This blogger’s agrees with Mr. O’Toole’s comment about Frank Lloyd Wright in a previous blog at this web site. This architect is truly unique and in an elite class of visionary thinkers of all time. The proliferation of his works takes a back seat to no one. The blogger’s reference to his name and other design professionals of previous generations was to show a mild comparison with the current generation of New Urbanists and others. The latter group are far from “do nothings” and have made significant contributions to the field of planning. At a recent planning conference about two years ago, the speaker of one the presentations happened to be a fellow graduate of the Yale University of Architecture with the likes of Duany and Soloman. The presenter relayed a story about one of the his professors who basically called these future New Urbanists “slouches” and that they would fail to accomplish much in the field.
With regards to Mr. O’Toole’s comments on Herbert Gans’s writings, his works somewhat underlie a theory of similarity in our society and its resultant transformation over time whether in an urban area or suburban setting. Whether this is influenced by the forced urban renewal of Boston’s West End or the creation of Levitt’s suburban development in New Jersey maybe moot.
This blogger is somewhat familiar with both locations. With regards to the West End, his father-in-law’s business had to be relocated to another city neighborhood closer to the inner ring suburbs. Many of the same customs and traditions that were practiced in the West End were repeated in his new location in Brighton.
With regards to the second community, this blogger recently viewed the sister community of Levittown, New York out on Long Island. This blogger did not recognize anything out of the ordinary with the surroundings other than the noted names of places within the community. Over time, the enormity of this tract development has blended into the fabric of Long Island. Today, Levittown, New York does not demonstrate any unique advantages or disadvantages of suburban communities.
The concept of community has uniformly changed over time. For many people on the go there is limited interaction with neighbors whether in the city or suburb. In many ways, one could make the argument that the suburban communities may have edge on community cohesiveness. For example, in the third tier suburban community where this blogger works, there is a heightened level of volunteer involvement, while in the blogger’s home community there is more of a resignation that “you can’t fight City Hall.”
Friday, April 6, 2007
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Random Thoughts
This blogger has completed ten blogging entries which included an introductory statement, planning staff organizations, genealogy and planning, a travelogue, European contributions, terminology explanations, and other matters. Since this is an evolving work, there are gaps in the presentation. This blog will hopefully try to plug up a few of the holes in order to pursue better suburban planning results. (Picture cited on the web at www.bsu.edu/classes/ruch/msa/tansey.html.)
Howard Kunstler decries about the places of today which are currently masquerading as livable units; however in reality they are indistinguishable from each other with “everyplace is like no place in particular, where the city is a dead zone and the countryside a wasteland of cars and blacktop.” (Cited in Kunstler’s Geography of Nowhere, jacket page.) . Our goal will be to establish practices to avoid these cookie cutter approaches and yet be environmentally, socially, and economically sound.
Laura Miller from the University of California at San Diego notes “the suburban ideal is about finding a homogeneous community of like-minded people, about living in a home which provides comfort and diversion, and quite centrally, about finding an environment in which family ties can be strengthened.: Although the geography of suburbia promotes togetherness, it does so at a cost of suburban sprawl which “has done away with the site for socializing.” Consequently there is a decided lack of public spaces –sidewalks, squares, taverns, central shopping districts, etc.—where non-family members gather” which further isolates the suburbs and breaks down the integration of the community. (Cited in Laura Miller’s paper entitled “Family Fun in the Suburbs: Family Togetherness and the Suburban Ideal”, pages 1-41.)
Howard Kunstler decries about the places of today which are currently masquerading as livable units; however in reality they are indistinguishable from each other with “everyplace is like no place in particular, where the city is a dead zone and the countryside a wasteland of cars and blacktop.” (Cited in Kunstler’s Geography of Nowhere, jacket page.) . Our goal will be to establish practices to avoid these cookie cutter approaches and yet be environmentally, socially, and economically sound.
Laura Miller from the University of California at San Diego notes “the suburban ideal is about finding a homogeneous community of like-minded people, about living in a home which provides comfort and diversion, and quite centrally, about finding an environment in which family ties can be strengthened.: Although the geography of suburbia promotes togetherness, it does so at a cost of suburban sprawl which “has done away with the site for socializing.” Consequently there is a decided lack of public spaces –sidewalks, squares, taverns, central shopping districts, etc.—where non-family members gather” which further isolates the suburbs and breaks down the integration of the community. (Cited in Laura Miller’s paper entitled “Family Fun in the Suburbs: Family Togetherness and the Suburban Ideal”, pages 1-41.)
This blogger has noticed from personal observations that not only are each suburban community surrounded by an “invisible moat” but so are many of the residential homes. This way of life and individual mind set will be difficult to change. As a child, this blogger remembers playing a lot of impromptu sports, today everything is organized with a rigid schedule. The Days of Solitaire are here unless you are a part of the rigid organizational environment.
What can be done? First, one needs to foster a new sense of togetherness and place by creating sustainability. Two, mixed use development needs to be encouraged so that people can have access to a range of facilities and options for walking to goods and services.; three, to create a sense of place that is interwoven like a piece of fabric with various patches of material in a unique pattern; four, incorporate trends in telecommunications, home occupations, decentralized businesses, and other aspects of cyberspace; five, minimize the environmental problems caused by trash disposal, air and water pollution; six manage the use of our natural resources by using hybrid vehicles, green buildings, recycling programs, and stormwater management techniques.(Pictures cited on the web at ---http//www.terrain.org/articles/13/superbia.htm. Picture on the left depicts:"The transition to Superbia! might include clustered parking to save space and get cars out of peoples' way; greater use of solar energy; community gardens; and a Common House, cooperatively owned by neighbors.")
Sustainability and Smart Growth
Definitions of Smart Growth
Smart Growth has a number of varied meanings and regional modifications throughout the country. One definition cited on the Smart Growth America web site at http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/whatissg.html defines smart growth “according to its outcomes —outcomes that mirror the basic values of most Americans. Smart growth is growth that helps to achieve these six goals: 1. Neighborhood Livability…2. Better Access, Less Traffic…3 Thriving Cities, Suburbs and Towns…4. Shared Benefits…5.Lower Costs, Lower Taxes…6. Keeping Open Space Open.”
The Encarta dictionary web site at http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861707929/smart_growth.html defines
smart growth as “sensible growth: economic growth that consciously seeks to avoid wastefulness and damage to the environment and communities.”
On the west coast, San Diego’s Association of Governments (SANDAG) web site at http://www.lisc.org/san_diego/assets/asset_upload_file873_6802.pdf defines
smart growth as “compact, efficient, and environmentally sensitive pattern of development that provides people with additional travel, housing, and employment choices by focusing future growth away from rural areas and closer to
existing and planned job centers and public facilities.”
