Five tips toward health in your neighborhood
TV shows from the 1970s such as Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and Sesame Street gave young views the idea that a neighborhood could be "a place brimming with a sense of community and belonging," writes Rachel Pomerance.
Reality, unfortunately, often has failed to measure up to that vision. But Pomerance argues that New Urbanism can go a long way toward producing the kinds of communities that are healthier for people—both physically and emotionally.
Presenting findings from public health expert Dr. Richard Jackson and other experts and advocates, she gives five tips to "nurturing health in your neighborhood." The five call for: starting with youth, rethinking transportation options, choosing to live where you can walk to daily amenities, improving existing neighborhoods, and working with local governments.
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• See the March 2012 issue of Better! Cities & Towns. Topics: Traffic congestion, Zoning, DOT mainstreams livability, HUD's Sustainable Communities, Transit-oriented development, TOD tips, Form-based codes, Parking minimums, New classical town, Urban retail, James H. Kunstler, Placemaking and job growth, Maryland's smart growth.
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