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September 8, 2010 at 4:03 PM #603405September 8, 2010 at 9:49 PM #602429
CA renter
Participant[quote=briansd1][quote=UCGal]
Correction – YOU want clean/updated/spacious… Not everyone prefers that.
[/quote]haha… you have have a point. But people are attracted to new suburbs for a reason. The growth is in the suburbs.
Don’t you think it would be preferable to accommodate new population in the areas that are already developed rather than having build new roads, sewers, etc…
[quote=UCGal]
As far as density of areas, contemporary architecture vs older homes… check out a 2 unit property owned by friends of mine.
http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/4720-Marlborough-Dr-92116/home/5270812It has a very charming spanish style bungalow in the front, and a very contemporary loft style 2 br home in the back. All in the walkable neighborhood of Kensington. Based on the style you like – I could see you liking the modern loft. Personally, I prefer the cove ceilings, built-ins, and retro tile, arches, etc, in the front house.
Like I said – everyone has different taste.[/quote]
Kensington is a nice areas. But it still too “suburban” for me. It was a one of the first master-planned community in the city, I believe.
I looked at that bungalow, but honestly prefer the two-story next door, which could make a nice rehab with modern amenities.
Without central HVAC, that front bungalow would be too hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
If I owned the bungalow, I would like to tear it down and build a new house without resistance from the planning people and from the neighbors. I would want to do it quick and not deal with any drama.
Don’t get me wrong. I love old stuff. But not everything old is worth saving. Cabinets with with 5 coats of paint, Spanish tiles grossly installed, and decades of charges are not charming in my opinion. To do a proper rehab you might spend more money than building a large new larger house.
The house look well maintained though. But another bungalow like that, with deferred maintenance, could be more economically razed and rebuilt new.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=4720+Marlborough+Dr,+san+diego,+ca&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=48.77566,58.710937&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=4720+Marlborough+Dr,+San+Diego,+California+92116&layer=c&cbll=32.763863,-117.106329&panoid=DWHaJPrcogTytf1udCXh0Q&cbp=12,269.36,,0,1.54&ll=32.763739,-117.106329&spn=0.00637,0.007167&z=17[/quote]
The growth is in the suburbs because more **families** want a larger lot or larger home in which to raise their kids.
Wouldn’t you agree, Brian, that part of this “globalized” philosophy you espouse would be the recognition that not everyone wants to live the same way? You’re single and childless, so it makes perfectly good sense for you to live in the city with no yard and a small dwelling. For people who have larger families, they want something else. Mr. CAR and I like older architecture far better than “newer and more modern” architecture, too, so we would resent people coming in here and trying to turn older neighborhoods into something **they** prefer for themselves.
If you want to live in a tight space with no parking, you’re perfectly free to do so. We prefer to live in the suburbs, and we should be free to do so as well. That really is the most “progressive” thing we can do — recognize that we’re not all the same, and allow people to be who they choose to be.
BTW, we regularly use the sidewalks in our neighborhood, as do most of our neighbors; it’s a very walkable neighborhood because of the sidewalks and front yards. I think you have a distorted view of what suburban neighborhoods are like and why people prefer to live in them.
September 8, 2010 at 9:49 PM #602518Participant[quote=briansd1][quote=UCGal]
Correction – YOU want clean/updated/spacious… Not everyone prefers that.
[/quote]haha… you have have a point. But people are attracted to new suburbs for a reason. The growth is in the suburbs.
Don’t you think it would be preferable to accommodate new population in the areas that are already developed rather than having build new roads, sewers, etc…
[quote=UCGal]
As far as density of areas, contemporary architecture vs older homes… check out a 2 unit property owned by friends of mine.
http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/4720-Marlborough-Dr-92116/home/5270812It has a very charming spanish style bungalow in the front, and a very contemporary loft style 2 br home in the back. All in the walkable neighborhood of Kensington. Based on the style you like – I could see you liking the modern loft. Personally, I prefer the cove ceilings, built-ins, and retro tile, arches, etc, in the front house.
Like I said – everyone has different taste.[/quote]
Kensington is a nice areas. But it still too “suburban” for me. It was a one of the first master-planned community in the city, I believe.
I looked at that bungalow, but honestly prefer the two-story next door, which could make a nice rehab with modern amenities.
