[SustainableTompkins] Density, continued

[Simon St.Laurent]

George Frantz writes:
> There are a thousand different way in which we can let our cities evolve
> into more compact, and more environmentally, economically and socially
> sustainable communities in the coming decades. It will just take
> imagination and creativity, an open mind, and a critical questioning of
> the fears, prejudices and attitudes we carry, toward both the
> environment and our fellow human beings. 

I think I give the prejudices more credit than George does, as I look 
over the hard question of how (and whether) we actually get to anything 
resembling his description.

<http://livingindryden.org/2008/05/getting_to_nodal_development_i.html>

I've focused specifically on the landscape (physical and political) I 
know in the Town of Dryden, which is probably not going to yield 
enthusiasm for George's vision.

I think we need to pause and seriously consider whether planners' 
visions actually advance their cause or alienate so many of the people 
needed to carry them out that they just can't move forward.  This isn't 
necessarily about George's vision as presented here - I'd suggest that 
county's Planning Department has created some similar problems.

(Incidentally, I'm a fan of a concrete project George worked on in 
Dryden, the Comprehensive Plan, though I suspect that George would 
consider that plan less than compatible with the vision he presents here.

<http://livingindryden.org/2007/05/three_experiences_with_plans_1.html>

)

Thanks,
Simon St.Laurent
http://livingindryden.org/