On the east coast, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs on their web site at http://www.nj.gov/dca/osg/smart/index.shtml defines smart growth as “well-planned, well-managed growth that adds new homes and creates new jobs, while preserving open space, farmland, and environmental resources. Smart Growth supports livable neighborhoods with a variety of housing types, price ranges and multi-modal forms of transportation. Smart Growth is an approach to land-use planning that targets the State’s resources and funding in ways that enhance the quality of life for residents in New Jersey. "
"Smart Growth principles include mixed-use development, walkable town centers and neighborhoods, mass transit accessibility, sustainable economic and social development and preserved green space. Smart Growth can be seen all around us: it is evident in larger cities such as Elizabeth and Jersey City; in smaller towns like Red Bank and Hoboken, and in the rural communities like Chesterfield and Hope." (Cited on the web page for the N.J. Dept. of Community Affairs.)
"In New Jersey, Smart Growth supports development and redevelopment in recognized Centers—a compact form of development—as outlined in the State Development and Redevelopment Plan, with existing infrastructure that serves the economy, the community and the environment.” (Cited on the web page for the N.J. Dept. of Community Affairs.)
In Massachusetts, Smart Growth is defined as “Well-planned development that protects open space and farmland, revitalizes communities, keeps housing affordable and provides more transportation choices. This is cited at the State’s web site-- http://www.mass.gov/envir/smart_growth_toolkit/pages/glossary.html#smartgrowth
Massachusetts Smart growth legislation, further elaborates on smart growth definition by describing it as a principle of land development that emphasizes mixing land uses, increases the availability of affordable housing by creating a range of housing opportunities in neighborhoods, takes advantage of compact design, fosters distinctive and attractive communities, preserves open space, farmland, natural beauty and critical environmental areas, strengthens existing communities, provides a variety of transportation choices, makes development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective and encourages community and stakeholder collaboration in development A smart growth zoning district shall provide for residential usage “to permit a mix of housing such as for families, individuals, persons with special needs, or the elderly.” Said housing would be allowable for a proposed density [of] at least “20 units per acre for multi-family housing, 8 units per acre for single-family homes, and 12 units per acre for 2 and 3 family buildings.” (Cited at http://www.mass.gov/dhcd/components/SCP/ch40r/statute.pdf.)
Definitions of Sustainable Development
Like smart growth there are a number of sustainable development definitions. The following is a sampling of those descriptions.
In 1987, The World Commission on Environment and Development defined sustainable development as that “which meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. “ (Cited in the report by Kevin Krizek and Joe Power entitled “A Planners Guide to Sustainable Development", page 55.)
Sustainable development is also defined as the “the ability of a community to utilize its natural, human, and technological resources to ensure that all embers of present and future generations can attain a high degree of health and well being, economic security, and a say in shaping their future while maintaining the integrity of the ecological systems on which all life and production depends.” (Cited on page 56 of the “Guide to Sustainable Development”.)
Further, flourishing communities are the foundation of a healthy society. Communities must strive for sustainable development. “Sustainable development implies adaptation and improvements in a context in which communities seek to protect natural processes and landscape function, and to conserve resources for future development.” (Cited in the "APA Journal ", Summer of 1996, page 332.)
A holistic approach to planning and design is stated in The Ahwahnee principles:” Sustainable communities are cities and towns that prosper because people work together to produce a high quality of life that they want to sustain and constantly improve…Businesses, households, and government make efficient use of land, energy, and other resources… with minimal waste and environmental dame. [There is] efficient use of existing infrastructure, energy, water, materials, and land. ..Sustainable community design is based on an understanding of the powerful effect of the built environment on aesthetics, scale and a sense of history and culture…All planning should be in the form of complete and integrated communities containing housing, shops, work places, park and civic facilities essential to the daily life of the residents. (Ahwahnee principles are described on the web at the Local Government Commission web site at http://www.lgc.org/ahwahnee/principles.html.)
Sustainability and Local Planning
Timothy Beatley states that “creating sustainable communities …is a matter considering ecological limits and environmental impacts at every aspect of community design… [including] how the industrial and commercial sectors go about their business.” (Cited on page 17 of the “Guide to Sustainable Development".)
This blogger prefers to strive for sustainability rather than smart growth. Some would argue they are one and the same. To this blogger, the concept of sustainable development is more positive than a judgmental use of the term “smart growth”. In Massachusetts, if the density does not meet the required thresholds does it then become “dumb growth”?
Horizontal growth as described in the term “sprawl” is not necessarily inherently evil, what is needed is a boost in implementing livable community techniques towards sustainability. To start sustainable development needs a new way of thinking that includes: one embraces a future time horizon that is long term and does not necessarily rely on short term gains and the bottom line; two, identifies carrying capacity limits; three, approaches planning in a “natural and geographic” depiction rather than political units; four, recognizes “areas of planning (transportation, housing, and economic development, etc.) not as end in themselves, but rather as a means to an end [with ] end being a sustainable community”; five, pursues a holistic and interconnected approach to planning and identifying multi-faceted impacts; six, involves the citizenry in the pursuit of these objectives. (Cited on pages 18-21 of the “Guide to Sustainable Development")
Future blogs will further illustrate the concept of sustainable development and positive designs for suburbs. The end goal is to produce quality communities with modern conveniences that fend for themselves just as the shtetls and classical communities did in the past.
Smart Growth has a number of varied meanings and regional modifications throughout the country. One definition cited on the Smart Growth America web site at http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/whatissg.html defines smart growth “according to its outcomes —outcomes that mirror the basic values of most Americans. Smart growth is growth that helps to achieve these six goals: 1. Neighborhood Livability…2. Better Access, Less Traffic…3 Thriving Cities, Suburbs and Towns…4. Shared Benefits…5.Lower Costs, Lower Taxes…6. Keeping Open Space Open.”
The Encarta dictionary web site at http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861707929/smart_growth.html defines
smart growth as “sensible growth: economic growth that consciously seeks to avoid wastefulness and damage to the environment and communities.”
On the west coast, San Diego’s Association of Governments (SANDAG) web site at http://www.lisc.org/san_diego/assets/asset_upload_file873_6802.pdf defines
smart growth as “compact, efficient, and environmentally sensitive pattern of development that provides people with additional travel, housing, and employment choices by focusing future growth away from rural areas and closer to
existing and planned job centers and public facilities.”
On the east coast, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs on their web site at http://www.nj.gov/dca/osg/smart/index.shtml defines smart growth as “well-planned, well-managed growth that adds new homes and creates new jobs, while preserving open space, farmland, and environmental resources. Smart Growth supports livable neighborhoods with a variety of housing types, price ranges and multi-modal forms of transportation. Smart Growth is an approach to land-use planning that targets the State’s resources and funding in ways that enhance the quality of life for residents in New Jersey. "
"Smart Growth principles include mixed-use development, walkable town centers and neighborhoods, mass transit accessibility, sustainable economic and social development and preserved green space. Smart Growth can be seen all around us: it is evident in larger cities such as Elizabeth and Jersey City; in smaller towns like Red Bank and Hoboken, and in the rural communities like Chesterfield and Hope." (Cited on the web page for the N.J. Dept. of Community Affairs.)