Without central HVAC, that front bungalow would be too hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
If I owned the bungalow, I would like to tear it down and build a new house without resistance from the planning people and from the neighbors. I would want to do it quick and not deal with any drama.
Don’t get me wrong. I love old stuff. But not everything old is worth saving. Cabinets with with 5 coats of paint, Spanish tiles grossly installed, and decades of charges are not charming in my opinion. To do a proper rehab you might spend more money than building a large new larger house.
The house look well maintained though. But another bungalow like that, with deferred maintenance, could be more economically razed and rebuilt new.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=4720+Marlborough+Dr,+san+diego,+ca&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=48.77566,58.710937&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=4720+Marlborough+Dr,+San+Diego,+California+92116&layer=c&cbll=32.763863,-117.106329&panoid=DWHaJPrcogTytf1udCXh0Q&cbp=12,269.36,,0,1.54&ll=32.763739,-117.106329&spn=0.00637,0.007167&z=17[/quote]
The growth is in the suburbs because more **families** want a larger lot or larger home in which to raise their kids.
Wouldn’t you agree, Brian, that part of this “globalized” philosophy you espouse would be the recognition that not everyone wants to live the same way? You’re single and childless, so it makes perfectly good sense for you to live in the city with no yard and a small dwelling. For people who have larger families, they want something else. Mr. CAR and I like older architecture far better than “newer and more modern” architecture, too, so we would resent people coming in here and trying to turn older neighborhoods into something **they** prefer for themselves.
If you want to live in a tight space with no parking, you’re perfectly free to do so. We prefer to live in the suburbs, and we should be free to do so as well. That really is the most “progressive” thing we can do — recognize that we’re not all the same, and allow people to be who they choose to be.
BTW, we regularly use the sidewalks in our neighborhood, as do most of our neighbors; it’s a very walkable neighborhood because of the sidewalks and front yards. I think you have a distorted view of what suburban neighborhoods are like and why people prefer to live in them.
September 8, 2010 at 9:49 PM #603066Participant[quote=briansd1][quote=UCGal]
Correction – YOU want clean/updated/spacious… Not everyone prefers that.
[/quote]haha… you have have a point. But people are attracted to new suburbs for a reason. The growth is in the suburbs.
Don’t you think it would be preferable to accommodate new population in the areas that are already developed rather than having build new roads, sewers, etc…
[quote=UCGal]
As far as density of areas, contemporary architecture vs older homes… check out a 2 unit property owned by friends of mine.
http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/4720-Marlborough-Dr-92116/home/5270812It has a very charming spanish style bungalow in the front, and a very contemporary loft style 2 br home in the back. All in the walkable neighborhood of Kensington. Based on the style you like – I could see you liking the modern loft. Personally, I prefer the cove ceilings, built-ins, and retro tile, arches, etc, in the front house.
Like I said – everyone has different taste.[/quote]
Kensington is a nice areas. But it still too “suburban” for me. It was a one of the first master-planned community in the city, I believe.
I looked at that bungalow, but honestly prefer the two-story next door, which could make a nice rehab with modern amenities.
Without central HVAC, that front bungalow would be too hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
If I owned the bungalow, I would like to tear it down and build a new house without resistance from the planning people and from the neighbors. I would want to do it quick and not deal with any drama.
Don’t get me wrong. I love old stuff. But not everything old is worth saving. Cabinets with with 5 coats of paint, Spanish tiles grossly installed, and decades of charges are not charming in my opinion. To do a proper rehab you might spend more money than building a large new larger house.
The house look well maintained though. But another bungalow like that, with deferred maintenance, could be more economically razed and rebuilt new.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=4720+Marlborough+Dr,+san+diego,+ca&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=48.77566,58.710937&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=4720+Marlborough+Dr,+San+Diego,+California+92116&layer=c&cbll=32.763863,-117.106329&panoid=DWHaJPrcogTytf1udCXh0Q&cbp=12,269.36,,0,1.54&ll=32.763739,-117.106329&spn=0.00637,0.007167&z=17[/quote]
The growth is in the suburbs because more **families** want a larger lot or larger home in which to raise their kids.
Wouldn’t you agree, Brian, that part of this “globalized” philosophy you espouse would be the recognition that not everyone wants to live the same way? You’re single and childless, so it makes perfectly good sense for you to live in the city with no yard and a small dwelling. For people who have larger families, they want something else. Mr. CAR and I like older architecture far better than “newer and more modern” architecture, too, so we would resent people coming in here and trying to turn older neighborhoods into something **they** prefer for themselves.
