Is New Urbanism Elitist?

Mary Newsom, a Knight Fellow and editor for the Charlotte Observer, responds to criticism that New Urbanism is elitist.

1 minute read

January 11, 2006, 8:00 AM PST

"Since suburban development is going to happen anyway -- much as you and I would prefer to see underused, in-town sites developed instead -- why shouldn't it be better designed, better for the environment, more suited to support public transit and more like the neighborhoods that have stood the test of time?

Plenty of New Urbanist developments aren't elitist -- although Seaside sure isn't among them. One key New Urbanism principle is to include a range of housing at a range of prices, by including more 'affordable' options: apartments over stores, garage apartments and live-work units, etc. etc. Seaside has those places, but Seaside got so popular even the tiny places built to be 'affordable' aren't, any more."

Thanks to Chuck Bohl

Read the full story: New Urbanism: Too Elitist?

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 in The Naked City

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