New Publication on Density and Neighborhoods

Example of stepdown heights between taller buildings and SFH in Arlington VA

Hi All - I am the author of the latest Zoning Practice, a publication of the American Planning Association.  The August 2012 edition is called "Density and the Planning Edge."

I've long been frustrated with planning at this edge (having started my planning career in Arlington as an activist living on this edge but supportive of Metro-oriented density).  My main complaints are:

• There are legitimate concerns on livability that can be better addressed if included at the front end of the planning process: noise, circulation, design, restaurant smells, parks, drainage, parking, garbage pickup, traffic, loading and deliveries, crosswalks
• There are also long term impacts that can be better managed when maintenance and management are front-end topics. 
• There is no organized, central repository where local decision makers, developers and homeowners can go to see policies, stipulations, maintenance agreements, photos, plans and graphics that have worked (or fell short) in other places.
• If this is a top reason why good redevelopment and density do not take place, why are we not addressing as a planning imperative? 

I will be blogging on some really great case studies I found, but will also be on the stump to create a bigger, more helpful project.  Let me know if you are interested, or send changemakers my way (lisa[at]nisenson.net].  Any ideas of who to approach as partners or funders also welcome.

You can see the official blurb at  http://www.planning.org/zoningpractice/

To order a copy, mail a $10 check to

Zoning Practice Back Issues
American Planning Association
205 N Michigan Ave
Suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60601