If you want to live in a tight space with no parking, you’re perfectly free to do so. We prefer to live in the suburbs, and we should be free to do so as well. That really is the most “progressive” thing we can do — recognize that we’re not all the same, and allow people to be who they choose to be.
BTW, we regularly use the sidewalks in our neighborhood, as do most of our neighbors; it’s a very walkable neighborhood because of the sidewalks and front yards. I think you have a distorted view of what suburban neighborhoods are like and why people prefer to live in them.
September 8, 2010 at 9:49 PM #603172Participant[quote=briansd1][quote=UCGal]
Correction – YOU want clean/updated/spacious… Not everyone prefers that.
[/quote]haha… you have have a point. But people are attracted to new suburbs for a reason. The growth is in the suburbs.
Don’t you think it would be preferable to accommodate new population in the areas that are already developed rather than having build new roads, sewers, etc…
[quote=UCGal]
As far as density of areas, contemporary architecture vs older homes… check out a 2 unit property owned by friends of mine.
http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/4720-Marlborough-Dr-92116/home/5270812It has a very charming spanish style bungalow in the front, and a very contemporary loft style 2 br home in the back. All in the walkable neighborhood of Kensington. Based on the style you like – I could see you liking the modern loft. Personally, I prefer the cove ceilings, built-ins, and retro tile, arches, etc, in the front house.
Like I said – everyone has different taste.[/quote]
Kensington is a nice areas. But it still too “suburban” for me. It was a one of the first master-planned community in the city, I believe.
I looked at that bungalow, but honestly prefer the two-story next door, which could make a nice rehab with modern amenities.
Without central HVAC, that front bungalow would be too hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
If I owned the bungalow, I would like to tear it down and build a new house without resistance from the planning people and from the neighbors. I would want to do it quick and not deal with any drama.
Don’t get me wrong. I love old stuff. But not everything old is worth saving. Cabinets with with 5 coats of paint, Spanish tiles grossly installed, and decades of charges are not charming in my opinion. To do a proper rehab you might spend more money than building a large new larger house.
The house look well maintained though. But another bungalow like that, with deferred maintenance, could be more economically razed and rebuilt new.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=4720+Marlborough+Dr,+san+diego,+ca&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=48.77566,58.710937&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=4720+Marlborough+Dr,+San+Diego,+California+92116&layer=c&cbll=32.763863,-117.106329&panoid=DWHaJPrcogTytf1udCXh0Q&cbp=12,269.36,,0,1.54&ll=32.763739,-117.106329&spn=0.00637,0.007167&z=17[/quote]
The growth is in the suburbs because more **families** want a larger lot or larger home in which to raise their kids.
Wouldn’t you agree, Brian, that part of this “globalized” philosophy you espouse would be the recognition that not everyone wants to live the same way? You’re single and childless, so it makes perfectly good sense for you to live in the city with no yard and a small dwelling. For people who have larger families, they want something else. Mr. CAR and I like older architecture far better than “newer and more modern” architecture, too, so we would resent people coming in here and trying to turn older neighborhoods into something **they** prefer for themselves.
If you want to live in a tight space with no parking, you’re perfectly free to do so. We prefer to live in the suburbs, and we should be free to do so as well. That really is the most “progressive” thing we can do — recognize that we’re not all the same, and allow people to be who they choose to be.
BTW, we regularly use the sidewalks in our neighborhood, as do most of our neighbors; it’s a very walkable neighborhood because of the sidewalks and front yards. I think you have a distorted view of what suburban neighborhoods are like and why people prefer to live in them.
September 8, 2010 at 9:49 PM #603490Participant[quote=briansd1][quote=UCGal]
Correction – YOU want clean/updated/spacious… Not everyone prefers that.
[/quote]haha… you have have a point. But people are attracted to new suburbs for a reason. The growth is in the suburbs.
