Understanding Townifying: A Guide to Creating Sustainable, Livable Communities
Townifying is a term that was coined by the real estate industry to describe the process of converting suburban areas into more urban, walkable communities. The idea behind townifying is to create denser, more mixed-use developments that incorporate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, all within walking distance of each other.
The goal of townifying is to create more sustainable, livable, and vibrant communities that are less reliant on cars and more connected to public transportation, parks, and other community amenities. By creating more walkable, mixed-use developments, townifying can help reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and promote a healthier, more active lifestyle for residents.
Townifying can involve a range of strategies, such as:
1. Infill development: Building new homes, offices, and retail spaces on underutilized or vacant parcels of land within existing neighborhoods.
2. Mixed-use zoning: Allowing for a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational uses in the same building or area.
3. Street design: Creating pedestrian-friendly streets with wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and on-street parking.
4. Public space creation: Building new parks, plazas, and other public spaces that encourage social interaction and community engagement.
5. Transit-oriented development: Building housing, offices, and retail around public transportation hubs, such as train stations or bus stops.
Overall, townifying is a way to create more sustainable, livable, and vibrant communities by promoting walkability, mixed-use development, and public space creation.