With our reliance on walled in subdivisions and circuitous, cul-de-sac-heavy subdivision design, mobility becomes limited and people are tied to their automobile to get anywhere.

Smart growth urges a return to more grid-style street patterns that allow for a variety of route choices and which makes alternate forms of transportation, like walking and bicycling more feasible.

Smart growth argues that the complete separation of uses has been taken to the point where it is stifling our community life, further tying us to the automobile.  Secondary impacts like air pollution, fuel consumption, etc. become obvious . . .

This example (far left) shows a shopping center with a "paseo" that leads directly into a multifamily development.  Residents may walk directly to their shopping.  Second floor of the center also features offices, completing a truly mixed-use site.


The example on the right shows a residential subdivision that is tied into a commercial development.  Residents may simply walk to their shopping and dining.