You want solutions. Street Reclaiming delivers such alternatives. We live in a world of increasing mobilization and globalization. Our streets have been widened to accomodate the extra mobility. They become like every other clogged traffic artery anywhere else in the world.
Residents move out and international burger franchises move in.
Our neighborhood begins to lose its distinctive feel and becomes part of global culture. The success of any street reclaiming will be judged by how well it helps integrate those who are most easily marginalized in society. Long-term, I am an advocate of building telecommute cottages in every neighborhood. It worries me that the trend for people to work from home via computer further weakens social contact and social networks. Telecommute cottages should combine the latest telecommunications and office machine facilities with other community facilities such as a coffee shop, child-care, library, or home delivery depot.