Read the information attached. Can you incorporate this approach in Baton Rouge, La., why or why not? What problems might arise and how would you get past those perceived problems? Describe your ideal urban area. List the pros and cons of such an area.
Urbanism
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Urban Forestry 
Read the information attached. Can you incorporate this approach in Baton Rouge, La., why or why not? What problems might arise and how would you get past those perceived problems? Describe your ideal urban area. List the pros and cons of such an area.
The concepts embodied in the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) are applicable to any urban setting and therefore would include Baton Rouge. There is an interesting article concerning the removal of the Claiborne Expressway in New Orleans that explains many of the positive benefits of CNU that is relevant to us in Baton Rouge and across the state as an example. http://www.cnu.org/node/3638. The basic elements promoted are the building blocks of re-claiming a sense of space for the urban dweller. These elements include an increase in population density, providing safe walking and biking routes, adoption of the SmartCode, http://www.smartcodecomplete.com/learn/facts.html, for zoning regulations, reduction of automobile dominated streets, walking distance to work and green spaces for recreation, etc. SmartCode places focus on the block and street level to integrate planning in ways that most benefit the social fabric of the community and promote beneficial relations while improving basic services. This concept is desirable to most people living in urban settings and would work in certain areas of Baton Rouge such as the universities, downtown, and shopping mall zones if it was phased in in such a way to be attractive. I think starting with pedestrian and bicycle friendly streets and user friendly mass transportation would be optimal and may move people past the perceived problems of loss of freedom of movement and personal encroachment on their properties. These would be the most difficult problems to overcome for most people who are currently used to larger lots and driving everywhere. Beyond starting with transportation it may require some kind of public-private-commercial partnerships to pull together enough resources to acquire the necessary space in any current area in Baton Rouge and re-develop it to new urban codes. There is economic incentive to do this but it would be a massive undertaking too large and complex for any one stakeholder to initiate. One example of this is the green buffer zone that ExxonMobil is establishing along its plant boundary at Scenic Highway. This project is taking decades but it is producing a space for recreation and increased safety for the refinery operations. If this was able to be done with partnerships and then re-constructed for urban dwelling in other locations of the city it would be successful. In Baton Rouge many, if not most, of the urban communities are segregated along racial lines and it would be a difficult task to involve all the current land and home owners in an area to come together to start something new on a scale of any size. An ideal urban environment for me is really not too far off what we currently have at many locations in Baton Rouge with certain improvements. I currently live in a subdivision that enjoys one entrance and has average lot sizes. I enjoy mowing the lawn and working outside, having been raised in the country and by nature being a kinetic person. I would definitely add walking/biking paths/lanes to the closet shopping areas and working locations. This would build on the existing neighborhood and could be done with landowner cooperation. These types of changes are possible incrementally and may provide a model for if one existing cluster subdivision could be enhanced in this way. A more traditional rectalinear urban area that could be an ideal location for street closure, dedicated green zones, walking paths, etc. is the area north of LSU to downtown known as Old South Baton Rouge. Working with the property owners and partners in this area could yield opportunities for new urbanism and also serve as a model for incremental change that is beneficial.
The architectures in this new urban community look more like 18th centuries’ style. This image can drag us back to the time with less environmental problems conflicting with urban sprawls. This diverse, close-knit and walkable community could be incorporated in baton rouge LA, since this city are facing the same issue of post-Hurricane-Katrina, there has been a migration away from the most vulnerable waterfront area of the Coast of New Orleans to areas on higher ground farther to the north, which close to Baton Rouge. This has already created suburban sprawl, and induced the price increasing of real estate of Baton Rouge.
This new community is quite unique to contemporary communities. It has high capacity of population, better energy using efficiency, and promoting neighborhood interaction, but with cons which may conflict the interests of certain people pursuit more private life. People tend to own big yards although there is a headache for mowing the lawn, and love to stay in the individual big house which is totally different from condo and town house. So the idea of having small yard and using bicycle as transportation is really a challenge to the essence of “the country on the wheels”. Unless introducing the regulation to this new community. But personally, I am totally supporting this new community.
If this new urban community can survive in North America, and the idea of this kind of community successfully spreads to other states, it would be anther renaissance of architecture and life style which will be further affect the issues of environment protection, resource limitation and anther series of heated topics about future life.
