1. What did you learn from the reading?
This article did a really great job in its explanation of the density problem. I liked the author’s angle on the subject – that density has such awful connotations in America, when really it offers many great amenities for those willing to give up the isolation of the countryside.
2. What did you agree with?
Despite not being a planner, I definitely laughed when I read the joke “the only thing people hate more than sprawl is density.” It’s very true – we are very much a a “nation of niches” as the author writes.
3. What did you not agree with?
I still can’t tell if it was intentional or not, but I really didn’t like the author’s characterization of the Circle in Texas. He dedicated an entire paragraph to describing all the businesses --- the place sounded quite nice before he did that. After that list, it just sounded like any faceless suburb just repackaged in a more hip way. I feel like it misses the point of smart growth.
4. What was left unclear by the reading?
Not sure. I feel like Flint gave a pretty comprehensive explanation on the topic.
5. How does this reading relate to another class you took or your personal life?
I love how Flint uses Massachusetts in so many examples. I loved his example of of the Massachusetts Turnpike. When I was at school in Boston, I lived about 800 feet from the Pike, so I know all about its major detractions, like being a sunken, carved-out windtunnel.
Reaction to Chapter 8 of This Land
1. What did you learn from the reading?
In all honesty, this chapter started to drag on as I read it. I feel like I have read so many chapters on zoning and all the complex minutiae that accompany. However, Flint’s language and easygoing style made it, as always, engaging and interesting. Before reading this chapter, I didn’t know how inflexible these zoning laws were – and how stranded one can become.
2 & 3. What did you agree/disagree with?
Since these were both on...