The subject of supplementing the Charter of the New Urbanism was back on the program at the Congress in Providence. At Sunday’s closing plenary session, the assembled membership considered three amendments on housing affordability, codes, and the Transect.
The spirited discussion helped clarify that members view the Charter as a powerful and unifying expression of core principles and they want potential changes handled with care.
Since members were not ready to approve new amendments without more discussion and a larger share of the membership in attendance, the CNU board will now consider new ways to guide the continuing examination of the Charter. As part of that process, members are encouraged to view the proposed amendments as presented in Providence and comment on them.
This main page can be used to comment on the overall idea of amending the Charter, while space to provide comments on individual proposed amendments is provided on pages devoted to each amendment.
As presented at the 14th Congress for the New Urbanism
Providence, RI, June 1-4, 2006
The application of the principles of new urbanism has led to the development of new techniques and refined understanding. These and future amendments to the Charter record this continuing evolution.
Affordability
The ability to live in a well-designed walkable neighborhood should be within reach of all people, regardless of social or economic status. Affordability is dependent on many factors, including location within a region, neighborhood structure, access to jobs and services, and housing mix and tenure. Policy intervention from the public sector, incentives for the private sector, the elimination of exclusionary regulatory barriers, and participatory planning and design will substantially increase the supply, diversity, and quality of housing and enable new development that welcomes a diverse mix of people.
Discuss the Affordability Amendment.
Transect
The rural-to-urban transect is an essential tool for describing and coordinating the human habitat. It establishes appropriate relationships between buildings, streets, and public spaces and their natural contexts across the full range of urban settlement --from undisturbed nature to the most intensely urban places. The transect must be calibrated to reflect local climate, ecology, tradition, and building practice.
Discuss the Transect Amendment
Codes
Conventional use-based zoning should be replaced by design codes that guide the creation of an enduring form for cities and towns. Such codes must promote a mix of uses, diversity of street and housing types, and address appropriate forms of development at all scales.
Discuss the Codes Amendment
Earlier discussion of a previously proposed Infrastructure Amendment.
Earlier discussion of the Transect Amendment.
Earlier discussion of the Codes Amendment.
Earlier discussion of a Proposed Housing Affordability Amendment.