When planning a neighborhood, having a clear vision is the key to success. No matter where the neighborhood will be built, there are certain aspects of the planning that lead to excellent results. In many cases, planners look to create communities where residents feel a sense of concern and responsibility for their homes and neighbors. However, there are many others details that go into the planning process.
In many of today's neighborhoods, a variety of housing options are available. Along with this, planners work to ensure the houses stay well-maintained over the years through affordable housing subsidies or private capital investment.
To ensure a neighborhood will succeed, planners strive to have them located as close as possible to local schools and businesses. Ideally, most homes are located within easy walking distance of both, making it easier for residents to choose homes that offer convenience and safety.
For planners who have earned an online Master's in Public Administration, one of the most important aspects of neighborhood planning involves a solid growth management plan. A concept used to keep a close-knit atmosphere within the community, it uses a variety of measures to make this happen. Some of the most common parts of growth management are: creating pedestrian-active towns, reducing dependence on vehicles, increasing economic opportunities, and reducing crime. To ensure these aspects come to fruition, most communities ensure local regulations are in place to maintain a healthy growth management plan.
For neighborhood planning to be as successful as possible, local government involvement is a must. By working with advisers in such areas as housing, economic development, and public safety, local planners can garner large amounts of community involvement as well as help communities gain access to grants, monetary awards from foundations, and consulting from government leaders.
In most of today's planned communities, regulations and zoning ordinances play a big part in determining how neighborhoods are planned. To ensure neighborhoods and regulations can coexist, some of the most common ones used in planning include: protecting historic structures, creating signs and building facades attractive to pedestrians, and establishing a good mix of on-street and off-street parking, and greater reliance on public transportation.
By implementing these and other aspects of planning, neighborhoods across the United States can find themselves more popular than ever. Whether it's a young family walking their kids to school or a retired couple shopping at a local store, a well-planned neighborhood can offer this and much more.
About the author: Rachelle Wilbur is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. The information in this article was provided by Online Masters, a provider of Online Masters in Public Adminstration courses. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook.