My hopes for the future of Liberty is one which includes a concerted, and planned effort to improve the town for the better with better walk-ability, less roads (but more functional ones), and a more community center atmosphere for everyone. The New Urbanism approach fits so well here with available multi-use space and current infrastructure. However with the likes of the new Family Dollar, one must wonder if we're not headed in the wrong direction: sprawl.
This photo shows the heart of the Seaside, FL community located on the Florida panhandle. Notice the high-density nature of the development, with minimal spacing between the buildings and the narrow streets. The homes are located close to the street right-of-way and garages are located to the rear of the houses with access via alleyways. Sidewalks can also be used as parking for vehicles.
Seaside Florida is a perfect example of the utopian town we could achieve, if we so chose to make the effort:
Birkdale Village is a new urbanist village located near Huntersville in northern Mecklenburg County near Interstate 77. Notice the retail stores located below the upstairs residential units. Also notice the abundance of on-street parking, sidewalks and extensive landscaping.
Liv, I wholeheartedly agree! There is so much potential here and the New Urbanism approach would be an extraordinary direction to go. It's time for an upgrade, a revitalization. The two examples you provided would be perfect for this little giant treasure of a village and possibly awaken it and save it from becoming generic...or a ghost town. I really love your vision and ideas.
Lake Juno Park sign. Family owned and operated Lake Juno has been a part of summers in Liberty for as long as I can remember. It's a great alternative to Emerald Pointe (Wet n' Wild), as there's no long lines, free parking, and admission rates are very affordable ($5 kids, $10 adults +$5 for waterslides and pool) when all you want to do is get wet and wild on those hot summer days. With acres of water slides, paddle boats, and thrilling family fun in the blue waves, Lake Juno seems to have an action packed attraction to make everyone smile. The park includes, a picnic area, paddle boats ($5), and camping ($25 a night). All this in the beautiful country side, with clear blue skies hailing down upon its patrons. The water park is continuously upgraded and improved to create an even more exciting experience every time a guest returns. Maintenance is a priority and they provide very a safe environment. The park is supervised by quality staff. The pavilion, and lake ...
Unbeknownst to many, only twenty minutes from the outskirts of Liberty, lies a government project shrouded in secrecy. It may sound like Stranger Things in real life, but hidden on Big Hole Road near Jordan Lake, AT&T Project Office NC-1 remains active. Before you start to speculate of aliens, gravity machines, and time travel, let's do some research first. The Project Office itself was built in the mid-1960's; featuring shock-absorbing spring foundation, steel and concrete blast doors, rubber plumbing, and tropospheric scatter antennae , a technique to send radio signals slightly farther. For security, CCTV and steel crash barriers were also erected. More recently, a moat has been dug around the complex. The name "Big Hole" travailed from the amount of earth dug during construction, giving the project an estimated 13 underground storeys. After completion, it is assumed that it functioned as a telephone switching center, possibly for the military AUT...
In ancient times, public toilets were just that, public, communal. Like a town square, large stone benches with holes in the latrine sat over running water that flowed beneath. Men and women sat side by side having conversations and taking care of business. These days it's all a private affair, so much so that I cannot recall the last time (in this country) I've been in a toilet without partitioned stalls and locking doors. So I'm confused as to why the Governor McCrory felt the need to pass HB2 and more to the point, why Randolph County felt it necessary to publically support the measure? The only answer is hate and fear. Even more interesting is the Courier Tribune ran a non-scientific public opinion poll of Randolph County citizens showing that the respondents were against HB2. This means that Randolph County Government literally voted to support a measure that was entirely superfluous and did so against the opinion of its constituents. This despite ...
Liv,
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree! There is so much potential here and the New Urbanism approach would be an extraordinary direction to go. It's time for an upgrade, a revitalization. The two examples you provided would be perfect for this little giant treasure of a village and possibly awaken it and save it from becoming generic...or a ghost town.
I really love your vision and ideas.
-Mecca