"In New Jersey, Smart Growth supports development and redevelopment in recognized Centers—a compact form of development—as outlined in the State Development and Redevelopment Plan, with existing infrastructure that serves the economy, the community and the environment.” (Cited on the web page for the N.J. Dept. of Community Affairs.)
In Massachusetts, Smart Growth is defined as “Well-planned development that protects open space and farmland, revitalizes communities, keeps housing affordable and provides more transportation choices. This is cited at the State’s web site-- http://www.mass.gov/envir/smart_growth_toolkit/pages/glossary.html#smartgrowth
Massachusetts Smart growth legislation, further elaborates on smart growth definition by describing it as a principle of land development that emphasizes mixing land uses, increases the availability of affordable housing by creating a range of housing opportunities in neighborhoods, takes advantage of compact design, fosters distinctive and attractive communities, preserves open space, farmland, natural beauty and critical environmental areas, strengthens existing communities, provides a variety of transportation choices, makes development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective and encourages community and stakeholder collaboration in development A smart growth zoning district shall provide for residential usage “to permit a mix of housing such as for families, individuals, persons with special needs, or the elderly.” Said housing would be allowable for a proposed density [of] at least “20 units per acre for multi-family housing, 8 units per acre for single-family homes, and 12 units per acre for 2 and 3 family buildings.” (Cited at http://www.mass.gov/dhcd/components/SCP/ch40r/statute.pdf.)
Definitions of Sustainable Development
Like smart growth there are a number of sustainable development definitions. The following is a sampling of those descriptions.
In 1987, The World Commission on Environment and Development defined sustainable development as that “which meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. “ (Cited in the report by Kevin Krizek and Joe Power entitled “A Planners Guide to Sustainable Development", page 55.)
Sustainable development is also defined as the “the ability of a community to utilize its natural, human, and technological resources to ensure that all embers of present and future generations can attain a high degree of health and well being, economic security, and a say in shaping their future while maintaining the integrity of the ecological systems on which all life and production depends.” (Cited on page 56 of the “Guide to Sustainable Development”.)
Further, flourishing communities are the foundation of a healthy society. Communities must strive for sustainable development. “Sustainable development implies adaptation and improvements in a context in which communities seek to protect natural processes and landscape function, and to conserve resources for future development.” (Cited in the "APA Journal ", Summer of 1996, page 332.)
A holistic approach to planning and design is stated in The Ahwahnee principles:” Sustainable communities are cities and towns that prosper because people work together to produce a high quality of life that they want to sustain and constantly improve…Businesses, households, and government make efficient use of land, energy, and other resources… with minimal waste and environmental dame. [There is] efficient use of existing infrastructure, energy, water, materials, and land. ..Sustainable community design is based on an understanding of the powerful effect of the built environment on aesthetics, scale and a sense of history and culture…All planning should be in the form of complete and integrated communities containing housing, shops, work places, park and civic facilities essential to the daily life of the residents. (Ahwahnee principles are described on the web at the Local Government Commission web site at http://www.lgc.org/ahwahnee/principles.html.)
Sustainability and Local Planning
Timothy Beatley states that “creating sustainable communities …is a matter considering ecological limits and environmental impacts at every aspect of community design… [including] how the industrial and commercial sectors go about their business.” (Cited on page 17 of the “Guide to Sustainable Development".)
This blogger prefers to strive for sustainability rather than smart growth. Some would argue they are one and the same. To this blogger, the concept of sustainable development is more positive than a judgmental use of the term “smart growth”. In Massachusetts, if the density does not meet the required thresholds does it then become “dumb growth”?
Horizontal growth as described in the term “sprawl” is not necessarily inherently evil, what is needed is a boost in implementing livable community techniques towards sustainability. To start sustainable development needs a new way of thinking that includes: one embraces a future time horizon that is long term and does not necessarily rely on short term gains and the bottom line; two, identifies carrying capacity limits; three, approaches planning in a “natural and geographic” depiction rather than political units; four, recognizes “areas of planning (transportation, housing, and economic development, etc.) not as end in themselves, but rather as a means to an end [with ] end being a sustainable community”; five, pursues a holistic and interconnected approach to planning and identifying multi-faceted impacts; six, involves the citizenry in the pursuit of these objectives. (Cited on pages 18-21 of the “Guide to Sustainable Development")
Future blogs will further illustrate the concept of sustainable development and positive designs for suburbs. The end goal is to produce quality communities with modern conveniences that fend for themselves just as the shtetls and classical communities did in the past.
From Shtetl to Suburia: A Personal History and Its Relationship to Planning
The study of genealogy is a study of one’s ancestral heritage. In the mid 1970’s, Alex Haley made this popular with his work entitled “Roots”. Our family history is interrelated to the events and cultures of human civilizations throughout time. The study of genealogy can give one a sense of involvement and participation in these events for a particular period. Genealogy gives us a sense of personal meaning within the larger society. Where we live, how we clothe and shelter ourselves is essential to our lives as we know it. The blogger’s family odyssey begins in Eastern Europe and currently continues in the United States and other countries. (Picture cited in "The Shtetl Book" by Diane and David Roskies, page 13.)
Origins in Eastern Europe
The earliest time that this blogger can trace back his roots is the early 1700’s in Eastern Europe. To be more precise our ancestral family came from the modern day countries of Latvia, Lithuania, and Belarus. This area has a multi-cultural and religious history. For example, over time there have been a number of ethnic and territorial influences including groups ranging from the Visigoths, Swedes, Hungarians, Jews, Russians, Poles, Germans, Belarusians, Ukrainians, and others.
On the blogger’s wife’s side, her family came from the urban settlement of Vilnius, today’s capital of Lithuania. Even the city’s name and spelling changes depending on which inhabitant ethnic group you are identifying. To the Belarusian’s it was “Vil’nia, to the Lithuanians it was “Vilnius”, to the Poles it was “Wilno”, to the Russians it was Vil’na, and to the Jews it was “Vilne”. Until WWII, Vilnius was a cultural center for the Jewish populations. Those that lived in Vilnius were considered part of the urban elite or “Berliners”.
Many of the blogger’s ancestral family originally came from more rural roots and they were labeled “Karliners”. The blogger’s great, great, great, great-grandparents were situated in an area of the Ukraine and Belarus known as Polesia which was traversed by the Pripet River and the Oginsky Canal. This geographic location was characterized by extensive marshlands and forests. Settlements occurred both in villages or mirs such as the community of Motol and Telekany, along with larger market towns such as Kobrin and Pinsk. Key economic and social characteristics included the timber industry, agriculture with oaks, barley and potatoes, and fishing. With communication and travel limited until the advent of the railroad, each village was self-sustaining in producing “virtually all the necessary products from bast shoes to furniture and houses.(Cited in Yehuda Reinhartz’s book entitled “Chaim Weizmann: The Making of a Zionist Leader”, page 4).
