket tax breaks, tie incentives to specific performance criteria, such as the creation of living-wage jobs, the inclusion of affordable housing, or the achievement of sustainability goals.

Breaking the cycle of collusion requires a fundamental shift in how we approach urban development. By prioritizing transparency, public input, and strong regulations, we can ensure that new developments contribute to the long-term prosperity and well-being of our cities and their citizens. It's about building communities, not just buildings.

 

The Illusion of Community: Real vs. Metaphorical

 

By Martin R. Kalfatovic - https://blog.biodiversitylibrary.org/2021/05/2021-bhl-annual-meeting.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=110979841

In our previous post, we explored the erosion of traditional communities in American society and the rise of online communities as a substitute. However, it’s important to distinguish between the metaphorical communities we find online and the real communities that exist in the physical world.

Real Communities: Shared Proximity, Shared Interests

Real communities are rooted in shared proximity. People who live in the same neighborhood, attend the same school, or work at the same company are more likely to develop a sense of community because of their shared experiences and interests. These shared interests often arise as a byproduct of living or working together. For example, parents in a neighborhood might bond over their children’s activities, while coworkers might form friendships based on shared hobbies or professional goals.

Metaphorical Communities: Shared Interests, Shared Space

Metaphorical communities, on the other hand, are primarily defined by shared interests. Online forums, social media groups, and fan communities bring together people from all over the world who have a common passion or hobby. While these communities can provide a sense of belonging and connection, they are fundamentally different from real-world communities. The shared space is virtual, and the interactions are often limited to text or digital avatars.

Communities Are Not About Harmony

It’s important to remember that communities are not about everyone joining together in perfect harmony. In fact, communities often involve conflict and disagreement. What truly defines a community is the shared commitment to achieving common goals, even if there are differences of opinion or perspective.

The Role of Media and Urban Development

The decline of real-world communities has been exacerbated by a number of factors, including the influence of media and urban development. Since the end of World War II, media has increasingly emphasized individualism and consumerism, eroding traditional values and social connections. Meanwhile, urban development has led to the fragmentation of communities and the decline of public spaces where people can gather and interact.

While the rise of online communities has certainly contributed to this trend, it is important to recognize that these changes were already underway. The internet has simply provided a new avenue for people to connect and find a sense of belonging, but it has not created the underlying conditions that have led to the erosion of real-world communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while online communities can offer a sense of connection and belonging, they cannot fully replace the experience of living in a real-world community. To foster a more vibrant and resilient society, we must prioritize the creation and preservation of real-world communities that are based on shared proximity, shared interests, and a commitment to common goals.

The Erosion of American Communities: The Role of Media and Exurbanization

 

By Pawel Loj - Flickr: little five points, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17629107

The 1960s witnessed a surge of social and political movements, many of which were centered in university communities. These movements demonstrated the power of communities to come together and advocate for their interests. However, in the decades since, American communities have experienced a significant decline, leading to a widespread confusion about the very meaning of community itself.

The Rise of Online Communities

One of the most notable changes in American society over the past few decades has been the rise of online communities. While these virtual spaces can provide opportunities for connection and social interaction, they cannot fully replace the value of face-to-face relationships and shared experiences. The blurring of the lines between online and offline communities can contribute to a sense of isolation and disengagement.

The Impact of Exurbanization

The exurbanization of American cities has also played a significant role in the erosion of communities. As people have moved away from urban centers in search of larger homes and more affordable living, they have become more isolated from their neighbors and less connected to the broader community. This shift has weakened the social fabric of many American cities and towns.

The Role of Media

Media has played a complex role in the erosion of American communities. While media can connect people and facilitate communication, it can also contribute to a sense of isolation and individualism. The rise of social media has created new opportunities for connection, but it has also led to the fragmentation of public discourse and the formation of echo chambers.

Conclusion

The decline of American communities is a multifaceted issue with no easy solutions. To revitalize our communities, we must address the underlying factors that have contributed to their erosion, including the rise of online communities, exurbanization, and the changing role of media. By fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting face-to-face interaction, we can rebuild the social fabric of our communities and create a more vibrant and resilient society.

The New Urbanism Movement: A Critical Analysis

 

The New Urbanism movement has gained significant attention in recent years for its efforts to promote more walkable, sustainable, and vibrant urban environments. By advocating for mixed-use development, denser housing, and better public transportation, New Urbanists have challenged the car-centric sprawl that characterized many American cities in the latter half of the 20th century.

However, while the New Urbanism movement deserves praise for its contributions to urban planning, it is essential to apply a critical eye to its solutions and the underlying economic assumptions that inform them.

The Challenge of Replicating Traditional American Towns

One of the key goals of the New Urbanism movement is to create artificial replicas of traditional American towns. While this approach can be appealing, it is important to recognize that the economic and social conditions that shaped these towns are no longer present. Attempting to recreate the past without addressing the underlying economic factors can lead to unsustainable and artificial developments.

The Lack of an Economic Underpinning

The New Urbanism movement often focuses on creating a desirable physical environment without fully considering the economic factors that are essential for the long-term viability of a community. For example, while walkable streets and mixed-use development can be attractive features, they may not be economically sustainable if there is insufficient demand for housing, retail, or commercial space.

A More Holistic Approach

To create truly sustainable and vibrant urban environments, it is essential to adopt a more holistic approach that considers the economic, social, and environmental factors that shape cities. This includes:

• Economic Development: Promoting economic growth and job creation to support the local economy.
• Affordable Housing: Ensuring that housing is affordable for a diverse range of residents.
• Public Transportation: Investing in robust public transportation systems to reduce reliance on cars.
• Community Engagement: Involving residents in the planning and development process.

Conclusion

The New Urbanism movement has made valuable contributions to urban planning, but it is essential to approach its solutions with a critical eye. By considering the economic factors that shape cities and adopting a more holistic approach, we can create sustainable and vibrant urban environments that benefit all residents.