Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TNDs)
Just what is a Traditional Neighborhood Development?
Turn back the clock to a simpler time when a neighborhood streetscape was defined by trees and front porches, not driveways and garages; a time when streets and alleys were safe as playgrounds; when schools, grocery stores and parks were just around the corner and walking was the preferred form of transportation. And remember when a town was actually a town. A place to visit with your neighbor while sitting on the front porch or in the town square. This feeling of neighborhood has virtually disappeared in the United States.
A TND ( Traditional Neighborhood Development ) is a new form of town expansion. It focuses on the ideals of a small town environment. Instead of isolated land uses with retail in one area, apartments and
townhomes in another and single-family residential in yet another, a TND integrates these uses into one functional neighborhood. One that creates a sense of place and the tradition of our past.
Traditional Neighborhood Developments are essentially the design framework of New Urbanism. According to the New Urban News, New Urbanism can be defined as the following:
" . . . developments that generally include a interconnected network of streets and blocks, a clear neighborhood center, a mix of uses and housing types, a compact form of pedestrian-oriented design with an emphasis on quality civic spaces."
Though that sounds a little technical, once you've seen a Traditional Neighborhood Development, you probably won't want to live anywhere else.
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