Looking Towards Tomorrow: Part 3
Repurposing the Urburbs
Recreating a Sustainable Southern Nevada – 070410
Taking simple steps to protect and shepherd the valley’s air, water, the desert surrounds and its ecology, and dramatically reducing waste through recycling and composting, Southern Nevada will have accomplished a major goal in achieving its new purpose. The valley cannot attract new businesses, high-tech manufacturing and assembly, new entrepreneurs or international trade to a community with a filthy natural environment. We must begin by creating a higher-quality-of-life. The second step forward is repurposing the valley’s urban cores and the surrounding oldest neighborhoods defined as the Urburbs. Included in this second level of redevelopment are the old, dilapidated strip shopping centers that align every major arterial across the valley.
Southern Nevada has more than twice the amount of retail space needed to serve the valley’s population. Why? Historically, local governments have allowed the valley to be developed by speculative investors whose only goal is to maximize profits from real estate sales and construction. Consequently, to bring the community back into balance large areas of the valley must be repurposed – and it’s always easier to begin with the oldest areas of the community first.
The added value of beginning with the Urburbs is that it stops nose-diving property taxes and reinvigorates the area – as well as the economy. Ample area for retail and professional offices already exist within the Urburbs. The goal is to upgrade, reinvigorate, add the living amenities necessary and increase the existing housing density to make the area vibrant. Redeveloping the urburbs, and keeping much of the good that originally existed, maintains the historic patina of the older neighborhood that keeps the area attractive, comfortable and inviting to yet another generation of residents. The oldest blocks are also the shortest blocks throughout the valley which makes the areas pedestrian and bicycle friendly.
Repurposing is a creative way of recycling this valley. By bringing balance back to the oldest areas of the downtowns and the neighborhoods circling the downtowns, residents have the opportunity to possess all of the amenities and services they need within short distances to their homes. Adding the vitality makes the areas safer because there are always people on the streets. Public transit already exists so residents have convenient access for longer trips across the valley.
Please provide us with your thoughts regarding repurposing the Las Vegas Valley, turning its economy around and creating a world-class home for each of us - and we’ll respond. We’ll also connect you with others so you can learn how they think about this issue as well!
If you want to learn more about our current recession and receive an unbiased and objective economic report on the community today go to www.rcg1.com.
Thanx!