Mike explains why the density of people is important to thriving business districts—changing economics.
Conversation
Mike is asked about the explosion site in Greenwood (Neptune, Family Cyclery).
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Says that absent explosion, things would have stayed the same despite zoning. Not sure what will happen now.
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Mike explains concept of traditional granularity versus predominate modern model of development built around automobiles.
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Mike says that removing parking minimums is key to unlocking traditional design.
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Mike talks retail and what zoning laws require. He explains that where demand is—like old homes on Wallingford that converted—retail appears
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A mid-block through connection has recreated granular traditional design (used to be parking and strip commercial).
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Mike asks what commercial places like Northgate and UVillage are missing compared to Greenwood. Crowd says "villagers."
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Mike explains that multi-story mixed-use is very hard to fund due to finance backing, partially because of bank policies and federal laws.
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Greenwood is built on a large bog and it's a problem for new and old development.
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Mike takes us to low-income housing next to a car sewer. Explains that ground retail was required, not well used.
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