Urban Renewal

The Urban Renewal elements of Duany's Smart Growth Principles were everywhere downtown. On 2nd Avenue North, we observed Shops on the Sidewalk (10.7) in the form of the convenience store, Faith Skate Supply (skate shop), and What's on 2nd?. Another element observed was Eyes on the Street (10.6) surprisingly enough by Jeremy. His office is 2 blocks away from his home and by him living where he works, he is watching the area for suspicious behavior. Another element seen was On-Street Parking (8.5) in the form of the parking on 2nd Avenue North. The parking was parallel on the street and this created a slow-street in which traffic was calmed and the pedestrian was protected by a buffer in the form of a car. Another principle was the Commercial Lofts (12.3) and Live/Work Buildings (12.5) where a shop was on the bottom of a building and a loft or home for the resident and/or shop owner was integrated. Last, Heat and Light (13.3) in the form of Jeremys parents' green roof. The green roof design minimized thermal and light impacts as well as lowered cooling and heating costs.

Park Place

Park Place was the HOPE VI community we observed downtown on our visit. I was very impressed with Park Place because of the fact that it had achieved what all the other new urbanist communities we had studied had failed at, economic diversity. Park Place had 3 programs: Market value, middle income, and low income. With these 3 programs they were able to successfully establish a mixed income community. While racial distribution was not achieved, this is still better than all the communities we observed and especially Trussville Springs. Trussville Springs, while still in the works, is a pretentious community built to satisfy a market of new urbanist of the white upper class. Park Place is a genuine community in which you can feel the authenticity of something built to help the poor and eliminate the policy of concentrating poor people in an area. This community is further held up by the fact that it is in downtown which is already an urban landscape that was not planned or artificially built with a "New Urbanist" plan. Park Place is within a clinic, YMCA, Park, and two schools which gives this community a towering sucess over all the other communities we observed in the class.

Green Initiatives

Green Initiative is a form of action to make environmentally responsible decisions. The inner-city urban experience was "green" with the Jones Valley Urban Farm, the Dart, and green roofs. Jones Valley Urban Farm is a farm located near Park Place where organic food is grown and shipped and sold locally to restaurants and consumers. This is a green initiative because the fact that it is locally shipped and locally bought means less transportation by big trucks across hundreds of miles from a rural area. The amount of money saved by gas and the reduced carbon emissions certainly make this a worthy green initiative. The Dart is Birmingham's downtown transportation system. This trolley runs through downtown and is very affordable (only 25 cents the day we rode it). The trolley on the day we went on it, had people in it which means this mode of green initiative is certainly working. People are riding the Dart (*certainly not by choice). The last green initiative observed were green roofs, it was Jeremys parents' green roof. While we did not personally see it, I'm sure Jeremy did a fine job making this green roof effective by reducing heating costs, and the plant's job of recycling the air. The biggest downfall of these observed "green initiatives" is the Dart. The Dart is simply not reliable enough in its timing. Not only did we end up walking back to UAB, we did not even see one Dart run by us on the way back. The wait for the first Dart was also 30 minutes. The Dart would be increasingly more effective if it were actually on time (run by every 10 minutes). I am sure that the people who ride the Dart are very poor and have no other alternative of transportation as I'm sure they would choose anything but the Dart to get around.

"Third Places"

A "third place" is defined as a location that is not work or home where social interaction takes place. The third places I observed downtown where Lucy's, Urban Standard, The Rogue Tavern, and Pale Eddie's Pourhouse (future "third place"). Most of the "third places" I observed where coffee shops and bars/taverns. However, "third places" are not limited to these two things; they also include beauty parlors, community centers, cafes, newsstands, and bookstores. "Third places" are important in a community because they allow for something to do and for social interaction. They are a place where people from different work and backgrounds can gather and socialize. A doctor can socialize with a construction worker or an artist can socialize with a lawyer. These third places provide a way for individuals to meet people outside their work. The "social capital" earned in these places is crucial. Social capital is the "worth" of the people you know. The "social capital" you can build in a successful third place is very valuable as was demonstrated by the story of Jammel at Lucy's. This type of "social capital" is not possible in a suburban environment. In suburbia, people are separated by yards, their car, and the great distances between people. In an urban environment such as downtown it is possible to interact with many different kinds of people and build valuable social capital.

Railroad Park

Sociability: While the park is not officially open yet, it is easy to theorize that this railroad park will bring about many different kinds of people. Even though many different people will be at the park, I think that people will be able to interact comfortably with each other. I feel like everyone in Birmingham will make this park their own and people will be united by that bond. I also believe that UAB students will have no problem interacting in the park as I am very excited for the opening of this park. The general feeling at the Railroad Park will be one of ownership and camaraderie.

