The part when the author casually brings up using prison labor to deal with graffiti was truly quite wild.

It seems rather extreme and perhaps not the most appropriate or ethical solution.

On the other hand, praising Orlando for its implementation of an ordinance to curb suburban development gave me a bit of a whiplash.

While it's understandable that there may be concerns about unchecked suburban sprawl, suddenly switching gears and lauding this particular ordinance felt a bit jarring.

It makes one wonder if there are other aspects to this issue that were not fully explored or considered.

Overall, these two points in the article left me with a sense of unease and a desire for more in-depth analysis and discussion.

Sometimes the ideas Duany and his colleagues discuss here seem ridiculously simple.

One might wonder why they keep repeating the same few simple ideas over and over again. Well, they do so because people keep resisting them, against all the evidence, against all common sense, and against their own lived experience.

We just keep doing the same things that have landed us and our communities (or our suburban sad replacements for communities) in such a mess.

Some say that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. By that definition, most of North America, in its suburb-building dimension, is insane.

I love my neighbourhood. And it is a neighbourhood, in this book's sense of the term. But it is a tiny pocket of a real neighbourhood in a city made up almost entirely of sprawl of the worst sort.

Our municipal government pays lip service to smart growth and transit-oriented neighbourhoods, but they just keep building subdivisions, business parks, ring roads, multi-lane collector roads, and box store developments within seas of parking that repeat all the worst mistakes of suburbia.

The forces of investment and development keep doing what they've been doing since mid-century. The planning department spends almost all of its energy fiddling with zoning laws and maximizing traffic flow. Then the transportation department tries to plunk transit on top of the unworkable mess created by developers and wonder why people don't get out of their cars.

Meanwhile, the older areas of the city subsidize the suburbs and property taxes on those older neighbourhoods rise as their prices soar because that's where people really want to live. We're caught in a mess and the mayor's big solution to urban revitalization is to build a giant hockey arena in the middle of downtown (with parking, of course). I just want to scream at them "Read this book!"

This is an absolute must-read for every American.

There is an undeniable connection between the built environment and various aspects such as the quality of living, public health, economic prosperity, and entrepreneurship.

The changes in our building patterns since World War II have unfortunately been rather destructive, unhealthy, and nonfunctional.

In the long run, we simply can't afford low-density growth as it incurs exorbitant costs in public infrastructure and makes it extremely challenging for the local economy, especially small-business owners and shops, to survive.

The book delved into the ills of'sprawl' which are both social and economic. It also discussed viable solutions. These include a change in zoning, implementing infill projects to fill in empty spaces, offering incentives (carrots) for businesses to build in the city rather than in the suburbs or on the outskirts, promoting public transportation projects, imposing moratoriums on highway and road building, and bringing about a change in the business practices of large-scale developers.

The movement that the book initiated is called Neo-traditional neighborhood planning and/or NEW URBANISM.

It makes perfect sense. Why do we observe many more small-business owners in high-density, low-sprawl cities, along with lower energy consumption per capita, higher innovation, and a lack of decline in small city neighborhoods? This is a rhetorical question that prompts us to think deeply about the importance of reevaluating our building and urban planning strategies.

Jeff Speck's career was launched by this foundational work.

It does an outstanding job of presenting all the consequences of America's affection for suburban sprawl, which is suitable for a non-technical audience.

It cites a great deal of research to support the claims of harm, particularly for children who have to grow up in unwalkable cul-de-sac neighborhoods.

It truly shines when discussing specific actions for planners, engineers, and architects. It even goes as far as providing checklists for consideration as staff make crucial decisions about the design of the built environment.

This is an excellent beginning in the Jeff Speck anthology and a primer for understanding why the Congress for New Urbanism was established.

Overall, it offers valuable insights and practical guidance for those interested in urban planning and the impact of our built environment on society.

3.5 stars

This item is truly remarkable. It's like having a hundred pages of a really good book at your disposal. The content within is engaging and captivating, much like what you would expect from a high-quality literary work.

What makes it even more appealing is the fact that it is available on Kindle for just 3$. This price point offers excellent value for money. You get to enjoy a substantial amount of great reading material without having to break the bank.

Whether you're an avid reader looking for a new and interesting book or someone who simply wants to explore a different genre, this item is definitely worth considering. It provides a great reading experience at an affordable price, making it a great choice for anyone.

Overall, I would highly recommend this item to others. It offers a good balance of quality and value, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

This is an outstanding book.

Particularly if one concurs with its fundamental thesis regarding the perils of sprawl, as I do.

It should be noted, though, that its sardonic tone, no doubt entertaining to those already in agreement, might estrange those with a different point of view.

Since I am already convinced, I was especially fond of chapter 7, "The Victims of Sprawl".

This chapter detailed how suburbia leads to a lack of autonomy in teenagers, along with boredom and depression.

