Of Legacy and Livability

Why take extra time, spend money, on making the design of Business 40 better, more attractive? It's actually something many communities have found helpful when they update their transportation corridors and assess the impacts of construction projects. Since 2001 Forsyth County and its eight municipalities have been evaluating growth and construction in light of its Legacy Development Guide. One of the ten guiding principles of Legacy is to "Promote Design Excellence": encourage high standards of design in new development and redevelopment that create distinctive places and a sense of community. As the first three principles of Legacy are to "develop vibrant city and town centers," to "create pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods," and to "provide real transportation choices," the Business 40 corridor reconstruction can certainly demonstrate the impact of Legacy in the choices we make in 2008 and beyond versus those made nearly sixty years ago.

The American Institute of Architects Communities by Design "10 Principles for Livable Communities" are an even broader statement of best practices from the national design community. "Design excellence is the foundation of successful and healthy communities." Haphazard urban sprawl tends almost always to look similar. Places with distinctive urban landscapes - the recent heatwave here makes me think of Savannah's stately urban squares - were designed and have been preserved by intention.