Points to Ponder.....


Why do we want a greenspace to separate the sidewalks from the roadway??   You may think it's just for cosmetic reasons, but there are many practical reasons to separate the sidewalk from the road with greenspace.  Read more about it here.


Do people really want to live in "walkable" communities??   Research shows that we do!!   A recent article in the Altlanta Journal Consitution reporting on results of a recent study found:  
    "Those in walkable neighborhoods tend to drive less. That holds true across regions and even if they're not close to transit stops."    
    "Those who live in neighborhoods with a mix of shops and businesses within easy walking distance are less likely to be obese."
    "Every additional hour spent in a car each day translated to a 6 percent greater chance of being obese."


Will my home be of less value if I give up an easement for a sidewalk??   A recent survey sponsored in part by the National Association of Realtors, shows your property can actually be made more desireable with sidewalks in front!
    "This survey shows that most Americans prefer to live in walkable communities with a shorter commutes, sidewalks and amenities close by."


So, what's a complete street??  

COMPLETE STREETS are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and bus riders of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across a complete street.

Visit the Complete Streets website here.


What does PRZ stand for??   PRZ stands for parental responsibility zone.  Each school is defined to have a parental responsibility zone.   Parents are responsible for school transportation within the zone.  Now, of course, fourty years ago that meant you were close enough to school to walk   If only we had sidewalks or pedestrian pathways so our students today could get to school safely!  Here's the Metropolitan Planning Commission's interpretation of the Fountain City Elementary PRZ.


"In the US over the last decade, 60,000 pedestrians died under the wheels of an automobile and over 1 million were injured seriously."  John Z.Wetmore begins each episode of his "Perils for Pedestrians" show with this quote.  John recently visited the Fountain City area of Knoxville and commented on the potential for pedestrian activity, but the lack of safe access.  Read more about John, his adventures, and his television show here.