The War on Cars
Key to the City with Sara Bronin
Oct 1, 2024
Sara Bronin, an insightful author, discusses her book, Key to the City, unraveling the often unseen forces of zoning. She highlights how zoning can perpetuate car dependency and social inequities while showcasing stories from activists who are reshaping urban landscapes. Bronin emphasizes the potential for zoning to foster vibrant, pedestrian-friendly communities, emphasizing cases from cities like Hartford and Minneapolis. Listeners learn that with a better understanding of zoning, we can create inclusive and sustainable environments for all.
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Quick takeaways
- Zoning significantly influences urban environments, shaping housing diversity and economic opportunities while addressing social equity concerns within communities.
- Effective zoning reforms, as seen in Hartford, can enhance pedestrian safety and promote healthier, more connected communities by prioritizing people over cars.
Deep dives
The Influence of Zoning on Community Design
Zoning plays a critical role in shaping urban and suburban environments by dictating where different types of buildings, from homes to factories, can be located. Approximately 75% of land in urban and suburban areas is zoned exclusively for single-family homes, limiting options for diverse housing and local businesses like shops or restaurants. This prevalent zoning approach reflects a historical trend that equates single-family living with the American dream, while marginalizing alternatives such as multi-family housing. Understanding zoning's impact is essential, as it not only affects economic opportunities and accessibility but also influences social equity within communities.
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