The ancestral home of the blogger’s family was constructed of wood with a primitive heating system in the center of the home and a roof made of straw. Their house was in the midst of the village, yet they had a few animals such as cows and chickens. It should be pointed out that the blogger’s ancestral family along with others could not own land. This is critical to the blogger’s grandparents who strived to own their property in the United States.
Some of the blogger’s distant relatives and community inhabitants, known as landmen, worked for the Polish nobility on their large estates such as the Radziwells. In their case it was the Polish Count Skirmunt on his family’s extensive landholding near Pinsk and Motol and one of these relatives was one the administrators of this estate. Near the time the blogger’s grand-parents moved to this country, many relatives moved to the larger community of Pinsk. Pinsk is a marketplace community that originated in 1506. Nearby there was an adjacent community known as Karlin, which was established in 1751. This latter community expanded and laterally grew outward towards the boundaries of Pinsk. Eventually the two communities merged however for several years each kept their own identity until probably WWII. Karlin was “considered on the right side of the tracks” and “the intelligentsia, wealthy industrialists, and worthies made their home there.” (Cited in “Chaim Weizmann, “The Making of a Zionist Leader", page 20.) . This blogger’s great uncle owned a tanning factory in Pinsk which by today’s environmental standards would need major modifications. This family along with others were liquidated by the Nazis in World War II. The blogger’s grandparents and parents were able to sponsor one of this relative’s sons to immigrate to the United States. The mere fact that this blogger’s family owned property on a farm was extremely helpful for sponsoring them to enter this country.
Before leaving the origin section of this blog, it should be pointed that different ethnic groups lived separate neighborhoods within these communities. Jews and gentiles had limited contact with each other, the term “ghetto” had its origins in Eastern Europe particularly with advent of pogroms and the Nazi influences.
Short Stays/Pit Stops
Manchester, England
In the early twentieth century, many of the blogger’s relatives, came to the United States via passage through England. The blogger’s grandfather spent at least six months in Manchester, England . At the end of the 18th century, Manchester became was one of the first industrialized cities of the Western Civilization. Manchester was the home of cotton textile manufacturing and was one of the largest concentrations of said manufacturing in Great Britain. Manchester itself was a community of uncontrolled expansion and played a key role in the industrial revolution. Besides the factories, there were large warehouses built to store the yarn and finished cloth. Houses were closely packed together next to factories all over the city. Housing conditions were terrible as noted in the following writings by Friedrich Engels: “one penetrates into this chaos of one-storied, one roomed huts, in most of which there is no artificial floor; kitchen, living and sleeping room all in one…Everywhere before the doors refuse and offal…this [was a] whole collection of cattle-sheds for human beings “. Cited on the web at http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1844engels.html.
Over time conditions improved in this city. Reformers worked to improve the living conditions for workers in subsequent Industrial villages; yet the physical layout is somewhat modeled in Industrial villages such as Lowell, Massachusetts and Pullman, Illinois.
Bristol, Connecticut
This blogger’s grandfather immigrated to the United States in the early 1900’s and ended up in Bristol, Connecticut. At this location he worked as a painter, with his brother, and met his wife. Bristol, Connecticut has a population of approximately 60,000 inhabitants and is a manufacturing town that was particularly known for its clock making industry which dated back to 1790. In addition there was other manufacturing in machinery, electrical equipment, and metal products. Currently it is the home to the ESPN television network and the nation’s oldest continually operating amusement park..
Worcester, Massachusetts –first time
This blogger’s fraternal grandparents lived several years in this city on what was known as the “East Side.” Worcester is a city of 154,000 inhabitants and is also an industrial center with multitude of manufacturing establishments that manufacture abrasives, machinery, ceramics, and other items. A section of the city where the blogger’s father was born went through a period of urban renewal in the 1950’s to 1960’s that included the construction of a major expressway cutting right through established ethnic neighborhoods. Around 1920, The blogger’s grand parents eventually moved after saving up enough to buy a farm in Spencer, Massachusetts.
Three/Four Decades of Farming in Spencer
There was one big family on the farm which included the blogger’s grandfather’s brother, sister, and her children as well as his children and wife. Said farm was located in a valley location among a number of hills. This farm was over three miles from the center of the community of Spencer. This town was noted for textile and wire manufacturing. The population of this community is around 12,000 inhabitants and its noted for three things: one, the home of the sewer machine and truss bridge inventors; two, the home of the Trappist monastery known as St. Joseph’s Abbey; three, a yearly agricultural fair that occurs over Labor Day weekend.
The blogger’s family carried out dairy farming with some crop production. However, adult members of the family did not get along. Eventually there was a split with the blogger’s grandparents and their children moving to another farm nearby at a hillside location. This site did not lend itself to crop production and eventually the operation was transformed to a poultry farm. As for the original farming site, the remaining relatives moved out to another farm in Charlton, Mass. Where the first farm was extensive with a large house that included a spiral staircase, the Charlton farm was more primitive in scope. At some point in time both were eventually bought out by the Trappist Monks, who established the their abbey on extensive land holdings of over 1,000 acres.
According to Thomas Merton, in his book entitled “ The Silent Life”, “a monk is a man of god.” Said man has been called upon by the Holy Spirit to relinquish the cares, desires,and ambitions of other men.”(Cited on page vii.) Most monks within the monastery are “expected to have their fair share of digging in the garden, pitching hay, chopping wood, peeling potatoes, washing dishes and sweeping floors.”(Cited on page 31) The most important aspects of monastic life, are “silence, solitude, recollection, and prayer.” At the St. Joseph's Abbey, the Cistercian life “is basically simple and austere.. It is truly poor and penitential.. It is through stability that we commit ourselves to this community [and] it lives in an atmosphere of silence and separation from the world which fosters and expresses its openness to god in contemplation.”(Cited in Merton’s booklet entitled “Cistercian Life”, page nn). The “monastic buildings, and the things that are made and use there, are so beautiful…The purity of taste in a monastery…flows…from the purity of heart.” (Cited on page 29 in “The Silent Life”.)
Worcester 2nd time around and Suburbia
In the 1960’s the blogger’s parents and their children moved to Worcester. This time a simple 1950’s ranch style home was purchased on the “West Side” of the Community. It was in a suburban type location yet included urban amenities such as bus service and nearby stores and other commercial uses within in walking distance. This simple ranch style house was a major downsizing from the extensive farmhouse situated on 60 acres of land to a small lot of 7,000 sq ft lot. Other relatives also moved onto other suburban locations throughout the United States in areas that required at least two automobiles to move about for work and other activities.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
European Planning Influences on Third-Tier Suburbs: Installment One
Very Very Quick Historical Overview
Ancient Planning: Greece and the Roman Empire
The concept of the “city-polis” was “probably consciously created as early as the seventh century B.C. The city is some form of partnership where people strive together to live in a place for the highest good. According to Aristotle man is a political animal by nature and inhabits cities which are formed from several households and villages combining to become complete and self-sufficient. Cited on the web at http://www.uni-rostock.de/fakult/philfak/fkw/iph/strobach/demo/pol/Lecture%203.pdf.
