One of the basic tenets

One of the basic tenets of new urbanist planning is to establish an open street grid that promotes the free flow of pedestrian and automobile traffic. But what if a closed street has become a haven for pedestrians? Should the need for interconnectivity outweigh residents’ desire to have some car-free streets? The dilemma is creating controversy in downtown Sacramento, where Post Properties plans to build Capitol Park, a four-story apartment complex with 275 units. The property is located on a super block, which Post wants to make permeable by reopening a street. Residents in nearby highrise apartments have protested the plan, arguing that the pedestrian mews and green space make their homes livable. Art Lomenick, senior executive vice president in Post’s Dallas office, says the developer is meeting with residents and listening to their needs. “We recognize that residents would hate to see this street flooded with cars,” he says.