The owner of a leading commercial establishment in downtown Dumaguete City is one of those opposing the issuance of an ordinance to transform the main commercial street into the “Perdices Promenade”.
These information I downloaded from the internet summarizing the economic benefits of making the City of Gentle people into a more walkable place — defined as a place where an individual could reasonably walk to at least seven other locations besides his home — could change his attitude. These are validated through research studies and surveys conducted by experts in urban planning.
“Increased walkability has proven to have many other individual and community health benefits, such as opportunities for increased social interaction, an increase in the average number of friends and associates where people live, reduced crime (with more people walking and watching over neighborhoods, open space and main streets), increased sense of pride, and increased volunteerism. One of most important benefits of walkability is the decrease of the automobile footprint in the community. Carbon emissions can be reduced if more people choose to walk rather than drive. Walkability has also been found to have many economic benefits, including accessibility, cost savings both to individuals and to the public, increased efficiency of land use, increased livability, economic benefits from improved public health, and economic development, among others.” (Wikipedia)
An article posted as early as 2003 summarizes the economic benefits of a walkable community: Housing values are higher where it is walkable. Home buyers are willing to pay $20,000 more for homes in walkable areas compared to similar homes in surrounding areas.
Walkable communities attract “new economy” workers. Silicon Valley think tank studied the relationship between the physical design of communities and dynamic elements of the new knowledge-driven, service-oriented economy. This new economy, with its smaller, decentralized firms, thrives on land use patterns similar to the towns of early industrial years, with city centers, corner stores and streetcar suburbs. Walkable downtowns offer a mix of restaurants, offices and housing that promote interaction. Interaction is key since the new economy thrives on accessibility, networking and creativity. (This should be significant to Dumaguete as a thriving call center).
Walkable communities are becoming a business relocation alternative. The automobile has offered mobility and convenience for decades, but booming business centers like Atlanta and the Silicon Valley are showing how an overdependence on the car can gridlock economic development. As a result, some major firms…are advocating for pedestrian and transit-friendly development.”
Walkable communities reduce commuting costs. Research in California has documented the high costs to workers and employers of commuting and traffic congestion. These costs include lost hours, fuel, traffic and environmental damage. According to Walkable Communitie Inc., walking remains the cheapest form of transportation. The construction of a walkable community provides the most affordable transportation system any community can plan, design, construct and maintain.
Walkable communities cost the taxpayer less. Regional and national business leaders say that low-density, discontinuous and automobile-dependent land use patterns can cause higher direct business costs and taxes…it is estimated that a single house built on the urban fringe requires $10,000 more in public services than one built in the urban core.
Walkability attracts tourists. Communities and their downtowns that are walkable are capturing a greater share of tourist dollars as visitors are interested in experiencing community life. Places where visitors and residents alike feel community pride and activity are increasingly likely to be strong economically. Tourists going to Vermont to walk and bicycle in the scenic, human scale towns and compact, pedestrian-friendly town centers have proved to be an economic boon. Rutland is described as having bookstores that foster community, providing gathering places for area residents and visitors alike.
Walkable communities can capture an emerging “Lifestyle” retail market. Developers have recently recognized opportunities in walkable shopping centers that offer a “sense of place.” Lifestyle centers (and “New Town Centers”) are being developed to replicate many of the community or neighborhood shopping experiences offered by downtowns. These new centers try to recreate downtown’s sense of place with small building footprints, multi-story buildings and an open-air environment. They are built to be pedestrian friendly, convenient and safe. Traditional downtown areas that are walkable already possess what many developers are trying to duplicate. The economic potential of increased sales from the lifestyle segment can be realized in walkable downtowns business expansion and recruitment to create an appropriate mix of retail, entertainment and service businesses.
“Economic development planning in communities of all size should recognize the importance of walkability. Local investment in pedestrian-oriented infrastructure and land uses can improve walkability and economic viability.
“But the main reason to love walkable neighborhoods is their human energy: they’re fun, lively, memorable…not boring. They’re the kinds of places where you might bump into a long-lost friend; stumble across creative inspiration, whether for a song or a new business; or meet the love of your life. (That’s why they’re becoming among the most sought-after addresses around.) Still, such qualities are–if valuable–also intangible.”
Dumaguete City, our University Town, has all the potentials to become the “Walkable City of Gentle People.” Let’s all join hands to make this dream a reality.
