“MIDDLE HOUSING” SEAMLESSLY BLENDS INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT WHILE OFFERING ATTAINABLE HOUSING OPTIONS FOR RESIDENTS
EXPANDED HOUSING OPTIONS FEATURING NEIGHBORHOOD-SCALED MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS
NEIGHBORHOOD-SCALE COMMERCIAL SPACES WITH ACTIVATED STREET FRONTAGES AND ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY
INTEGRATE OPEN SPACE NETWORK WITHIN NEIGHBORHOODS AND DEVELOPMENTS
VIBRANT MIX OF USES FEATURING NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES, DINING AND RETAIL OPTIONS
• DE-EMPHASIZE PARKING - Minimize surface parking by locating parking at the rear of buildings or in structured lots. This encourages walkability and reduces the amount of land dedicated to parking, allowing for more open space, pedestrian areas, and green amenities.
• SAFE CONNECTIVITY - Create safe and direct connections to buildings, parking, and pedestrian amenities.
• PLACEMAKING - Design streets and public spaces that reflect the unique character and culture of the neighborhood. Prioritize pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, local art, and culturally relevant design elements to create spaces that feel authentic and connected to the community.
• ENCOURAGE MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING - Explore regulatory changes to increase housing choice in neighborhoods. Increasing housing choice—such as duplexes, townhouses, and small-scale apartment buildings— helps create vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods and supports the concept of aging in place.
• MICROMOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE - Provide accessible micromobility infrastructure—such as bike racks, scooter docking stations, and safe cycling lanes—that encourages walking and biking to nearby businesses, services, and transit hubs.
• LOW-STRESS NETWORKS - Implement traffic-calming measures and design features, such as raised crosswalks, slower speed limits, and safe pedestrian zones, to create low-stress streets that prioritize safety and accessibility.
• SAFE CONNECTIVITY - Ensure that all transit hubs, stations, buildings, parking areas, and pedestrian amenities are safely and directly connected. Provide well-marked, well-lit pedestrian pathways, bike lanes, and other connective features to support seamless movement throughout the neighborhood.
• KIDS, DOGS, AND PLAY – Create engaging public spaces that encourage play for all ages and activities for pets, such as pocket parks, interactive art installations, petfriendly trails, and active transportation hubs.
• CONNECTED OPEN SPACE – Create an integrated network of open spaces that connects key developments, transit stations, and residential areas. These green spaces should serve as pathways for walking and biking, supporting both mobility and recreation.