Ancient Greek planning is dominated by architecture in the form of great edifices that have survived till recent times particularly the agoras, palaces, and temples. These monumental structures have formed the genesis of a number of planning movements including the City Beautiful initiative and New Urbanism. (Cited in A.E.J. Morris’s book entitled “History of Urban Form”, pages 35-54.)
As for the Romans, this society organized their Empire into “a state where cities and countryside could be regarded as two facets of one and the same culture.” Monumental structures and forms also predominated the landscape as well. Key architectural and planning elements included paved streets, courthouses, circuses, houses, libraries, and public baths. The forum was the public square or marketplace in the city which served as the “administrative, commercial, and economic center of the colony, [and] was a lively place of economic, cultural, and artistic exchanges.” The Romans emphasized the importance of cities and transformed a number of existing villages into cities as well. (Cited in “History of Urban Form”, pages 55-91.)
Medieval Planning
After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, the Church influenced human settlement. “Medieval society was centered on the Church. The church was responsible for housing for the poor and encouraging commerce, building and the arts. For example, markets were held under its walls and religious buildings became the focal point of education and worship. The medieval towns developed around religious buildings and were created “with a sense of order and continuity.” A regular form of settlement was devised with a cluster around a castle, church, or natural eminence. Wall fortifications were built around these communities to protect the inhabitants “from the hostile barbarian countryside without.” By the 14th Century, the French turn “suburbe” was used based on the Latin term of “suburbium which was defined as two parts: “sub” meaning near and “urbs” meaning city.(Cited in “History of Urban Form”, pages 92-156.)
Renaissance/ Baroque City Planning
During this period the concepts of the ideal city centered on the circle or square with star shaped fortifications and a central core. Also new emphasis was placed on aesthetics. The ideal city was “expressive of a longing for utopia… [where] man imposed his own ideals of order and heroic dimensions.” Manheim, Germany in the 1600’s, Versailles, France, and Karlsruhe, Germany are good examples of the Renaissance/Baroque Planning. Both Karlsruhe and Mannheim “evolved around the palaces and great gardens of the royalty.” (Cited in Gallion and Eisner, “The Urban Pattern”, pages 49-50.)
According to Lewis Mumford in his book entitled “The City in History” the “city proper itself was transformed into “a sector of the original spider web, with the other avenues radiating out into a park or the open country.” For example, the royal town of Karlsruhe evolved into a pattern of a “partial star.” (Cited in City in History, pages 390-392.)
Western Europe—Versailles France and Andre Le Notre
Of special note was the development of Versailles. In 1624, Louis XIII purchased land near the small village of Versailles and built a royal hunting box. Over time, this site transformed into the grandest palace with the village becoming the “suburban capital” of the country. The monarch’s son hired Andre Le Notre to create a vast park from the earlier gardens. This park was described as “a great vista flanked by two shrubberies and following the central axis of the palace, with symmetrical arrangements of lawns and flowers on either side of this line.” (Cited in the History of Urban Form, pages 210-213.) According to Gallion and Eisner in their book entitled “The Urban Pattern”, the gardens of Versailles…was space of unparalleled proportions, scale of incomprehensive size. Here was the concept of a man…set about to become master of nature.” (Cited on page 49.)
Of additional note is the town of Versailles itself with “its combination of approach radials, to the glory of the monarch, and an expediency surveyor’s grid.” (Cited in “History of Urban Form”, pages 21.) All main avenues would lead to the palace. According to Mumford, the palace…would close the vista. The axial approach served as a spotlight to focus attention on the prince.” (Cited in “The City in History”, page 389.) Later in time, this “radial motif” played a key role in the design of Washington, D.C. by Pierre L’Enfant.
Industrial Revolution and Pre-Modern Planning—Paris France—Baron Haussman
The pre-modern period is the two hundred year period between 1700 and 1900 where Western Civilization was transforming from an agrarian society to an industrial society. With the invention of the railway and steam engine, the country side began to transform itself. Land allocated for different purposes to achieve maximum economic efficiency. Construction of tenement housing was profitable and standards for land uses were lax. Slums were created and issues of public health and safety were at stake.
By the mid 1800’s, Napoleon III recognized these conditions and was concerned with potential mob violence. With one eye open to control this, the emperor proposed a program to create broad avenues through the slums. Baron Georges-Eugene Haussman was selected to administer this program. Haussman laid out “new streets in long sweeps cutting through the maze of medieval lanes.” He created many grand boulevards by “radiating avenues” from the Place de l’Etoile and Champ Elysees across the open fields. Paris experienced rapid growth into its suburbs and “absorbed the open spaces” where there were pre-existing walls. (Cited in “The Urban Pattern”, pages 83-85.)
Modern Planning
The modern period is identified from the turn of the twentieth century to the current times of the twenty-first century. There are a number of modernist planners and architects who will be discussed in a future blog. The rest of this blog will comment on areas that are not publicized as much as Western Europe.
Central Europe: Austria—Vienna and Camillo Sitte
Vienna was typical of the medieval form of settlement. There was a clear demarcation between the town and countryside. In 1857 the old fortification system was demolished and in its place was constructed a broad tree lined avenue known as the Ring. Land use within the built-up area of the city was characterized by mixed uses with tenements, warehouses, and factories.
One of the most influential European architects and planners was Camillo Sitte who was born and died in Vienna. In 1883, his book entitled “City Planning According to Artistic Principles” enunciated basic principles of urban design. Sitte considered the proportions of town squares, monuments, and churches. Planning should be “creative art.” The interplay between public buildings and open spaces was paramount to good planning. He considered the gridiron subdivisions as “monotonous” and maximizing “land exploitation. Vienna was cited as one of the communities that practiced some of these principles. (Cited in Arnold Whittick, ed., “Encyclopedia of Urban Planning”, pages 902-903.)
In 1905, a prohibition of construction within a “woods and meadow” belt around the city was implemented by municipal law. Planning after 1955, finally considered combining elements of urban design, transportation planning as well as traditional land use zoning. One theory of town extension schemes would incorporate old villages and existing settlements as “suburbs” with good public transport and incorporate them with some of the surrounding countryside rather than leap into more isolated open stretches of land. Next, an urban renewal concept in suburban districts would encourage redesigned suburban centers with apartments replacing existing subsistence settlements. (Cited in “Encyclopedia of Urban Planning”, pages 134-148).
Eastern Europe: Poland
In the early eighth to thirteen centuries, settlement characteristics consisting of
“constructing the first of the grody (fortified burghs) around which the additional settlements-military, working-class, and commercial suburbs—clustered. By the fifteenth century, the urban network for a number of Polish towns was firmly established. However, many Polish communities were devastated by the activity of World War II. The historic core of Warsaw was basically leveled by the Nazis. In an extraordinary achievement, this city’s houses, churches, and other buildings were rebuilt in their historic form. In more recent times, existing towns have been developed in new districts and housing projects. In the period between 1950 and 1955, twenty five “new towns were built or major extensions carried out.” Some their town centers would accommodate central services and urban amenities with housing and its associated service facilities. (Cited in “Encyclopedia of Urban Planning”, pages 829-842).
