REDDING SLOWLY MOVING AWAY FROM AUTOCENTRIC PAST
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
September 1st, 2008
One of my biggest complaints about city planners in general, is their focus on designing subdivisions around the automobile. Permit fees for new houses built in these subdivisions then must be increased higher and higher to pay for extending police, fire and infrastructure to serve tracts further and further away from the city’s core. This paradox is commonly referred to as suburban sprawl.
Only recently have local planners seen the light and now encourage infill projects, redevelopment of prime parcels in the downtown area and zoning modifications that allow mixed commercial and residential uses. Historically, zoning regulations have dictated that cars rule the land and everything must be designed with that in mind. Just look anywhere in the typical American city and you will see architecture integrating car friendly elements that are prominent design features of the urban landscape.
Sometimes my clients request a home design in which the dominant feature, as you approach the house, is not a huge set of garage doors. Side entry or backyard garages are the preferred style for these select buyers. Commercial districts must also worship the automobile with cavernous underground or high-rise garages or acres of asphalt surrounding a cluster of retail stores (shopping malls).
Some cities are bold enough to make their downtown less car friendly by narrowing streets or closing them altogether. Heaven forbid you might have to walk to get somewhere! Usually though, the car wins every time a new project is approved, assuring there is ample parking for the customers of the particular business being developed. Zoning laws center on parking requirements.
Redding is taking steps to build a network of trails connecting the various parts of town divided by the meandering Sacramento River. Most of the curbs and sidewalks around town have been modified for ease of use by pedestrians, bicycles and wheelchairs. Bike lanes have been marked on most of the major arterial roads. Someone told me recently that Redding’s ban on Segways was lifted. Anyone know if that’s correct? I’ve been told anyone can ride one! If you know anyone that needs a lesson, Shasta Glide’n Ride Segway rental business has 2 for 1 specials on Fridays!
The recent spike in gas prices caused a noticeable decrease in traffic in the Redding area. There are still some, like the Fix 5 group, that will push for ever wider freeways to accommodate more and more traffic. They want local residents to pay their share for expanding these roadways through large increases in building permit fees for homes and businesses. Gridlock is inevitable, the group claims.
I would like to see new neighborhoods include a small centrally located commercial district within easy walking distance that would cater to residents needs. These gathering places could include a mix of food, drink and service businesses adjoining a park. This out-of-the-box thinking deserves consideration as we all come to terms with the fact the internal combustion engine will go the way of the dinosaur, sooner or later.
Although I’m opposed to a mandate that planning departments require this, they should encourage developers to incorporate these planning concepts with an eye to the future. Legislation requiring these elements in new developments is in the works. I will detail this law, should it pass, in a future blog.
If you need assistance with any real estate matter, please don’t hesitate to contact me:
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
