“Street Smart” Wins Award for Urbanist Principles
And you thought Kenosha, Portland, Little Rock and San Francisco had nothing in common.
“Street Smart: Streetcars and Cities in the 21st Century”, published by Reconnecting America, chronicles the rise of the streetcar in such seemingly distinct urban cities like Kenosha and San Francisco, referencing the history of streetcars all the way up to their newfound role in the 21st century. CNT President Scott Bernstein writes the chapter that explains the important role streetcars have played throughout history.
Every year, the Congress for the New Urbanism recognizes projects that best exhibit and advance the Charter of the New Urbanism. The Charter Awards set a high standard for urban design and development and serve as powerful examples for future development. Along with specific projects, city plans, and single structures, awards are given to publications that portray the principles of New Urbanism, and this year “Street Smart” was one of the publications that received a 2007 Charter Award.
The ‘retro’ appeal of streetcars is not the only reason cities are reviving them. Streetcars are a viable and attractive mass transit option offering a more flexible approach to many of the transportation issues that urban areas face. What sometimes prevents heavy-rail development-infrastructure and costs-makes streetcars more appealing. Light-rail is easier to build, less expensive and, as is the case now, often does not require federal funding. Instead, private funders see it as a sustainable way to attract commercial and residential development around transit zones.
In line with the principles of New Urbanism, “Street Smart” demonstrates the power of streetcars-more than other forms of transportation-to promote compact, high-density New Urbanist development and high-quality pedestrian-friendly streetscapes. Other honorees this year include several strong examples of Gulf-Coast recovery projects, as well as projects that repair urban contexts, provide affordable housing, and promote sustainable growth and development.
To order a copy of “Street Smart: Streetcars and Cities in the 21st Century”, please fill out an order form here and email or fax back.