Ancient Planning: Greece and the Roman Empire
The concept of the “city-polis” was “probably consciously created as early as the seventh century B.C. The city is some form of partnership where people strive together to live in a place for the highest good. According to Aristotle man is a political animal by nature and inhabits cities which are formed from several households and villages combining to become complete and self-sufficient. Cited on the web at http://www.uni-rostock.de/fakult/philfak/fkw/iph/strobach/demo/pol/Lecture%203.pdf.
Ancient Greek planning is dominated by architecture in the form of great edifices that have survived till recent times particularly the agoras, palaces, and temples. These monumental structures have formed the genesis of a number of planning movements including the City Beautiful initiative and New Urbanism. (Cited in A.E.J. Morris’s book entitled “History of Urban Form”, pages 35-54.)
As for the Romans, this society organized their Empire into “a state where cities and countryside could be regarded as two facets of one and the same culture.” Monumental structures and forms also predominated the landscape as well. Key architectural and planning elements included paved streets, courthouses, circuses, houses, libraries, and public baths. The forum was the public square or marketplace in the city which served as the “administrative, commercial, and economic center of the colony, [and] was a lively place of economic, cultural, and artistic exchanges.” The Romans emphasized the importance of cities and transformed a number of existing villages into cities as well. (Cited in “History of Urban Form”, pages 55-91.)
Medieval Planning
After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, the Church influenced human settlement. “Medieval society was centered on the Church. The church was responsible for housing for the poor and encouraging commerce, building and the arts. For example, markets were held under its walls and religious buildings became the focal point of education and worship. The medieval towns developed around religious buildings and were created “with a sense of order and continuity.” A regular form of settlement was devised with a cluster around a castle, church, or natural eminence. Wall fortifications were built around these communities to protect the inhabitants “from the hostile barbarian countryside without.” By the 14th Century, the French turn “suburbe” was used based on the Latin term of “suburbium which was defined as two parts: “sub” meaning near and “urbs” meaning city.(Cited in “History of Urban Form”, pages 92-156.)
Renaissance/ Baroque City Planning
During this period the concepts of the ideal city centered on the circle or square with star shaped fortifications and a central core. Also new emphasis was placed on aesthetics. The ideal city was “expressive of a longing for utopia… [where] man imposed his own ideals of order and heroic dimensions.” Manheim, Germany in the 1600’s, Versailles, France, and Karlsruhe, Germany are good examples of the Renaissance/Baroque Planning. Both Karlsruhe and Mannheim “evolved around the palaces and great gardens of the royalty.” (Cited in Gallion and Eisner, “The Urban Pattern”, pages 49-50.)
According to Lewis Mumford in his book entitled “The City in History” the “city proper itself was transformed into “a sector of the original spider web, with the other avenues radiating out into a park or the open country.” For example, the royal town of Karlsruhe evolved into a pattern of a “partial star.” (Cited in City in History, pages 390-392.)
Western Europe—Versailles France and Andre Le Notre
Of special note was the development of Versailles. In 1624, Louis XIII purchased land near the small village of Versailles and built a royal hunting box. Over time, this site transformed into the grandest palace with the village becoming the “suburban capital” of the country. The monarch’s son hired Andre Le Notre to create a vast park from the earlier gardens. This park was described as “a great vista flanked by two shrubberies and following the central axis of the palace, with symmetrical arrangements of lawns and flowers on either side of this line.” (Cited in the History of Urban Form, pages 210-213.) According to Gallion and Eisner in their book entitled “The Urban Pattern”, the gardens of Versailles…was space of unparalleled proportions, scale of incomprehensive size. Here was the concept of a man…set about to become master of nature.” (Cited on page 49.)
Of additional note is the town of Versailles itself with “its combination of approach radials, to the glory of the monarch, and an expediency surveyor’s grid.” (Cited in “History of Urban Form”, pages 21.) All main avenues would lead to the palace. According to Mumford, the palace…would close the vista. The axial approach served as a spotlight to focus attention on the prince.” (Cited in “The City in History”, page 389.) Later in time, this “radial motif” played a key role in the design of Washington, D.C. by Pierre L’Enfant.
Industrial Revolution and Pre-Modern Planning—Paris France—Baron Haussman
The pre-modern period is the two hundred year period between 1700 and 1900 where Western Civilization was transforming from an agrarian society to an industrial society. With the invention of the railway and steam engine, the country side began to transform itself. Land allocated for different purposes to achieve maximum economic efficiency. Construction of tenement housing was profitable and standards for land uses were lax. Slums were created and issues of public health and safety were at stake.
By the mid 1800’s, Napoleon III recognized these conditions and was concerned with potential mob violence. With one eye open to control this, the emperor proposed a program to create broad avenues through the slums. Baron Georges-Eugene Haussman was selected to administer this program. Haussman laid out “new streets in long sweeps cutting through the maze of medieval lanes.” He created many grand boulevards by “radiating avenues” from the Place de l’Etoile and Champ Elysees across the open fields. Paris experienced rapid growth into its suburbs and “absorbed the open spaces” where there were pre-existing walls. (Cited in “The Urban Pattern”, pages 83-85.)
Modern Planning
The modern period is identified from the turn of the twentieth century to the current times of the twenty-first century. There are a number of modernist planners and architects who will be discussed in a future blog. The rest of this blog will comment on areas that are not publicized as much as Western Europe.
Central Europe: Austria—Vienna and Camillo Sitte
Vienna was typical of the medieval form of settlement. There was a clear demarcation between the town and countryside. In 1857 the old fortification system was demolished and in its place was constructed a broad tree lined avenue known as the Ring. Land use within the built-up area of the city was characterized by mixed uses with tenements, warehouses, and factories.
One of the most influential European architects and planners was Camillo Sitte who was born and died in Vienna. In 1883, his book entitled “City Planning According to Artistic Principles” enunciated basic principles of urban design. Sitte considered the proportions of town squares, monuments, and churches. Planning should be “creative art.” The interplay between public buildings and open spaces was paramount to good planning. He considered the gridiron subdivisions as “monotonous” and maximizing “land exploitation. Vienna was cited as one of the communities that practiced some of these principles. (Cited in Arnold Whittick, ed., “Encyclopedia of Urban Planning”, pages 902-903.)
In 1905, a prohibition of construction within a “woods and meadow” belt around the city was implemented by municipal law. Planning after 1955, finally considered combining elements of urban design, transportation planning as well as traditional land use zoning. One theory of town extension schemes would incorporate old villages and existing settlements as “suburbs” with good public transport and incorporate them with some of the surrounding countryside rather than leap into more isolated open stretches of land. Next, an urban renewal concept in suburban districts would encourage redesigned suburban centers with apartments replacing existing subsistence settlements. (Cited in “Encyclopedia of Urban Planning”, pages 134-148).