"Children [in the suburbs] are trapped in a form of infancy, completely reliant on others, devoid of the ability to introduce diversity into their own lives, and deprived of the opportunity to make choices and exercise judgment."

The chapters on multi-use buildings and multi-use transportation are also extremely illuminating.

They offer valuable insights into more sustainable and efficient ways of urban development and living.

Overall, this book is a thought-provoking read that challenges us to reevaluate our current patterns of sprawl and consider more alternative and beneficial approaches.

When I initially embarked on reading this book, I had formulated an impression that my review would be along the lines of - it offers a lucid explanation of numerous issues associated with suburban development, yet conveniently turns a blind eye to racism.

However, as I delved deeper and reached the section where they discuss solutions and actually propose measures such as broken windows policing, forced labor, and charter schools, my perspective changed significantly.

This book serves as a prime example of what occurs when professional/managerial class white individuals believe that the world is shaped by visionaries and that they themselves are part of that elite group.

I cannot, in good conscience, recommend anyone to read this book. Nevertheless, I must admit that I now possess a far clearer understanding of how gentrification unfolded in DC and which playbook they are adhering to.

It is disheartening to see such ideas being presented as solutions, as they seem to overlook the systemic inequalities and power dynamics at play.

Perhaps a more comprehensive and inclusive approach is needed to address the complex issues surrounding suburban development and gentrification.

If you have ever found yourself pondering over the reasons behind those persistent, uncomfortable feelings that surface when you witness the development of a new suburb, then this book is the answer you've been seeking.

You'll soon realize that you can no longer ignore the pedestrian fencing encircling malls, nor will you wonder anymore why those angular, protruding townhouses seem to give you a headache.

Houses alone do not constitute a community. If you have any connection to any aspect of municipal planning, I strongly encourage you to read this book. After borrowing it from the library, I was so impressed that I promptly bought my own copy for future reference. I absolutely love this book and will undoubtedly read it numerous times.

It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can transform the way we view and approach the development of our neighborhoods and cities.

Cool Book on Urban Planning: Its Deficiencies and Impacts

The book presents a fascinating exploration of urban planning, or rather, the often glaring lack of it. It delves deep into how haphazard or insufficient urban planning has led to various issues in our cities. From congested streets and overcrowded neighborhoods to a dearth of green spaces and a general decline in the quality of life.

However, the book doesn't just stop at highlighting the problems. It goes a step further by offering valuable strategies and innovative ideas on how to repair the urban landscape. It presents practical solutions that can be implemented to make our cities more livable again. Whether it's through better transportation planning, the creation of more sustainable neighborhoods, or the revitalization of neglected areas, the book provides a wealth of inspiration and guidance for those interested in improving the urban environment.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of our cities and the role that urban planning plays in shaping them.

This book delves deep into the issue of suburban sprawling, which has become a significant plague in modern urban development.

It not only analyzes the problem but also presents valuable ideas on how to mitigate this phenomenon.

I recently began a new job in the suburbs of Montreal, and reading this book has given me a more profound understanding of this particular form of urban expansion.

At times, I found the content to be quite technical, but I realize that this level of detail is essential when it comes to designing living environments that are both functional and sustainable.

Published in the year 2000, this book is a must-read for anyone who desires to live in a neighborhood that promotes human interactions rather than a maze of roads, driveways, and parking lots.

I truly hope to see a reedition of this important document to make it accessible to a wider audience and inspire more people to think about the future of our urban landscapes.

As someone who was well aware that they didn't have a liking for sub developments but couldn't quite put their finger on the exact reason why, this book truly proved to be an eye opener.

It presented the complex issues of sprawl in a format that was not only easy to understand and digest but also did an excellent job of highlighting just how deeply interrelated this particular issue is with many of the other significant social issues that are widely discussed in America.

The author's ability to break down these concepts and show their connections was truly remarkable. It made me see the bigger picture and understand the far-reaching implications of sprawl.

I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about the various social issues that our society faces today and how they are all interconnected. It has definitely given me a new perspective and a deeper appreciation for the importance of addressing these issues.

Automobiles have revolutionized transportation, but they have also contributed to the downfall of American cities. McMansions, with their large footprints, have gobbled up land, while cul-de-sacs and wide lanes have made it difficult for people to walk or bike. Bad developers and worse zoning laws have compounded the problem, creating unlivable suburbs.

Economic injustice has also played a role, as low-income families are often forced to live in areas with poor access to jobs, schools, and healthcare. However, there is hope. Planning can help to create more livable cities by promoting walkability, bikeability, and mixed-use development.

This book provides an enlightening and insightful overview of the problems facing American cities and offers some possible solutions. However, after the housing market collapse, some of the solutions may no longer be relevant. It is important to read the book with a critical eye and to consider how the solutions might need to be adapted in the current economic climate.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in urban planning or the future of American cities. It offers a thought-provoking look at the issues and challenges facing our cities and provides a starting point for discussions about how to create more livable and sustainable communities.