I recently had the pleasure of reviewing a piece by local authors, architects, and urbanist Ted Lott and Mark Miller. Both gentlemen have a long history of doing great, innovative work to build vibrant neighborhoods.
Let me start by saying, overall I really enjoyed the book. It’s interesting to hear in more detail localized, informed positions on the important issues of neighborhood development and creating a sense of place. The book offered input on the current discussions within community development circles regarding strategies in developing area specific plans and a sense of place that makes urban areas attractive; all the while using local case studies (e.g. Brikyaat, FSFM, Belknap, etc.) to support their statements.
That said, there is one point I had of disagreement. Albeit small, it is still important. In Ted’s piece, “Trichotillomania in Urban Design,” he states that urban plans must flow from the citizens to the City versus the City initiating and controlling the planning process.
I would never doubt the indigenous wisdom of the residents of the neighborhood, but I disagree that planning processes must come from the residents. By relying on groups that are not located in challenged neighborhoods, which also correlates with minority concentrations, economic levels, and ability to obtain employment, I am afraid that the highly beneficial planning processes will only take place in wealthier neighborhoods, leaving economically challenged areas behind to continue deterioration. Essentially he argues for a “private market” solution were the process relies on consultants to lead neighborhoods that are able to obtain funding to benefit from this service. Where as those most economically challenged neighborhoods who are fit enough (i.e. rich in assets, community will, etc) will often aggressively seek the resources. If the process was in the hands of a public body there would be more assurance and room for advocacy to all neighborhoods, no matter their demographics or planning resources. My point here being that if we leave planning up to the will of private organizations who happened to be equipped due segregated areas, we may leave out the already marginalized neighborhoods. By leaving out these neighborhoods and not creating area specific plans (ASP), business will be less likely to invest which will continue the downward spiral. By government playing a larger role, working with the residents, and prioritizing resources to ASP, the whole city, including challenged areas, will benefit in this regard. This all goes without saying that the resources to support ASP do not exist at the government level, but rather lie in the hands of private foundations…I acknowledge that flaw in my argument.
I would recommend this book to friends, neighbors, elected officials, planners, urbanist, and others. You can buy/order a copy at your local bookstore (Lit Life in my case) or here.
