Self-contained subdivisions in Northern Virginia, while advertising a "sense of community," are excluding their rural neighbors, who feel they are no longer welcome in their own towns.
Residents of rapidly suburbanizing rural towns in Northern Virginia have suddenly become foreigners in their own land as new, self-contained developments take over the landscape. These so-called "privatopias" are distorting the traditional sense of "community" by creating a parallel set of "private" amenities - parks, swimming pools, etc. - that are otherwise maintained by municipal authorities. Unfortunately, the neighbors of these new subdivisions find they're rarely welcome to take part in community life.
Thanks to Daniel Reed
Read the full story: Subdivisions Impose Social Divide
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority