Scottsdale, Arizona planners have released a new vision for their downtown, in a 'trend toward urban living'.
"The size and height of buildings in downtown Scottsdale are getting all the attention, but the real stars of the city's new downtown plan are the pedestrians.
A draft released this week describes walking as "such an essential part of what is meant by 'downtown' that the quality of the pedestrian environment - safety, comfort, interest, continuity - is a necessity."
It proposes banning "auto-dominated site designs."
If adopted and built, the plan calls for shady corridors, covered walkways, wide sidewalks with on-street cafés, and other changes designed to get pedestrians get out of their cars.
"We created a hierarchy of streets for pedestrian walk-ability," said John Lusardi, the city's advance planning director."
FULL STORY: Pedestrians key to new downtown
As Business Districts Continue to Falter, Mixed-Use Neighborhoods Flourish
While office vacancies remain high and foot traffic sparse in many U.S. downtowns, areas with housing and businesses are more vibrant and desirable than ever.
Midburbs: A New Definition of Suburbs
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North Texas Town Launches Downtown Revitalization Plan
The Design Downtown Denton plan takes aim at improving walkability and highlighting the city’s historic assets.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Research Shows More Roads = More Driving
A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.
EV Chargers Now Outnumber Gas Pumps by Nearly 50% in California
Fast chargers still lag behind amidst rapid growth.
Affordable Housing Renovations Halt Mid-Air Amidst DOGE Clawbacks
HUD may rescind over a billion dollars earmarked for green building upgrades.
Has Anyone at USDOT Read Donald Shoup?
USDOT employees, who are required to go back to the office, will receive free parking at the agency’s D.C. offices — flying in the face of a growing research body that calls for pricing parking at its real value.
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