A neighbourhood is defined by the streets that intersect it; By the opportunities allowed to its occupants. Take away those intersections and you create a conformist community void of cultural movement.
A suburban cul-de-sac is a living plan built to limit intersections. By reducing traffic, it removes the movement of people and discourages commercial development. It creates dead-end streets where the only users are the occupants. This is great for parents concerned with vehicle traffic, but highly detrimental for integrated community life.
Residential planning in the Lower Mainland often favours the cul-de-sac layout to entice young families. These plans offer little for single or double occupancy prospective home buyers.
For cultural considerations, new homeowners are returning to the mixed residential/commercial neighbourhoods that define the City of Vancouver.
One neighbourhood that is in high demand, is the Gastown district of Downtown.
At it's heart, the streets of Alexander, Powell, Water and Carall colide. They form an intersection where vehicle traffic merges and splits. To the sides of the roads, wide walking pathways encourage pedestrian movement to and from the busy eateries, artist galleries and night spots. With room to work, local and visiting street performers play and dance for the public. Commuters jump on and off the SkyTrain and traffic naturally passes through, carrying with it all the elements that help fuel a community.
This is living.
For more information on new homeownership, contact Anthea Poon. She can help you avoid the dead end suburban lifestyle by offering you a home in this unique district. Call her today for an updated of active listings.
