If Ithaca had a density like that, where do you envision all of the goods we buy coming from? How about all the things bought from Walmart, grocery stores, and the malls? That would mean much more traffic, more people driving, more resources for goods we probably didn't need in the first place.
I still don't understand why so many here are wishing for higher housing density. Sure it means some systems will run more efficiently, but any population gain is going to hurt us quite a bit in the long run. If that housing density comes with people actually choosing better transportation options, growing their own food to some extent, buying local materials, and holding community events often, that I would welcome it, but I doubt that scenario is anywhere near likely to happen as long as oil is still around. Maybe I'm pessimistic here? Somehow this population needs to reduce though, and unless you are bringing the ouskirts closer to the city then higher density does no good. -Andy On Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 10:45 PM, <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > And it is a tragedy that we cannot imagine a density of housing in Ithaca > that could build on 5 to 6 story or even 10 story buildings, like > neighborhoods > in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx that maintain vibrant shopping, parks, > education centers, etc and a powerful sense of community. My sense is > that is > what our downtown needs and that need will encroach on places like Fall > Creek, > where I live, and I welcome it. > > Eric > > In a message dated 8/8/2008 4:56:24 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, > [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > > > > >From the New York Times: > > HEALTH / RESEARCH | August 5, 2008 > Vital Signs: Patterns: In Older Neighborhoods, Less Weight Gain > By ERIC NAGOURNEY > A new study reports that people who live in older neighborhoods appear > less > likely to be overweight. > > > http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/05/health/research/05patt.html?ex=1218772800&en > =97a340e2bb95a503&ei=5070&emc=eta1<http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/05/health/research/05patt.html?ex=1218772800&en=97a340e2bb95a503&ei=5070&emc=eta1> > > The article does not mention that a critical factor in neighborhood > walkability is 1) density; and 2) as a result of density the presence of > many more > activity centers within a 10-15 minute walk of home. > > The fact is that older neighborhoods such as Fall Creek, South Side and > Bryant Park are anywhere from five to ten times more densely built than > post-1960s suburbs such as in the Town of Ithaca, Town of Dryden abd Town > of Lansing. > That means that a lot more activities, such as schools, shopping, places > of > work, etc. are within easy walking and biking distance. > > Ergo, more exercise, less driving, less greenhouse gas emissions, etc., > etc.., etc., etc. > > George Frantz > > > > --- > George R. Frantz, AICP, ASLA > Visiting Lecturer > Dept. of City & Regional Planning > Cornell University > 604 Cliff Street > Ithaca, New York 14850 > (607) 256-9310 > > > > _______________________________________________ > For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, > please visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/ > > RSS, archives, subscription & listserv information for: > [email protected] > > > > > > Eric Clay, M.Div., Ph.D. > Community Coach > Shared Journeys, Inc. > 832 North Aurora Street > Ithaca, NY 14850 > 607-592-6874_ [EMAIL PROTECTED] (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]) > > Shared Journeys: Make a World of Difference > > > Our mission is to help individuals, families, organizations and > communities > care more effectively for themselves and others who are not like them. > > > > **************Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? > Read reviews on AOL Autos. > ( > http://autos.aol.com/cars-BMW-128-2008/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00050000000017) > _______________________________________________ > For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, > please visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/ > > RSS, archives, subscription & listserv information for: > [email protected] > http://lists.mutualaid.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainabletompkins > free hosting by http://www.mutualaid.org > > > _______________________________________________ For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/ RSS, archives, subscription & listserv information for: [email protected] http://lists.mutualaid.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainabletompkins free hosting by http://www.mutualaid.org
