Sustainability | Localization
Building the City Center
A sense of belonging in the Town Square.
Another Monday Dispatch ~ October 23, 2023
In the center of my city, there is a space that some town folk insist be designated a common space, similar to a European piazza. It has a poetic, romantic appeal.
The idea of a public common space in the center of a city or town certainly appeals to me. It is a space that by establishing it as held in common, acknowledges we are people before commerce.
Aside from good ol’ power to the people, what I especially like about the idea is that it affords opportunity to connect green space in the city center.
Essentially, we can network a matrix of trails for nonmotorized transport into the center of the city. Walk, bike, roll. A meeting point for all the neighborhoods, right next to the downtown public library. Even more valuable is that this space is adjacent to a major bus transit hub for the city and county.
What better place for a town square?
As an urban space design issue, it is certainly feasible. I know some people are concerned it will only create more space for homeless folks to loiter. Perhaps. But the answer to homelessness is not to make sure homeless folk…
