Saturday, April 18, 1998 | 2:26 a.m.
Las Vegas has some characteristics to be extremely proud of. We are a place that accepts new citizens openly offering employment, housing, and a variety of quality public services. Las Vegas is a place where anyone who is willing to work will be given a chance at the American Dream.
But, we also must accept Kunstler's criticism about the physical places we are building so rapidly as we all rush to grab a piece of the pie of prosperity.
One can rarely enjoy walking on a sidewalk in the glorious Las Vegas weather because our sidewalks are dangerous and uncomfortable places, designed without any concern for pedestrians. Our young, elderly, and physically impaired citizens have limited freedom to enjoy our city because without a car, access and mobility are next to impossible.
Our long blocks, eight-lane roads, gated communities, concrete wall separations and lack of good public spaces are turning us into a community of isolated people.
New Urbanism is a neighborhood design movement that is led by architects who are concerned that the isolated form of living is affecting our ability to act as a cohesive civil community. For those who reject Kunstler's criticism of Las Vegas, I hope you will reconsider how Las Vegas might do a better job at building real neighborhoods, real streets, real parks, and real town centers.
The most common complaint I hear from residents who have experienced the last 10 years of growth is that the city has lost its small-town feeling. New Urbanism is about regaining that sense of place by paying more attention to our built environment.
Jan Becker Assistant Professor of Architecture University of Nevada Las Vegas
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