Duany Brings New Urbanism To Pacifica, California

"For some, it's just another 'Oh, no, here we go again' moment. For others, it's an honest effort to work with a developer who says he wants what's best for Pacifica.

For anybody who attends the ongoing meetings of the Rockaway Quarry Charrette process this week, it's bound to be an education in urban planning.

Andres Duany, hired by owner/developer R. Don Peebles to facilitate a comprehensive community planning week, is meeting with interested residents who have some pretty strong ideas about the Quarry. His skill in planning and background in what is called "new urbanism" is evident from the moment he begins talking. The process of developing a community plan does not circumvent any normal planning requirements or procedures.

On Monday, an afternoon meeting with about 50 people at the Best Western Lighthouse Hotel got off to a bit of a rocky start, with several people attempting to poke holes in any development project at the Quarry right off the bat.

Later that night, a lecture by Duany on the advantages of 'traditional' town centers over suburban sprawl seemed to engage everyone. That meeting also attracted about 50 people."

Thanks to Katharine Burgess