Old urbanism is almost identical to the now called "new urbanism" which is a growing national trend. Just do a web search under new urbanism and you'll get plenty academic information. One site to visit for a tour is www.cnu.org. In short, new urbanism is a way of taking old planning ideas and fitting them into developed cities.
The concept of new urbanism opens to path for redevelopment and revitalization. It becomes a creative way to maintain a circulating stream of funding, cash flow, employment, tax revenue, economic development, and much more. Moreover, the impact of new urbanism thought is its attractiveness for renewed business opportunities and political advantages. For the ordinary citizen new urbanism looks like progressive lifestyle motivated by good sales strategies.
Remember how the old spacious vehicles became a marketing sin to own? The auto industry began to renew itself finding better ways to make higher profits. Marketing giants began to shift our minds selling us the idea that smaller cars where better, economical to own, and more fuel efficient. Back then gasoline was about thirty five cents per gallon. How much do we pay for gas today? Over time people began to agree that smaller was better. They have become accustomed to driving with their knee's near the chest while bumping elbow's with the person sitting next to them. The good old spacious family wagon has gotten replaced by the high-priced gas hog SUV's that flip over while talking on cell phones. or tire blow outs.
In order for new urbanism idea's to become tangible in a major city that is near landlocked, it requires political will. If you're in the construction and real estate related businesses just begin to pour campaign contributions and see how the political will quickly favors your interest. And when the mayor or city council members happen to be in the same line of business -zoning and building ordinances are quickly transformed to accommodate the new urbanism. The projected image of progress lures citizen's into thinking that their politicians are doing a wonderful job and do not hesitate to re-elect them. Now let's review Hialeah's old downtown district and how some features of new urbanism are being applied.
Spanish Villas
This corner unit is special in several ways. The sign work assumes that only Latin's or bilingual persons would buy.
To the right is east first, a high traffic street, which was converted into a one way. But now, it's going back into a two way.
A surrounding sidewalk bordering the property divides the traffic from the room and ac unit. The already cracked pavement is not important.
This
new beauty has a narrow porch. It is very convenient because only three to four
steps are required to reach the sidewalk.
If there is an auto accident vehicles can bounce over the sidewalk, travel a short distance, and knock on the door. A rescue station is only one block away for quick service. Kids also have great access to the AC unit!
If
you speak Spanish this sign says "last opportunity" - to buy these wonderful new
homes. They're only one block away from the above ac unit.
Believe it or not Hialeah has sign ordinances. But this builder is allowed to post this corner sign resting on cement blocks. The new planted tree has its ties. However, the balloons are the best.
The end product.
Along this wide street there where old homes. The area got rezoned. Now we have the new urbanism. These small high-density town home's sell in the 100s and you get one or two parking spaces per unit lining the street in some areas.