Eastern Europe: Poland
In the early eighth to thirteen centuries, settlement characteristics consisting of
“constructing the first of the grody (fortified burghs) around which the additional settlements-military, working-class, and commercial suburbs—clustered. By the fifteenth century, the urban network for a number of Polish towns was firmly established. However, many Polish communities were devastated by the activity of World War II. The historic core of Warsaw was basically leveled by the Nazis. In an extraordinary achievement, this city’s houses, churches, and other buildings were rebuilt in their historic form. In more recent times, existing towns have been developed in new districts and housing projects. In the period between 1950 and 1955, twenty five “new towns were built or major extensions carried out.” Some their town centers would accommodate central services and urban amenities with housing and its associated service facilities. (Cited in “Encyclopedia of Urban Planning”, pages 829-842).
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Social Welfare Planning
In the book entitled "Urban Planning and Social Policy”, the editors, Bernard J. Frieden and Robert Morris stressed the need to remold physical and social planning together. These two planners, along with others including Melvin Webber and Martin Rein, decried the splitting of these two areas of interest into distinct categories since WWI. To these individuals it became apparent, that there was a necessary “interrelationship between several criteria: “a decent modern environment includes not only physical comfort and work, but education, services, and social relationships which open opportunity for all.” Further physical planning stresses the “proficiency in zoning, land use, and traffic patterns” is not sufficient to “establish the urban environment”; while “social forces are not powerful enough either.” Thus city planning and social planning need to converge “in the scope of action for which they call in the comprehensiveness of their views, and in their common stress upon spreading urban benefits to all the population.” (Cited on pages 2 and 3). Next, according to Melvin Webber, planners must assist to “extend access to opportunity” …“integrate larger wholes”, and :”expand freedom in a pluralistic society.”(Cited on pages 11-22).
According to Morris and Rein, the assessment of “our theoretical framework for planning in social welfare is long overdue.” These two further stress “the importance of a local community deserves special comment. Voluntary agency planning flourished in the belief that local communities constitute the essential foundation of American society.” Social welfare planning has been grounded in four major aspects: one, the “federated character as typified by local welfare planning councils; two, “the organized expression of a belief in rational utopianism”; three, the devotion of “their energies to problems which grew out of distribution and redistribution of resources among agencies, clients, personnel functions, and funds”; four, the strategy of consensus seeking.”(Cited on pages 23-28. ) (As an aside this blogger will comment on utopianism in a future entry.)
With the downsizing of the Great Society programs” , government sponsored social policy has been limited. In the heyday of the Johnson Administration, programs such as Model Cities and Appalachian initiatives were instrumental in the well being of significant segments of population. In addition, urban renewal forced the need to study socio-economic impacts and address the needs of those relocated by such physical changes upon the landscape.
Today, social welfare planning is centered on Faith Based Programs taken on by a number of religious organizations. The remnants of the pre-existing social welfare planning initiatives are the concentrated efforts by these groups within their respective communities to maintain a level of service for the homeless, welfare assisted individuals, and other poverty segments of the population. At that same time, the social fabric of the community i s changing with the decline of bowling clubs, scouting, and other social clubs which have negatively affected the sense of belonging within the communities. (Cited in Robert D. Putnam's book entitled "Bowling Alone: America's Declining Social Capital.")
The planners have somewhat neglected social welfare planning. A case point is the report entitled "Planning for an Aging Society" by Deborah Howe and others. In this report, “little attention is given to various issues that have a bearing on the needs of the older people including homelessness, relocation of substandard mobile homes, recreation planning, and rural economic decline.” In addition “broader social issues such as the viability of the Social Security system, the need for retirement planning, funding of health care, and long term care insurance” are not discussed at all despite the impacts on the growing number of elderly. According to these authors “an understanding of the demographic changes and a commitment to addressing locally specific needs…is one step toward toward facing these issues with a positive, creative, and effective planning approach.” (Cited on 6.)
Finally, in a recent report entitled "Planning Active Communities" edited by Marya Morris, planners and public health advocates are creating a new alliance to examine the “relationships between land-use planning, health, and physical activity in plans” Yet these are somewhat limited in assisting the individual at perhaps the expense of the common wealth. In the suburbs these issues are paramount particularly with the aging population unable to afford the homes they live in.
According to Morris and Rein, the assessment of “our theoretical framework for planning in social welfare is long overdue.” These two further stress “the importance of a local community deserves special comment. Voluntary agency planning flourished in the belief that local communities constitute the essential foundation of American society.” Social welfare planning has been grounded in four major aspects: one, the “federated character as typified by local welfare planning councils; two, “the organized expression of a belief in rational utopianism”; three, the devotion of “their energies to problems which grew out of distribution and redistribution of resources among agencies, clients, personnel functions, and funds”; four, the strategy of consensus seeking.”(Cited on pages 23-28. ) (As an aside this blogger will comment on utopianism in a future entry.)
With the downsizing of the Great Society programs” , government sponsored social policy has been limited. In the heyday of the Johnson Administration, programs such as Model Cities and Appalachian initiatives were instrumental in the well being of significant segments of population. In addition, urban renewal forced the need to study socio-economic impacts and address the needs of those relocated by such physical changes upon the landscape.
Today, social welfare planning is centered on Faith Based Programs taken on by a number of religious organizations. The remnants of the pre-existing social welfare planning initiatives are the concentrated efforts by these groups within their respective communities to maintain a level of service for the homeless, welfare assisted individuals, and other poverty segments of the population. At that same time, the social fabric of the community i s changing with the decline of bowling clubs, scouting, and other social clubs which have negatively affected the sense of belonging within the communities. (Cited in Robert D. Putnam's book entitled "Bowling Alone: America's Declining Social Capital.")
The planners have somewhat neglected social welfare planning. A case point is the report entitled "Planning for an Aging Society" by Deborah Howe and others. In this report, “little attention is given to various issues that have a bearing on the needs of the older people including homelessness, relocation of substandard mobile homes, recreation planning, and rural economic decline.” In addition “broader social issues such as the viability of the Social Security system, the need for retirement planning, funding of health care, and long term care insurance” are not discussed at all despite the impacts on the growing number of elderly. According to these authors “an understanding of the demographic changes and a commitment to addressing locally specific needs…is one step toward toward facing these issues with a positive, creative, and effective planning approach.” (Cited on 6.)
Finally, in a recent report entitled "Planning Active Communities" edited by Marya Morris, planners and public health advocates are creating a new alliance to examine the “relationships between land-use planning, health, and physical activity in plans” Yet these are somewhat limited in assisting the individual at perhaps the expense of the common wealth. In the suburbs these issues are paramount particularly with the aging population unable to afford the homes they live in.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Travels with Kerli Q: First Installment
This blog will deviate from the previous blogs somewhat to describe this blogger's recent trip to the New York area. Yesterday, this blogger had an opportunity to spend some time exploring a number of settlements in Connecticut and New York. The blogger did not take one of the quicker routes and instead opted for a more leisurely journey utilizing the Long Island ferry.
