>I really wish we could define, somehow, the essence of
>urban/comfy/funky/diverse Minneapolis so our political leaders could defend
>it better when making policy. Maybe their intentions are good, but I sense
>they just don't have the same esthetic that Minneapolis residents share.
>
>Might make an interesting discussion... what makes Minneapolis home? How are
>these things threatened by development and gentrification? How can they be
>protected?
[snip]
Try these tests.
Can you walk to about half of the business places that you need to
visit regularly? Hardware store, post office, grocery store, etc. In
a city you can, in a town you can, in a suburb you can't.
Is there a mix of housing types within twelve blocks of your home?
Lakeside mansions, senior high rises, market price two bedroom
bungalows, etc. In a city there is such a mix, in a town there is
such a mix, in the suburbs there is a segregation and homogeneity in
housing types.
Is the neighborhood, including commercial districts, pedestrian
friendly? The street intersections are square, with crosswalks that
don't take more than one walk light to cross instead of sweeping
corners for the cars and crosswalks that you can only get across in
one light cycle if you jog. Again, this distinguishes city and town
design from suburban design.
You're starting to get my drift. We like the city because our
neighborhoods are like towns. We like the city because my great
little town is right next to other little towns with great
restaurants, interesting shops, needed services, all without leaving
my city.
That's a start on what make my city my home.
Regards,
Keith Nybakke
Nokomis East
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