Assemblymember Jared Huffman co-wrote an editorial in yesterday’s Insight section of the SF Chronicle. From Walk this way – urge ‘sustainable development.
So why is suburban sprawl the norm instead of housing close to shops, cafes and transit? The primary roadblock to this development is local land-use policies.
Yet market trends indicate that demand is increasing for walkable communities, particularly for retirees, couples without children, adult singles and other families who are not interested in the suburban lifestyle.
So what do they suggest can be done about it?
First, local governments need to develop comprehensive plans for walkable communities instead of undergoing project-by-project approvals that encourage haphazard and disconnected development.
It seems like you hear complaints about ballot box planning around the Alameda Point discussion, and it is. But the idea that what we have wasn’t ballot-boxed or controlled or steered by public policy isn’t anymore correct. Huffman makes the case for looking a little more regionally, while benefitting locally. Just thought it was a good Monday morning read.