Op-Ed: How ‘Useful’ Businesses Boost Walkability

Urbanists make a lot of hay of ‘mixed use,’ writes Erin Caldwell in an op-ed for Next City. Neighborhoods need diverse businesses and services to thrive, urbanists frequently say. But what about the types of businesses?

According to Caldwell, “A neighborhood dense with businesses that do not meet the weekly needs of residents is no better than a neighborhood absent businesses with respect to walkability. Walkability depends, at least in part, on having comprehensive retail.”

For Caldwell, this offers an opportunity for cities to guide development through their zoning codes. “How can cities encourage the presence of businesses that satisfy daily necessities? While zoning based on business type is not new, traditional zoning does not take business usefulness into account. But what if zoning laws allowed useful businesses in residential or mixed-use areas and relegated non-useful businesses to industrial or commercial districts?”

Usefulness is, of course, subjective, so this type of code may be difficult to create and enforce. Caldwell suggests creating objective measures such as the number of in-person transactions or amenities such as public restrooms, bike racks, or public seating. “Besides re-zoning, enrichment through mixed-use can be achieved by permitting business spaces attached to residential units, commonly known as accessory commercial units.”

For Caldwell, retail can have a major impact on community. “Accessible retail and recreation centers are akin to ‘town squares’ in that they provide places and reasons for neighbors to congregate. Repeat visits to businesses increase the likelihood of interaction between neighbors, as well as business staff, who also form an integral part of the community.”