New Publication: Creating Great Neighborhoods

Posted by on November 14, 2003

[posted from Comm-Org]

From: Torma.Tim at epamail.epa.gov

New publication: “Creating Great Neighborhoods: Density in Your Community” http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/density.htm

Density can create great places. The new publication “Creating Great Neighborhoods: Density in Your Community” is helping communities make this case by changing perceptions about density. The National Association of Realtors? released the report on November 10, 2003 at the 2003 REALTORS? Conference & Expo. The report was produced in cooperation with the Local Government Commission and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“Creating Great Neighborhoods” discusses benefits density can provide; presents how density can be done poorly; showcases well-designed, dense, new residential communities; and describes techniques to help communities use density to meet multiple goals.

As communities confront the consequences of low density development, a more balanced perspective is emerging. People are beginning to realize that nodes of more intense development can help achieve economic, housing, environmental and quality of life goals. This more balanced perspective changes the discussion
from “Should we have density?” to “What should the density look like and how should we create it?” The report invites citizens to think about designing great places, rather than focusing exclusively on density.

Building great dense places with good design is not just abstract theory — it is a practical approach to growth that is being used in diverse places across the country. The report presents case studies from nine communities across the nation that built successful density, and explains five major design principles
that made it work.

To obtain a free hard copy of this report, please contact the US EPA’s Development, Community, and Environmental Division at 202-566-2862 or email at smartgrowth at epa.gov. To access it online visit: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth.