James Howard Kunstler explores the consequences of handicap access laws and codes, and how they have unintentionally promoted suburban sprawl throughout much of America. In many instances, developers feel it's easier and cheaper to just build one-story buildings rather than multi-story handicap accessible buildings. These laws can also discourage the retrofitting of second and third story retail space in old "Main Street" buildings as well. So while handicap access codes may make it easier for some people to use our built environment, they can also indirectly make it more difficult for those do not own a car.
(Info about program and theme music at KunstlerCast.com)
Direct Download (13 MB): KunstlerCast_22.mp3
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KunstlerCast - Conversations: Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century