Quote:
Originally Posted by LikesBikes
Just because there will be a sidewalk provided doesn't mean it'll necessarily be a pleasant place to walk. Surface parking seriously detracts from the public realm/sense-of-place by creating gaps between buildings. I am also not a fan of large setbacks if the space is unusable for people walking (e.g. a plaza). Usually in these types of suburban developments the setbacks end up being filled with grass which IMO is not visually attractive and is just a waste of space and potential. Having the building abutting the street makes for a more interesting walking experience as you have the ability to window shop more and feel an increased sense of safety due to 'eyes on the street'.
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I would agree with you if we were talking about SGR, but I don’t have the same expectations for a suburban development, surrounded by similar developments.
I’m pretty sure that the people who will live here will have no problem walking about in the area. I also noticed the building will have bicycle parking, a definite plus, and would suggest that the area is bikeable as well.
I do wish that future suburban areas will be designed with improved walkability in mind, such that they work like mini urban neighbourhoods, in that needed facilities are all nearby. I’m sure it’s being done elsewhere, but it always seems that Halifax lags behind, as we have with transit, which could knit these mini suburban/urban nodes together without the need to drive everywhere…