I think that I shall never see...

I think that I shall never see….

 There is a poem that starts off  “I think that I shall never see, I thing as lovely as a tree…”.  I have to admit, that is all I remember of the poem.  However, the line does ring a very strong bell of truth as it relates to community development.

Oftentimes, people will drive through various communities and pass comments on how one community will feel better than another without ever really being able to put their finger on why it feels better.  Sometimes, the answer lies in more sophisticated planning techniques involving curvilinear streets, common area sight views, pocket parks, house and roof color separation and the like.  Other times, it is as simple as street trees and sidewalks.

 Next time you are out, pay attention to areas where you see sidewalks and street trees.  These do not need to be in newly planned communities.  In fact, I would encourage you to check out older neighborhoods first.  These are where trees have had the ability to mature for 20, 30 even 50 years or so.  They create magnificent shade canopies over the streets and provide both shade and character to the neighborhood.  Next, look to see if sidewalks are present.  In these areas, you are now fostering outdoor community involvement by creating walking venues for residents.  Of a lesser noticed, but no less important benefit, streets with sidewalks may have a wider street right of way.  In these cases, where the property line does not begin until after the house side of the sidewalk, the driveways will typically (hopefully) run 20’ back from the sidewalk so that a parked car can sit in the driveway without blocking the sidewalk.  The front of the home, especially those with front porches, may be closer to the property line, but the point here is the impact of the cars to the aesthetics of the street.  The scenery is much more pedestrian and resident friendly when you see street tree, sidewalk, then parked car, instead of just roadway and parked car.

 Are there trade offs by having street trees and sidewalks?  Of course there are.  Development costs are higher as are maintenance costs, especially when the trees begin to mature and push up the sidewalks.  However, I believe these expenses are more than offset by the increased aesthetic value being brought to the community.  And, make no mistake, this does translate into higher home values.  Think of it this way.  I think everyone can remember a situation where they have commented on how beautiful an area looked because of the foliage.  On the contrary, I don’t believe anyone (or at least very few) have ever commented on the natural beauty of a bare streetscape without trees and sidewalks.

So, next time you are in a mature neighborhood that brings a smile to your face, think of the poem that begins, “I think that I shall never see, a think as lovely as a tree…” and try to remember the rest of the poem.
 

Until next time,

Keep kicking the dirt!