Sure, I'll elaborate. I want people to individually encourage their friends, whenever possible, to consider moving closer to work. Individuals create trends when enough of them do it.
I also wouldn't have a problem with LOCAL government groups trying to encourage sustained communities within cities instead of allowing the "doughnut hole" phenomenon to blight the urban core, unchecked. And by "encourage," I mean offer information to the public about cost/savings of living closer to work, actual crime statistics (cities are SAFER than most people think), and actually create functional public transportation systems.
No, I don't think the government should build "projects" in the inner city, offer tax breaks to those who move into certain neighborhoods, and so on. But I think information is powerful, and by letting people see that the city is a safe place to live with MANY benefits (shortened commute times, more time with your family, resources, activities, parks, grocery stores, and other benefits of living) within much closer reach, more people would consider it. I did a cost analysis of living within walking distance of work. Between gas saved, wear-and-tear on my vehicle, VERY comparable rent/mortgage costs, TIME saved commuting which I can spend with my family, a gym within walking distance, a lovely restaurant and social district within walking distance, and more benefits than that... I found it to be a VERY pleasant lifestyle. I think a lot of people don't even realize the family living opportunities offered by living closer to work.
I do know people who moved into development neighborhoods - bedroom communities where nothing ever happens. They have to travel a long distance to get to ANYTHING, including their children's activities.
no subject
I also wouldn't have a problem with LOCAL government groups trying to encourage sustained communities within cities instead of allowing the "doughnut hole" phenomenon to blight the urban core, unchecked. And by "encourage," I mean offer information to the public about cost/savings of living closer to work, actual crime statistics (cities are SAFER than most people think), and actually create functional public transportation systems.
No, I don't think the government should build "projects" in the inner city, offer tax breaks to those who move into certain neighborhoods, and so on. But I think information is powerful, and by letting people see that the city is a safe place to live with MANY benefits (shortened commute times, more time with your family, resources, activities, parks, grocery stores, and other benefits of living) within much closer reach, more people would consider it. I did a cost analysis of living within walking distance of work. Between gas saved, wear-and-tear on my vehicle, VERY comparable rent/mortgage costs, TIME saved commuting which I can spend with my family, a gym within walking distance, a lovely restaurant and social district within walking distance, and more benefits than that... I found it to be a VERY pleasant lifestyle. I think a lot of people don't even realize the family living opportunities offered by living closer to work.
I do know people who moved into development neighborhoods - bedroom communities where nothing ever happens. They have to travel a long distance to get to ANYTHING, including their children's activities.
Just things to consider.