Ideal urban area is based on its culture and tradition of the country, like diet. For me, the best urban area should be beneficial to both human being and environment, mutually dependent on each other. For example, the width of street will be the compensation result between ecological patch and public transportation. That means the street will be broad enough for vehicles, but will not harm the connection of ecological patches.
This approach of “SmartCode” can be incorporated in certain areas of Baton Rouge. Currently there are some areas that have some of the concepts of zoning. Take a look at the Spanish Town community. There are many individuals that live within walking distance to work. For example, there are many city and state offices located downtown. There are restaurants, markets, and other services provided for the community needs. Many of these individuals may own cars but it is not necessary since the city bus stops can be found throughout the area. There are also after hour and weekend events that can be attended in walking distance as well as by bike, bus or shuttle. Mid City is another area of Baton Rouge that exhibits some of the “SmartCode” zoning practices. There are neighborhoods, schools, and parks located in walking or biking distances. The presence of the drug store, gas stations, restaurants, and grocers are nearby.
There will definitely be difficulty trying to use this approach for the entire city of Baton Rouge. There are some areas that have been abandoned for so long; it would be hard to convince investors to participate in such a venture. Also some of these communities have given up and their attitudes will definitely influence any possibility of change. Fred mentioned “many of the urban communities are segregated along racial lines.’” Unfortunately this is a major issue in the south and it is prevalent in the current development projects that are underway. I would purpose holding numerous forums to encourage the community on the pros and cons of this concept. One of my main concerns would be to make every voice from the urban farmer to the elderly lady who sells freeze pops from her home will benefit from this approach. Secondly, there should be incentives for local businesses to participate so the people in the community do not feel as though they will be neglected in any way. Discussing ways to incorporate neighboring home associations will provide less resistance to zoning practices. Some of these associations may have these practices in place to make for smoother transition. Lastly, I would evaluate each area and find the most cost effective methods to implement the plan.
My ideal urban area would include parks with walking trails for both people and pets. A neighborhood with a schools, grocers, gas stations, and restaurants in walking distance is also ideal. The availability of bus transit would be a plus. I would prefer medium sized yards so a person does not feel crowded. I would prefer more of the natural setting of trees and other vegetation. The pros of such an area would alleviate the cost of gas and car insurance and maintenance. But there are some individuals that will prefer to live 30 miles from their neighbor and own a mansion. As Li mentioned one of the cons may be “conflict the interests of certain people.” In today’s society, many people measure their success on the type of vehicle they own and the square footage of their home. So I feel there will still be an occurrence of urban sprawl.
Read the information attached. Can you incorporate this approach in Baton Rouge, La., why or why not? What problems might arise and how would you get past those perceived problems? Describe your ideal urban area. List the pros and cons of such an area.
In 2000 the population of Baton Rogue was 227,818 while only 225,390 in 2009 this is a drop of -1.1 %. With the movement of the population from Baton Rouge to the surrounding areas, leaves large amounts of lots vacant as well as abandoned buildings. The areas along Florida blvd that are currently abandoned would be prime for New Urban Communities. With the revamping of businesses in the area if one would add housing for the employees to the equation this would greatly beneficial for Baton Rouge. The problems I foresee would be the current zoning restrictions. The planning commission would have to be willing to allow for exceptions. Ways to persuade the zoning planners would be pointing out how the reduction of traffic therefore reducing carbon emissions also it would bring much need tax base back to the downtown area allowing for the further revamping of the city. The ideal area would have easy access to public transportation, bike trails, and sidewalks and limit the use of vehicles. The New Urban Community would also have grocery shopping centers as well as basic amenities (clothes, pharmaceuticals, house furnishings, etc.) With the collection of shopping, work, and housing it would provide easy for access and develop a since of community as well as limiting the use of fossil fuels.
Read the information attached. Can you incorporate this approach in Baton Rouge, La., why or why not? What problems might arise and how would you get past those perceived problems? Describe your ideal urban area. List the pros and cons of such an area.
The neighborhood design movement that focuses on diverse, closet knit and walkable neighborhood close to jobs in the Baton Rouge, La. Post-Hurricane-Katrina, there has been a migration away from the most vulnerable waterfront area of the Coast of New Orleans to areas on higher ground farther to the north, which close to Baton Rouge. Created suburban sprawl, and induced the price increasing of real estate of Baton Rouge.
