New Urbanism in North Augusta

"On a warm October afternoon, Hammond's Ferry resident Walker Posey walks from his house to Manuel's Bread Cafe, one of two open businesses in the neighborhood. It's a walk he says he makes about 10 times a week.

He said having a sidewalk cafe in walking distance not only encourages his patronage, but also his participation in the community.

'It encourages you to interact,' said Mr. Posey, who has lived in Hammond's Ferry since June. 'I was concerned about being so close to people. It's a positive, but it could be a negative as well. But so far, I've had no problems with it.'

Mr. Posey said he was attracted to the ideals of new urbanism long before he found his house. The North Augusta native said his move into the community was a long time coming.

'I had actually been looking in here since they began developing it,' he said. "I've wanted to be here since the ground was broken."

Asked whether he worried about the prospect of more people crowding the development's intentionally narrow streets, Mr. Posey said he looked forward to the expansion plans.

'I mean, that's really what it's all about,' he said. 'The people.'"