Walkable Communities presentation in Kingsport, TN brings new ideas

The daylong workshop began with a presentation pointing out what other cities have done to improve their livability.‚  Burden showed that in many cases, major roads have been deliberately narrowed to slow traffic, giving drivers an opportunity to view the shops and businesses they would normally rush by.‚  At the same time, strategically narrowing some streets gives cities and merchants an opportunity to install benches, tables, and trees to make the area more attractive to shoppers and residents.

Burden pointed out that zoning requirements can often cause buildings to misbehave through design that causes pedestrians to avoid them.‚  For example, buildings with large parking lots in front may appeal to drivers but not walkers.

In many parts of the country, we have engineered activity out of our daily lives by building streets that accommodate only cars, not people, Burden said.‚  Unfortunately, this has negatively affected the health and economic vitality of our communities.‚  We can do better.

After the presentation, Burden took the group on a walking tour around a portion of West Sullivan Street, Hammond Park, and Press Street which gave participants a clear vision of what it means to live in a walkable city.‚  Following the walking tour, the group discussed suggestions on how livable concepts could be used here in Kingsport to create a more vibrant and healthier community.

The WALC Institute will be developing a report that focuses on opportunities to improve the Citys livability, health, and retail vibrancy.‚ ‚  The document will include photo-morphed images of existing areas that will help visualize the principles and concepts discussed.