Better energy using efficiency, and promoting neighborhood interaction, but with cons which may conflict the interests of certain people pursuit more private life.
There are after hour and weekend events downtown that can be attended in walking distance as well as by bike, bus or shuttle. There are neighborhoods, schools, and parks located in walking or biking distances. The presence of the drug store, gas stations, restaurants, and grocers, bus stop are nearby. Urban area would include parks with walking trails for both people and pets. Most neighborhood with a schools, grocers, gas stations, and restaurants. There should be incentives for local businesses to participate so the people in the community do not feel as though they will be neglected in any way. I would evaluate each area and find the most cost effective methods to implement the plan. It is difficulty in trying to use this approach for the entire city of Baton Rouge.
I agree with Ms. Betty that most people, have migrated to northern areas, but will and have left N.O. so that they could be in a saver place, and most who have left will not come back. A great percentage came to Baton Rouge, and surrounding areas, because of fear what could possible happen again.
There are some pros, and cons to this issue. Ms. Betty stated that we have more energy efficient and better neigborhoods. This is a reason that people were attracted to Baton Rouge. She also said that because lots of people have migrated to b.r. that this would threaten residents here privacy. This is because so many people are here now. The conflicts comes from more usuage of what we have already, which can cause some environmental issues. The influx of people here can also cause behavior problems for others because of the influence or force decisons one would have to make. Crime has increase in baton rouge since Katrina.
The pros of this plan will be that the city business owners and others have benefit from the urban revitilzation to our community. One is the business will be florishing because of all the people here.
I believe that within a community, that all things were in walking, it would be better, because people could be more productive, because lack of transportation wouldn’t be a problem. This could also cut down on environmental conditions. Less accidents because less vehicles on the roads, driving those congestive times when people are getting off of work.
I totally agree with you Ms. Betty. It is hard to apply this approach for the entire city of Baton Rouge. I think it may applicable to the some part of the city instead of the entire city. What do you think, Is this method applicable for the specific part of the city?
Can you incorporate this approach in Baton Rouge, La., why or why not? What problems might arise and how would you get past those perceived problems? Describe your ideal urban area. List the pros and cons of such an area.
The City of Baton Rouge is currently experiencing extensive sprawl patterns and in order to incorporate this approach, there will still be the need for transport of some kind to get to and from different areas. If Baton Rouge had to be in such a “concentrated” setting, people who utilize portions of their parcels of land for personal use, would be minimized. As far as jobs, not everyone who work in Baton Rouge resides in the city, therefore this may not be a feasible approach. The main issue would be public transport, then over crowding of the city, excessive use of the city’s utilities, such as the sewer systems. They are designed to only a certain capacity. Currently, downtown Baton Rouge practically “shuts down” on the weekends which limits the amount of resources available for people who are not at work. Also, not many people are open to the idea of urban living and like what a little of both have to offer.
An ideal urban area would be able to accomodate all these features along with preservation of natural sites, such as wetlands in Baton Rouge. Even with the incorporation of manmade structures, for instance, the city of San Antonio, their river walk is not only a place where the community is able to utilize, but it also provides economic growth being a main tourist attraction. However, with sprawl patterns, it accomodating people on the outskirts may be a challenge. Evaluating neighborhoods as well, especially high crime areas is a necessity and many people would rather not venturing in such areas. Also, businesses tend to become established where they have incentives available to them.
I do agree with the statement you made concerning the “extensive sprawl patterns” in Baton Rouge. Yes, transportation is key for many individuals to get to work, school, stores, etc. Currently, the Baton Rouge bus system known as CATS is in financial trouble. They have already increased their fare and there are discussions taken place to determine if the weekend schedule should be eliminated. There was a petition submitted to the council about adding more benches at the bus stops. Many people have to stand or create a makeshift seating area while waiting for the bus. Also many of the bus stops do not have coverings so this makes it difficult for individuals to shield against rain and other elements. Everyone knows this is an important issue but it appears to be difficult to implement a plan. How can the public transportation issue be resolved in Baton Rouge? What more can be done to convince the council money should be invested in such a venture?
If necessary amenities were within closer proximity, public transport such as CATS which you mentioned will not be such an issue, plus the planning which was put into the city is poor. There is an overflow of traffic with a major interstate running through the city and have deterioriated since Katrina and the amount of people overcrowding the city from New Orleans.