Railroad Park

Uses & Activities: Railroad Park has an abundance of activities. The park has an amphitheater, walking trails, skate bowl, green area, and ponds. The list of things to do in the park is numerous and people will have no problem finding something to do even if it is just people watching. Railroad Park will be successful because of the fact that there is so much to do. In addition, there will also be festivals and bands scheduled to play throughout the year. The park will attract many different kinds of people from parents, kids, skateboarders, athletes, and dog walkers. This park is guaranteed to be full of people on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Railroad Park

Comfort & Image: The Railroad Park project has a good sense of comfort and image. The gravel paths are easy to walk through and the rubber path surface on the top of the park is comfortable to the knees. The park itself is very beautiful with its streams and view of the railroad. The benches are placed in areas looking out to the streams and give a sense of tranquility. Overall the park is very aesthetically pleasing.

Mt. Laurel: Yard Trees 13.9

This picture depicts the principle of yard trees. Trees are excellent way to minimize urban heat islands. They reduce heating and cooling costs. They also increase the value of a home and they are inexpensive. Trees are extremely useful in a neighborhood and preserving them is vital in the neighborhood setting. With the construction systems used in suburbia, the land is leveled to build new homes and trees are uprooted without any consideration. In a smart growth system, homes are built to accommodate trees as best possible. They are recognized to be a vital part of the neighborhood. Mt. Laurel also recognizes this and is very conscious of the location of the houses it builds. It takes great consideration the location of trees in order to build a house. Mt. Laurel residents recognize this and make a conscious effort in preserving the environment.

Mt. Laurel: Sustainable Building Materials 13.5

This picture depicts the principle of Sustainable Building Materials. This is a picture of the Town Center of Mt. Laurel where all the houses are sold. This building is made up of limestone and rocks that came straight off of the Mountain of Mt. Laurel. The fact that this building was made from material within close range is very environmentally conscious. If construction of buildings can be done with conserving resources then all the better. This building is successful because the material came from closer than a 500 mile radius minimizing transportation. Also, as a result it also allowed for minimal energy use. The fact that stone was used is also a very environmental choice. The town of Mt. Laurel shows that they were fully aware of the resources around them and decided to utilize them to the fullest. The building they created also gives Mt. Laurel an identity. This building not only makes Mt. Laurel unique but also conserves precious resources.

Mt. Laurel: Pavement Materials 9.5

This picture depicts the principle of Pavement Materials. This is a picture of a sidewalk in Mt. Laurel near a park. The pavement on this sidewalk is a mix of concrete and gravel. The purpose of this mix is to provide run off for stormwater. This pervious concrete is also more attractive than just plain concrete sidewalks. Mt. Laurel utilizes this pervious concrete in a very successful way because it makes the walk to the park memorable and it also helps with runoff. The residents of Mt. Laurel understand the need for aesthetically pleasing surroundings including the very sidewalk on which people walk on. It also provides excellent storm water protection. A win win situation.

Mt. Laurel: Rear Alleys and Lanes 8.12

This picture depicts the principle of Rear Alleys and Lanes. In this picture, an alley way is shown with the garbage can, mailbox, and garage in display. The idea behind having an alley way is to have the car and other services such as garbage hidden from the main sidewalk. This discreet access allows the sidewalk to be used by pedestrians and not be wasted by having cars and smelly garbage on the sidewalk. The alley way not only hides trash cans and parking but also hides ugly things such as transformers and fuse boxes. The community of Mt. Laurel utilizes these alleys very effectively. There are no houses with driveways and definitely no houses with garages in the very front of the house. The residents of Mt. Laurel understand the need for clear streets in order for pedestrians to use them. The result of having alleyways is the interaction between neighbors on the now clear sidewalk.

Mt. Laurel: Complete Streets 8.1

This picture depicts the principle of Complete Streets. This is a picture of a bike lane designated to a neighborhood road. The roads in Mt. Laurel are complete streets in that they are shared by all; pedestrians, bikers, and cars. They enable everyone to enjoy and utilize the road. In addition, biking is a good way to get around because it does not consume any gas therefore saving money, is good exercise, and does not cause traffic. The effectiveness of this street is shown by a person utilizing the sidewalk in this picture. The community of Mt. Laurel shows that they care about not just automobile needs as in suburbia. They understand the design of pedestrian, automobile, and bicyclist interaction on the road.

Mt. Laurel: Retail Distribution 5.4

This picture shows the principle of Retail Distribution. This is a corner grocery store in the community of Mt. Laurel. The effectiveness of this grocery store is the fact that it is within a 5 minute walk of residents living in Mt. Laurel. People living in Mt. Laurel do not need to drive to a walmart 15 minutes away when they have this grocery store within walking distance. The residents of Mt. Laurel show that a business such as a corner grocery store can thrive in a community like this because of the convenience and centered location.

