A Model for a Smarter Suburban Streetscape

"We need more and better models of suburban revitalization," writes Benfield, "and not just in growing affluent areas where investment dollars are relatively easy to come by.  What about in places where it remains pragmatically important to accommodate drivers, and where change can occur only gradually, over time?"

"The South Miami Hometown district may be providing such a model," he notes. Though the area seems to have more assets than suburbs oriented around strip and big box retail, Benfield's before and after images demonstrate the district has made significant progress in enhancing the walkability of its auto-oriented environments.