Public tansport system can be comprised of networks that are vital for urban and suburban areas. The current CATS have limited routes to areas which are not likely frequently used by most of the community, a slight increase in fares could also be a factor in helping resolve the problem, increase routes to and from the airport, and natural gas and hydrogen-fueled vehicles could be tested for feasibility.
Some Factors which could help boost the current problem are:
1. Roadway Improvements/Traffic Regulations – Minor changes to roadways, relocation or reduction in the number of transit stops, and traffic regulations designed to reduce transit vehicle delays.
2. Traffic Signal Priority – Traffic signals that reduce delays to transit vehicles by providing them with green lights when they approach.
3. Transit System Operations – Changes to operation of the public transit system designed to reduce delays including proof of payment and system control centers.
4. Separate Right of Way – Sections of roadway designated for the exclusive use of transit vehicles.
Baton Rouge, like most communities in America, coordinates development through zoning regulations which separates uses of land into separate zones with specific activities permitted within each zone. However, simply zoning individual parcels has proven to be inadequate for building livable communities and many communities have adopted comprehensive plans to coordinate growth and development in their areas. For example, the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish adopted a horizontal plan as the comprehensive land use and development plan in 1992. The plan promotes the designation of urban design districts or corridors where unique urban design guidelines may be implemented, such as the Downtown area, Airline Highway, Florida Boulevard, Government Street, the Riverfront, Spanish Town and Beauregard Town. The shortcomings of the current segregation/zoning approach are prominent in terms of traffic congestion/pot-holed roads, increased need of highway/freeways, increasing energy demand, and lack of business environment. It has also strained the state and local government budgets to the breaking point.
The negatives of urban sprawl are prominent in Baton Rouge. Currently, Baton Rouge is like “no car, no job city”. CATS is the only public transportation system of Baton Rouge whose service/quality is not enough to serve its working class residents. To be economically active there is no option of possessing a car and contributing to the already terribly congested traffic condition. This has restricted the income potential and the pay rate of its residents. The deserted downtown and city center is another negative of the current sprawl pattern. In addition, the current sprawl pattern has promoted an economic and racial fault line between North and South Baton Rouge.
The alternative to the current problem is inclusion of new urbanism in city planning. New urbanism promotes the creation and restoration of diverse, walkable, compact, vibrant, mixed-use communities composed of the same components as conventional development, but assembled in a more integrated fashion, in the form of complete communities. These contain housing, work places, shops, entertainment, schools, parks, and civic facilities essential to the daily lives of the residents, all within easy walking distance of each other. New urbanism promotes the increased use of trains and light rail, instead of more highways and roads. It offers higher quality of life; better places to live, work, & play; higher, more stable property values; less traffic congestion & less driving; healthier lifestyle with more walking, and less stress; close proximity to main street retail & services; close proximity to bike trails, parks, and nature; pedestrian friendly communities offer more opportunities to get to know others in the neighborhood and town, resulting in meaningful relationships with more people, and a friendlier town; more freedom and independence to children, elderly, and the poor in being able to get to jobs, recreation, and services without the need for a car or someone to drive them; great savings to residents and school boards in reduced busing costs from children being able to walk or bicycle to neighborhood schools; more diversity and smaller, unique shops and services with local owners who are involved in community; big savings by driving less, and owning less cars; less ugly, congested sprawl to deal with daily; better sense of place and community identity with more unique architecture; more open space to enjoy that will remain open space; more efficient use of tax money with less spent on spread out utilities and roads.
Urbanism is a focus on cities and urban areas, their geography, economics, politics, soical characteristics as well as the effects, on and caused by, the built environment. New Urban communities are gaining in popularity. Urbanization of the world, which is one of the most impressure facts of modern times, has brought profound changes in virtually every phase of life. The urban mode is not confined to cities. However, for sociological purpose a city is a relatively large dense, and permanent settlement of relations, which are largely anonymous, artificial and transitory and associated characteristics. While looking at cities and contemporary civilization just as the beginning upon homadic, peoples in the mediteraranean, basically so that the beginning of what is distinctively modern in our civilization is best signalized by the growth of great cities, nowhere, has mankind been father removed from organic nature.
