The New Mexico Independent - Latest Comments in Green growth gambit

Re: Green growth gambit

pjdahl — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:42:26 -0000

Any city, Albuquerque included, has to be very careful applying form based codes as regulatory praxis. The concept of form based code invokes a city where, quoting Evan McKenzie, “homogeneity, exclusiveness, and exclusion are the foundation of social organization” (McKenzie, 1994, p. 177). Hence, my argument is that this model of regulation counteracts diversity of people, ideas, and possibilities. The concept of form based code basically won’t apply to the premises of urbanization.

/PJD

Re: Green growth gambit

pancheetah — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:19:49 -0000

I wish the proposals were less close to form based "moaning" and a little closer to per-form-ance based zoning. It's time to hold businesses more accountable for the changes they bring. Ehrenreich makes this point but says that it's hard to find many good examples of communities that have set standards for the kinds of business practices they want in their communities.

Re: Green growth gambit

odonnell — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:30:01 -0000

Louis Kolker is right. So is Isaac. And the neighborhood associations.

This new form-based code is a great plan. Just what ABQ needs. That said, a healthy, inclusive planning process must also be part of that code. Neighborhoods need to be respected but they cant run roughshod over the needs of the entire city and the city cannot simply tell them what to do. There needs to be a process so that the needs of the city and the neighborhoods are met.

Excellent article, BTW.