Latino New Urbanism Takes Off

Communities find cultural preferences can aid efforts to limit sprawl.

1 minute read

February 17, 2005, 7:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


Advocates of Latino New Urbanism suggest that places where Latinos are fast becoming the majority could help "rein in sprawl by capitalizaing on Latino cultural preferences for compact neighborhoods, large public places and a sense of community. Builders and planners have largely ignered the cultural identity of this new wave of homebyers says planner Michael Mendez, who coined the term 'Latino New Urbanism'. As a result, many Hispanics moving up the economic ladder choose typical suburbs far from work, mass transit and shopping because it's usually the only path to home ownership, Mendez says. 'They have to assimilate into what's available.' "

Thanks to Michael Mendez

Wednesday, February 16, 2005 in USA Today

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