Smart Code integrates the design, protocols of a variety of specialities, including traffic engineering, public works town planning, architecture, landscape a architecture, an ecology. The Congress used to maintain a list of counting two years ago when the number has alone completed designs for more than 250 new and existing communities including neighborhoods in Providence.
Yes I believe that Baton Rouge is continuing to support and partcipate in New Urbanism, because baton rouge has already focus in on New Urbanism, it stands for the restoration of existing urban centers and town within coherent metropolitian regions, the reconfigeration of sprawling suburbs into communities of neighborhoods diverse districts, the conversation of natural enviornments and the preservation of our built legacy. Baton Rouge has already become a part of a plan, which is recognized and for its smart growth model, because it relies on existing infrastructure, balances the needs of the auto and pedestrian, and experience and offers a conteripetal force sprawl. This plan includes Planning and Management of Urban Green spaces.
In Baton Rouge there are plans that have been implemented throughout the city. But there are many areas in baton rouge that still need to be look at, mainly because of neglect. The city has been looking at what mostly what the visible eye can see in terms of economics through the downtown areas. However, the same plan that can and has worked for that area can be utilized in lower income areas. This can open doors for more income for baton rouge. Take this plan and go to an area in south baton rouge where one of the projects were, before the storm, and build and make accessible transportation and green space and make it neighborhood friendly, including being able to walk the streets to church and work without personal transportation, with hopes that people will get to know each other better and the green spaces can change their outlook on thier community. This plan can very well reduce the negative activities that surround the area.
New urbanism, a style of community design that embraces mixed use (commercial and residential) development in pedestrian-friendly and green space-rich neighborhoods—much like the old neighborhoods many baby-boomers remember before suburban sprawl made us all slaves to our cars. The prototypical new urbanist community is Florida’s Seaside. Besides 300 homes, Seaside contains a school, a town hall, an open-air market, a tennis club, a tented amphitheater and a post office—everything anyone could ever need in a town, and all within a five minute walk. Other examples of new urbanist communities include:
• Stapleton on the outskirts of Denver, Colorado;
• Seabrook on the southern coast of Washington State;
Meanwhile, the idea has caught on in New Orleans, where developers are styling new communities in the wake of Hurricane Katrina based in part on the principles of new urbanism.
Yes, this concept of New Urbanism or “Smart Code” is already been incorporated in Baton Rouge. The movement to derive a new master plan for downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was initiated as a result of a lecture series in 1997 sponsored by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, which stressed less dependence on the automobile and the importance of designing and implementing neotraditional neighborhoods and creating a more vibrant city center. In the months that followed, public interest in exploring new urbanism principles for the city increased. People liked the idea of neighborhoods with integrated commercial centers, of neighborhood grocery or retail stores within walkable distance. Also other areas around the Parish, such as Livingston Parish are also exploring the new urbanism concept with the Juban Crossing Community. The “new urbanist community” of Juban Crossing will include more than 1.2 million square feet of retail space, 385,000 square feet of medical and office space and more than 1,100 homes. With a mile of frontage on Interstate 12, the complex will include a movie theater, hotels, “lush water features,” plentiful parks, green space and restaurants that range from casual to fine dining.
Elliott you said that, “In the months that followed, public interest in exploring new urbanism principles for the city increased. People liked the idea of neighborhoods with integrated commercial centers, of neighborhood grocery or retail stores within walkable distance”. Do you think that people would be more apt to using alternate transportation during the summer months when the temperture is in the 100 or ride in there cars with air conditon and park at the places of business they plan to use.
If people are within walking distances of retail, grocery stores and commercial centers, there may not be an immediate need for transportation at all. I assume that the pinciples of new urbanism would include minimizing the need for excessive public transport. Mainly due to reduction of emissions.
Also, in these areas, the importance of basic necessities will provide visitors with amenities needed to maintain a certain degree of comfort regardless of temperatures outside. For example, if you look at the Tanger Mall, they provide water fountains, misters, vending machines, bathrooms, and covered areas.