Don’t you think it would be preferable to accommodate new population in the areas that are already developed rather than having build new roads, sewers, etc…
[quote=UCGal]
As far as density of areas, contemporary architecture vs older homes… check out a 2 unit property owned by friends of mine.
http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/4720-Marlborough-Dr-92116/home/5270812It has a very charming spanish style bungalow in the front, and a very contemporary loft style 2 br home in the back. All in the walkable neighborhood of Kensington. Based on the style you like – I could see you liking the modern loft. Personally, I prefer the cove ceilings, built-ins, and retro tile, arches, etc, in the front house.
Like I said – everyone has different taste.[/quote]
Kensington is a nice areas. But it still too “suburban” for me. It was a one of the first master-planned community in the city, I believe.
I looked at that bungalow, but honestly prefer the two-story next door, which could make a nice rehab with modern amenities.
Without central HVAC, that front bungalow would be too hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
If I owned the bungalow, I would like to tear it down and build a new house without resistance from the planning people and from the neighbors. I would want to do it quick and not deal with any drama.
Don’t get me wrong. I love old stuff. But not everything old is worth saving. Cabinets with with 5 coats of paint, Spanish tiles grossly installed, and decades of charges are not charming in my opinion. To do a proper rehab you might spend more money than building a large new larger house.
The house look well maintained though. But another bungalow like that, with deferred maintenance, could be more economically razed and rebuilt new.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=4720+Marlborough+Dr,+san+diego,+ca&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=48.77566,58.710937&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=4720+Marlborough+Dr,+San+Diego,+California+92116&layer=c&cbll=32.763863,-117.106329&panoid=DWHaJPrcogTytf1udCXh0Q&cbp=12,269.36,,0,1.54&ll=32.763739,-117.106329&spn=0.00637,0.007167&z=17[/quote]
The growth is in the suburbs because more **families** want a larger lot or larger home in which to raise their kids.
Wouldn’t you agree, Brian, that part of this “globalized” philosophy you espouse would be the recognition that not everyone wants to live the same way? You’re single and childless, so it makes perfectly good sense for you to live in the city with no yard and a small dwelling. For people who have larger families, they want something else. Mr. CAR and I like older architecture far better than “newer and more modern” architecture, too, so we would resent people coming in here and trying to turn older neighborhoods into something **they** prefer for themselves.
If you want to live in a tight space with no parking, you’re perfectly free to do so. We prefer to live in the suburbs, and we should be free to do so as well. That really is the most “progressive” thing we can do — recognize that we’re not all the same, and allow people to be who they choose to be.
BTW, we regularly use the sidewalks in our neighborhood, as do most of our neighbors; it’s a very walkable neighborhood because of the sidewalks and front yards. I think you have a distorted view of what suburban neighborhoods are like and why people prefer to live in them.
September 9, 2010 at 8:51 AM #602569briansd1
Guest[quote=CA renter]
Wouldn’t you agree, Brian, that part of this “globalized” philosophy you espouse would be the recognition that not everyone wants to live the same way?
[/quote]Yes I agree.
I never said that people should not be able to live in the suburbs.
I said that people with urban lots should be able to build denser housing without local government zoning and neighbors having veto power.
If you want to live in an old house, that’s your choice. But if I want to tear down my old house and build a new one, I should be able to do so.
Once a city is built-out, building up is he only way to accommodate growth without sprawling out.
September 9, 2010 at 8:51 AM #602658Guest[quote=CA renter]
Wouldn’t you agree, Brian, that part of this “globalized” philosophy you espouse would be the recognition that not everyone wants to live the same way?
[/quote]Yes I agree.
I never said that people should not be able to live in the suburbs.
I said that people with urban lots should be able to build denser housing without local government zoning and neighbors having veto power.
If you want to live in an old house, that’s your choice. But if I want to tear down my old house and build a new one, I should be able to do so.
Once a city is built-out, building up is he only way to accommodate growth without sprawling out.
September 9, 2010 at 8:51 AM #603206Guest[quote=CA renter]
Wouldn’t you agree, Brian, that part of this “globalized” philosophy you espouse would be the recognition that not everyone wants to live the same way?
[/quote]Yes I agree.
I never said that people should not be able to live in the suburbs.
I said that people with urban lots should be able to build denser housing without local government zoning and neighbors having veto power.
If you want to live in an old house, that’s your choice. But if I want to tear down my old house and build a new one, I should be able to do so.
Once a city is built-out, building up is he only way to accommodate growth without sprawling out.