Mt. Laurel: Reducing Cut and Fill 4.5

This picture represents the principle of Reducing Cut and Fill. This house in Mt. Laurel is a house that has steps leading up to the front door and this is because the topography of the land in this part of Mt. Laurel is of rolling hills. This house is elevated because no bulldozers were used to level the land. The tree in the front would most likely be gone if this approach had not been taken. Although more expensive, this "working with the land" approach shows that people are very concerned in the environment. In addition to helping the environment, this rolling hills topography helps make this place memorable and unique.

Mt. Laurel: Live/Work Buildings 12.5

This picture depicts the principle of Live/Work Buildings. This picture shows the backside of the Area 41 Pizzeria. The owner of the pizzeria is the one who lives above his business. This live/work situation is good for the community because it establishes "eyes on the street." This is a setting in which the owner keeps a close eye on the neighborhood in the best interest of his business. He is going to alarm the police of any suspicious activity near his pizzeria and as a result the whole neighborhood benefits. The live/work buildings also reduce car trips because the owner lives above his business. Live work buildings overall help a community immensely because of the safety setting they create and the amount of traffic they reduce. Mt. Laurel uses these live/work buildings very effectively and not only the pizzeria uses them but all the restaurants located in the town of Mt. Laurel. This shows that the people of Mt. Laurel are aware of the increased benefits of these type of buildings.

Introduction: Mt. Laurel

The visit to Mt. Laurel was very neat. It was a very nice community where everyone seemed to want to know each other and had a close relationship. The community was very walkable and it seemed that a car was not necessary to get around within the community. Walking anywhere was usually within 5 minutes and there was an array of little parks scattered throughout the neighborhood. The houses were a bit expensive and it seemed that most of the residents where white middle/upper class. The sight of golf carts also gave the suspicion that although everything was within walking distance, people were still reluctant to walk everywhere. The grocery store in the town and the restaurants suggested people did not have to leave the community to get their daily needs. The community's design does make a difference because living here seems to be a lot better than living in suburbia and also it gives you a chance to socialize with people in ways that are not possible in suburbia. Overall, I would like to live here but I don't think I could afford it until I was well into my career and had a good bit of money.

Mt. Laurel: Pocket Park 6.3

This pocket park was found entering the residential part of Mt. Laurel at a staggered intersection. This pocket park represents the principle of pocket parks. It achieves this by being within a short distance of most residential homes. This is a good design because it contains benches and tree cover for people wanting to relax. It is also conveniently placed and very accessible to the residents. This pocket park is also one of several spotted across the community of Mt. Laurel. I think that this pocket park allows the residents to relax or read a book on a pretty day. It is also a place to just relax or bring children to. It shows people wanting a place to relax or also socialize with other residents in the neighborhood.

Sprawl: Roadway

This picture is of Highway 280. This picture depicts the Roadway component of sprawl. Highway 280 is a very long road with no sidewalks and no pedestrian accessibility. Its 3 and sometimes 4 lanes are extremely intimidating for pedestrians and are only suitable for automobiles. The traffic that piles up on this road is unbelievable and can be attributed to no other practical way to head into the downtown area of Birmingham. I can say from personal experience that I spend about one hour in traffic driving this road during rush hour. All the stores along this highway are filled with huge parking lots built to accommodate the tremendous amount of cars on this highway. This highway is typical sprawl in that it is built to connect the huge distances between an individual's live, work, and play.

Sprawl: Sidewalk

This picture was taken in a neighborhood in Greystone. It is a picture of a sidewalk which abruptly ends. This picture represents the "virgin sidewalk" component of sprawl. This sidewalk was found in a neighborhood subdivision. The simple fact that the sidewalk ends shows that this sidewalk is not walkable. It is not practical and does not lead anywhere. Sidewalks are meant to connect and this sidewalk fails miserably. The sidewalk also demonstrates how people in suburbia have no use for a sidewalk because the long distances required to reach daily needs are not walkable. This sidewalk is non-functional due to the dependence on the automobile for daily needs.

Sprawl: House

This picture was taken across the street from Mt. Laurel in one of the new neighborhoods being built. This picture is of a typical house in suburbia with many exact houses next to it on both sides in a very typical snake like fashion complete with a cul-de-sac at the end of the street. The most intriguing thing about the picture is the garage and the car parked outside in the front of the house. This "garage in front design" is signature of the Housing Subdivision component of sprawl. The houses are all in the same fashion and the garage in front helps identify the priority of these individual's lives, which is driving to work, driving to school, driving to the grocery store, driving to etc...