This is a very good method to apply to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “Smart Code” is a system that combines businesses and residential in a mixture. This would bring great benefits to Baton Rouge. I am not from Baton Rouge, so I guess it is easier for me to point out so problems of the area that many inhabitants of the area do not recognize, such as transportation, isolation of areas in the city, high capacity segregated communities, and abundant areas. This system seems that contain many factors that could overturn many of these problems. This is a system that people can see in place like the French Quarters in New Orleans, 5 avenue in New York City, or River Ranch in Lafayette Louisiana. I think that the residents of Baton Rouge will enjoy a system like this because with would eliminate much travel time it take to get from point A to B, offer more jobs and careers, and the make-up of areas would have great scenery. Such settings would support frequent, friendly interaction among neighbors–the foundation of neighborhood social ties; people would know their neighbors better, socialized with them more often, had stronger feelings of community and a sense better living would come up naturally.
How long does it take to apply this SmartCode method for Baton Rouge? What do you think Ryan? Is it applicable for Baton Rouge?
The “Plan Baton Rouge” is envisioned to re-development downtown into a 24-hour city that will attract workers, students, tourists, and local residents. It’s designed to attract restaurants, art galleries, retail shops, drug stores, and neighborhood service facilities neatly accented with attractive open spaces for all to enjoy together. But, more importantly, the neighborhoods will thrive and maintain their unique character.
This site shows how the samrtcode was used in Lake Charles, LA downtown area.
Click to access 1182532916_820739.pdf
The author is compare the new urbanism with our traditional urbanism and tries to show us the opportunities of the new urbanism. Yes, without a question we can incorporate this approach in Baton Rouge, La., because, there has been a migration from New Orleans area to Baton Rouge after Hurricane Katrina. This migration to the north created same issues in Baton Rouge such as suburban sprawl.
SmartCode zoning is a solution to our modern community problems because for the new urbanism not only architecture is important factor, also neighborhood interaction, walking and biking are considerable factors for it. But I do not think so, this kind of new urban community is will welcomed by the Americans soon because of the life style they have since many generations.
My ideal urban area is friendly, secure and more green space includes parks, walking side and picnic areas. Also walk able distance to places that we daily need such as grocery, school, work, restaurant, shopping center. If so many places can be nearby that means we use less transportation and transports contributes to air pollution and the large concentration of cars and industries in cities causes the lion’s share of urban global greenhouse gas emissions. Also, loss of green space in urban areas is destruction of special local ecosystems, noise pollution, and aesthetically unpleasant sights and smells. If we good plan the urban area, environmental impacts can be decrease. Well planned, can reduce the need for land conversion, provide opportunities for energy savings and make recycling more cost effective. If cities are properly managed, with adequate attention paid to social development and the environment, the problems present as a result of rapid urbanization, particularly in developing regions, can be avoided.
The zones were put in to place to limit commercial buildings in residential areas. Commercial property has higher property values than residential areas. So, if you allow businesses to move into neighborhoods this would allow for the rise of property values and increased taxs which could lead to the forcing out of people from lower economic status.
SmartCode can be incorporated in certain areas of Baton Rouge.This concept is desirable to most people living in urban settings and would work in certain areas of Baton Rouge such as the universities, downtown, and shopping mall zones if it was phased in in such a way to be attractive. I think starting with pedestrian and bicycle friendly streets and user friendly mass transportation would be optimal and may move people past the perceived problems of loss of freedom of movement and personal encroachment on their properties. These would be the most difficult problems to overcome for most people who are currently used to larger lots and driving everywhere. Beyond starting with transportation it may require some kind of public-private-commercial partnerships to pull together enough resources to acquire the necessary space in any current area in Baton Rouge and re-develop it to new urban codes. There is economic incentive to do this but it would be a massive undertaking too large and complex for any one stakeholder to initiate. One example of this is the green buffer zone that ExxonMobil is establishing along its plant boundary at Scenic Highway. This project is taking decades but it is producing a space for recreation and increased safety for the refinery operations. If this was able to be done with partnerships and then re-constructed for urban dwelling in other locations of the city it would be successful. In Baton Rouge many, if not most, of the urban communities are segregated along racial lines and it would be a difficult task to involve all the current land and home owners in an area to come together to start something new on a scale of any size. An ideal urban environment for me is really not too far off what we currently have at many locations in Baton Rouge with certain improvements. I currently live in a subdivision that enjoys one entrance and has average lot sizes. I enjoy mowing the lawn and working outside, having been raised in the country and by nature being a kinetic person. I would definitely add walking/biking paths/lanes to the closet shopping areas and working locations. This would build on the existing neighborhood and could be done with landowner cooperation.