September 9, 2010 at 8:51 AM #603312Guest[quote=CA renter]
Wouldn’t you agree, Brian, that part of this “globalized” philosophy you espouse would be the recognition that not everyone wants to live the same way?
[/quote]Yes I agree.
I never said that people should not be able to live in the suburbs.
I said that people with urban lots should be able to build denser housing without local government zoning and neighbors having veto power.
If you want to live in an old house, that’s your choice. But if I want to tear down my old house and build a new one, I should be able to do so.
Once a city is built-out, building up is he only way to accommodate growth without sprawling out.
September 9, 2010 at 8:51 AM #603630Guest[quote=CA renter]
Wouldn’t you agree, Brian, that part of this “globalized” philosophy you espouse would be the recognition that not everyone wants to live the same way?
[/quote]Yes I agree.
I never said that people should not be able to live in the suburbs.
I said that people with urban lots should be able to build denser housing without local government zoning and neighbors having veto power.
If you want to live in an old house, that’s your choice. But if I want to tear down my old house and build a new one, I should be able to do so.
Once a city is built-out, building up is he only way to accommodate growth without sprawling out.
September 9, 2010 at 9:49 AM #602619afx114
Participant[quote=CA renter]BTW, we regularly use the sidewalks in our neighborhood, as do most of our neighbors; it’s a very walkable neighborhood because of the sidewalks and front yards. I think you have a distorted view of what suburban neighborhoods are like and why people prefer to live in them.[/quote]
I wouldn’t say that sidewalks alone are what make a neighborhood “walkable.” My idea of “walkable” is having destinations that you can walk to — parks, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, coffee shops, movie theaters, entrainment, etc. If you need a car to do any of these things, I don’t think that qualifies the neighborhood as “walkable.” Just an opinion coming from a city dweller who grew up in the ‘burbs.
Speaking of the suburbs, has anyone checked out Arcade Fire’s new record? It’s called “The Suburbs” and covers some interesting territory regarding the burbs and sprawl — memories from growing up in the burbs and the empty feeling you get returning to them when you’re older. An entire album about the suburbs! Highly recommended for the poignant social commentary. Some sample lyrics:
“Kids wanna be so hard
But in my dreams we’re still screamin’ and runnin’ through the yard
And all of the walls that they built in the seventies finally fall
And all of the houses they build in the seventies finally fall
Meant nothin’ at all
Meant nothin’ at all
It meant nothin”“You started a war
That you can’t win
They keep erasing all the streets we grew up in”“They heard me singing and they told me to stop
Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock
‘Cause on the surface the city lights shine
They’re calling at me, come and find your kind
Sometimes I wonder if the World’s so small
That we can never get away from the sprawl
Living in the sprawl
Dead shopping malls rise like mountains beyond mountains
And there’s no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights”“Took a drive into the sprawl
To find the house where we used to stay in
Couldn’t read the number in the dark
You said let’s save it for another dayTook a drive into the sprawl
To find the places we used to play
It was the loneliest day of my life
You’re talking at me but I’m still far away”September 9, 2010 at 9:49 AM #602708Participant[quote=CA renter]BTW, we regularly use the sidewalks in our neighborhood, as do most of our neighbors; it’s a very walkable neighborhood because of the sidewalks and front yards. I think you have a distorted view of what suburban neighborhoods are like and why people prefer to live in them.[/quote]
I wouldn’t say that sidewalks alone are what make a neighborhood “walkable.” My idea of “walkable” is having destinations that you can walk to — parks, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, coffee shops, movie theaters, entrainment, etc. If you need a car to do any of these things, I don’t think that qualifies the neighborhood as “walkable.” Just an opinion coming from a city dweller who grew up in the ‘burbs.