Kelo
Since there was an hour’s worth of free time prior to boarding the ferry boat, the blogger had the opportunity to visit portions of the waterfront area of New London. This shoreline community re-ceived a lot of publicity due to the recent landmark land use court case in the Supreme Court. The notable case of Kelo vs. City of New London is intriguing on a number of levels with reference to eminent domain taking of land. As a municipal planner involved in redevelopment, this case had a number of implications for future development in existing built up "grayfield" areas in suburia.
New London is a small port city of 25,671 inhabitants. Its history is rich with traditions, customs, and notable events. In the recent past, the economy of the area was greatly influenced by the defense related establishments that were involved in submarine development. Today, the emphasis has switched to more involvement in the tourist related industry including two large gambling resort establishments less than twenty minutes away along with high tech and office centers.
Kelo
Since there was an hour’s worth of free time prior to boarding the ferry boat, the blogger had the opportunity to visit portions of the waterfront area of New London. This shoreline community re-ceived a lot of publicity due to the recent landmark land use court case in the Supreme Court. The notable case of Kelo vs. City of New London is intriguing on a number of levels with reference to eminent domain taking of land. As a municipal planner involved in redevelopment, this case had a number of implications for future development in existing built up "grayfield" areas in suburia.
New London is a small port city of 25,671 inhabitants. Its history is rich with traditions, customs, and notable events. In the recent past, the economy of the area was greatly influenced by the defense related establishments that were involved in submarine development. Today, the emphasis has switched to more involvement in the tourist related industry including two large gambling resort establishments less than twenty minutes away along with high tech and office centers.
The city is attempting to improve its waterfront and adjacent areas as exemplified in the above picture. The question becomes whether eminent domain taking for economic development purposes was totally proper. The concept of urban renewal utilizing eminent domain taking conjures up of massive destruction of existing neighborhoods and the forced relocation of its inhabitants. The example of the demise of the West End of Boston is an infamous example of the social destruction of a neighborhood. Many of Jane Jacobs ideals were based on the need to need to preserve great cities such as New York from these catastrophes. On a suburban level, the implementation of eminent domain would be considered an “urban evil” and an anathema to the ideals of suburban living. The challenge will be changing this established process to possibly a more humane approach and yet accomplish the greater goal of improving the well being of the community by stimulating economic development .
The Elusive Butterfly
Upon landing on Long Island, it was this blogger's goal to find a rail transit stop area that epitomized proper land use development and intensity. The elusive butterfly was not caught on this trip. Starting of the end of the main line on Long Island, this blogger visited a number of sites and could not find a site that matched the scale and mix of development that would be an example for third tier suburban communities. A pleasant by-product of the trip was listening to two Long Island radio stations, one of which announced individual resident birth days while the other station was characterized by a talk show that discussed future development around one the below noted rail stops with a local government official.
Many planners talk about density of population around transit stops. Their mantra is "critical mass, critical mass, critical mass." Not one of them fully understands the implications of imposing a very high density of population in housing of over twenty dwelling units per acre in a community that has existing levels of .5 to 5 units per acre. Changes of this nature are considered earth shattering by many of these inhabitants and an affront to their well-being.
The blogger’s first stop was Greenport, New York. This community of 2,048 inhabitants is situated adjacent to the water and has a number of amenities including a picturesque downtown and a ferry boat connection to Shelter Island to its south.
The Elusive ButterflyUpon landing on Long Island, it was this blogger's goal to find a rail transit stop area that epitomized proper land use development and intensity. The elusive butterfly was not caught on this trip. Starting of the end of the main line on Long Island, this blogger visited a number of sites and could not find a site that matched the scale and mix of development that would be an example for third tier suburban communities. A pleasant by-product of the trip was listening to two Long Island radio stations, one of which announced individual resident birth days while the other station was characterized by a talk show that discussed future development around one the below noted rail stops with a local government official.
Many planners talk about density of population around transit stops. Their mantra is "critical mass, critical mass, critical mass." Not one of them fully understands the implications of imposing a very high density of population in housing of over twenty dwelling units per acre in a community that has existing levels of .5 to 5 units per acre. Changes of this nature are considered earth shattering by many of these inhabitants and an affront to their well-being.
The blogger’s first stop was Greenport, New York. This community of 2,048 inhabitants is situated adjacent to the water and has a number of amenities including a picturesque downtown and a ferry boat connection to Shelter Island to its south.
The second stop along this Long Island Railroad line was Southold, New York. Southold has a population of 20,599. Its station has very limited parking any automated ticket machines. As you can see in the picture on the right, the appearance of the land uses was far from optimal.
The third stop was Mattituck, New York. 
Mattituck has a population of 4,198. It has 
a very nice compact downtown which is integrated with the rail station. The train stop is set next to a historic period center center with gas light and brick sidewalks. The scale is pedestrian oriented and of all the sites visited, this site comes closest to matching the goals of the blogger in terms of a model suburban train stop. The two pictures below depict the connection of train stop and downtown area.
Mattituck has a population of 4,198. It has 
a very nice compact downtown which is integrated with the rail station. The train stop is set next to a historic period center center with gas light and brick sidewalks. The scale is pedestrian oriented and of all the sites visited, this site comes closest to matching the goals of the blogger in terms of a model suburban train stop. The two pictures below depict the connection of train stop and downtown area.
Proceeding inland, the next stop was Riverhead, New York. Riverhead has a population of 27,680 and is characterized by its ethnic population, country government buildings, and its large outlet mall. The train station was notable and the station was situated near the downtown and the government buildings.
My next to last stop was Medford, New York. Medford has a population of 21,985. This community was less traditional than the other stops. The stop was somewhat difficult to access off the arterial roadway yet was was adjacent to a number of non-pedestrian oriented businesses. Of note was the sheltered station depicted in the picture.
The last stop was Central Islip. This stop was located in a community of 31,950. It is surrounded by intense one story development. This station is typical large regional park and ride stop with few amenities.
At this point, the blogger stopped examining other rail stations. On a positive note, many of the small stations had a well integrated system of intermodal linkages including buses, jitneys, automobiles, and pedestrian connections.
My next to last stop was Medford, New York. Medford has a population of 21,985. This community was less traditional than the other stops. The stop was somewhat difficult to access off the arterial roadway yet was was adjacent to a number of non-pedestrian oriented businesses. Of note was the sheltered station depicted in the picture.
The last stop was Central Islip. This stop was located in a community of 31,950. It is surrounded by intense one story development. This station is typical large regional park and ride stop with few amenities.
At this point, the blogger stopped examining other rail stations. On a positive note, many of the small stations had a well integrated system of intermodal linkages including buses, jitneys, automobiles, and pedestrian connections.
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