We are hearing more about the concept of New Urbanism now that the Channels project has been presented to us.
In my opinion, the Channels project does not meet the common sense test. It simply does not make sense to build something like that in the middle of a riverbed. From that standpoint alone, it does not merit approval.
In addition, we need to be aware of where projects like these are coming from, which is out of the Agenda 21, sustainability movement.
Consider this, from the www.newurbanism.com website. They consider the world to be in immediate peril from global warming, dependence on oil, and war for oil. Here are their “ 10 SOLUTIONS that are feasible, healthy, and sustainable”:
“1. An immediate and permanent moratorium on all new major road construction and expansions.
2. An immediate and permanent moratorium on all new airport construction and expansions, as well as an end to all aviation subsidies. In addition, an end to the huge oil industry subsidies ($300 billion per year world wide).
3. A huge increase in funding for Amtrak and the immediate construction of a nationwide new train network across America connecting every city, town, and neighborhood with an efficient, state-of-the-art electric train network comparable to what is currently operating all across Europe and Japan. This should be built to transport both passengers and all the cargo now moved by very inefficient trucks.
4. An immediate tripling of minimum vehicle miles per gallon standards for all vehicles produced in America - accomplished by a quick and complete conversion of all factories to the building of only hybrid, solar, and fully electric vehicles.
5. An immediate moratorium on the construction of any new coal fired or nuclear power generating 6. The immediate construction of massive new solar and wind power generating capacity all across America, including neighborhood scale and small wind turbines that can be incorporated inconspicuously into the roofs of buildings. Also, the immediate installation of new hydropower generating capacity in the form of coastal wave and tidal energy capture.
7. The immediate installation of full roof solar panels on every building in America.
8. An immediate moratorium on the building of any additional sprawl (which deepens auto/oil dependence).
9. A major focus of federal, state, and local governments on the revitalization and densification of all existing cities and towns across America into walkable, mixed-use communities, with pedestrians and bicycles given top priority over automobiles, and a serious focus on bicycles as a major form of transportation. Included would be millions of affordable housing units and high quality neighborhood schools located so all children can walk or bike to them.
10. The immediate installation of major organic farms at the edge of every city and town across America. In addition to this, the immediate planting of millions of trees across America.”
It is obvious that the immediate implementation of any of these “solutions” is virtually impossible under our current form of government, which I think should be very concerning. Only if we are willing to give up our freedom could any of these be accomplished.
The goal of the New Urbanists is not to save the world from global warming. Their real goal is socialism.
On the other hand, we need to be careful not to discount everything in the movement just because their beliefs are out of whack. Many of the new technologies that the New Urbanists say should be forced on us are actually good technologies.
For example, I think that solar panels, or to be more specific, photovoltaics, are a technology that has tremendous potential for the production of electricity. However, it is not to the point that it can be mass marketed at affordable prices. As with any new product, market supply and demand will eventually make it commonplace if it does what it promises.
The real danger of the New Urbanism movement is that if their “solutions” were forcibly implemented, it would bankrupt our nation and take many of our freedoms away.
If the practitioners of New Urbanism want to experiment with their new concept, let them do it on their own nickel, not our tax dollars. We should implement new technologies where and when they are practical and economical.