Speaking of the suburbs, has anyone checked out Arcade Fire’s new record? It’s called “The Suburbs” and covers some interesting territory regarding the burbs and sprawl — memories from growing up in the burbs and the empty feeling you get returning to them when you’re older. An entire album about the suburbs! Highly recommended for the poignant social commentary. Some sample lyrics:
“Kids wanna be so hard
But in my dreams we’re still screamin’ and runnin’ through the yard
And all of the walls that they built in the seventies finally fall
And all of the houses they build in the seventies finally fall
Meant nothin’ at all
Meant nothin’ at all
It meant nothin”“You started a war
That you can’t win
They keep erasing all the streets we grew up in”“They heard me singing and they told me to stop
Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock
‘Cause on the surface the city lights shine
They’re calling at me, come and find your kind
Sometimes I wonder if the World’s so small
That we can never get away from the sprawl
Living in the sprawl
Dead shopping malls rise like mountains beyond mountains
And there’s no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights”“Took a drive into the sprawl
To find the house where we used to stay in
Couldn’t read the number in the dark
You said let’s save it for another dayTook a drive into the sprawl
To find the places we used to play
It was the loneliest day of my life
You’re talking at me but I’m still far away”September 9, 2010 at 9:49 AM #603256Participant[quote=CA renter]BTW, we regularly use the sidewalks in our neighborhood, as do most of our neighbors; it’s a very walkable neighborhood because of the sidewalks and front yards. I think you have a distorted view of what suburban neighborhoods are like and why people prefer to live in them.[/quote]
I wouldn’t say that sidewalks alone are what make a neighborhood “walkable.” My idea of “walkable” is having destinations that you can walk to — parks, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, coffee shops, movie theaters, entrainment, etc. If you need a car to do any of these things, I don’t think that qualifies the neighborhood as “walkable.” Just an opinion coming from a city dweller who grew up in the ‘burbs.
Speaking of the suburbs, has anyone checked out Arcade Fire’s new record? It’s called “The Suburbs” and covers some interesting territory regarding the burbs and sprawl — memories from growing up in the burbs and the empty feeling you get returning to them when you’re older. An entire album about the suburbs! Highly recommended for the poignant social commentary. Some sample lyrics:
“Kids wanna be so hard
But in my dreams we’re still screamin’ and runnin’ through the yard
And all of the walls that they built in the seventies finally fall
And all of the houses they build in the seventies finally fall
Meant nothin’ at all
Meant nothin’ at all
It meant nothin”“You started a war
That you can’t win
They keep erasing all the streets we grew up in”“They heard me singing and they told me to stop
Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock
‘Cause on the surface the city lights shine
They’re calling at me, come and find your kind
Sometimes I wonder if the World’s so small
That we can never get away from the sprawl
Living in the sprawl
Dead shopping malls rise like mountains beyond mountains
And there’s no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights”“Took a drive into the sprawl
To find the house where we used to stay in
Couldn’t read the number in the dark
You said let’s save it for another dayTook a drive into the sprawl
To find the places we used to play
It was the loneliest day of my life
You’re talking at me but I’m still far away”September 9, 2010 at 9:49 AM #603362Participant[quote=CA renter]BTW, we regularly use the sidewalks in our neighborhood, as do most of our neighbors; it’s a very walkable neighborhood because of the sidewalks and front yards. I think you have a distorted view of what suburban neighborhoods are like and why people prefer to live in them.[/quote]
I wouldn’t say that sidewalks alone are what make a neighborhood “walkable.” My idea of “walkable” is having destinations that you can walk to — parks, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, coffee shops, movie theaters, entrainment, etc. If you need a car to do any of these things, I don’t think that qualifies the neighborhood as “walkable.” Just an opinion coming from a city dweller who grew up in the ‘burbs.
Speaking of the suburbs, has anyone checked out Arcade Fire’s new record? It’s called “The Suburbs” and covers some interesting territory regarding the burbs and sprawl — memories from growing up in the burbs and the empty feeling you get returning to them when you’re older. An entire album about the suburbs! Highly recommended for the poignant social commentary. Some sample lyrics:
“Kids wanna be so hard
But in my dreams we’re still screamin’ and runnin’ through the yard
And all of the walls that they built in the seventies finally fall
And all of the houses they build in the seventies finally fall
Meant nothin’ at all
Meant nothin’ at all
It meant nothin”“You started a war
That you can’t win
They keep erasing all the streets we grew up in”“They heard me singing and they told me to stop
Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock
‘Cause on the surface the city lights shine
They’re calling at me, come and find your kind
Sometimes I wonder if the World’s so small
That we can never get away from the sprawl
Living in the sprawl
Dead shopping malls rise like mountains beyond mountains
And there’s no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights”“Took a drive into the sprawl
To find the house where we used to stay in
Couldn’t read the number in the dark
You said let’s save it for another dayTook a drive into the sprawl
To find the places we used to play
It was the loneliest day of my life
You’re talking at me but I’m still far away” -
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