I particularly enjoyed Andres Duany's lecture on New Urbanism which lasted one entire day and a some very good lectures about our environment and sustainability (something we all could use more education on). CNU is also not for the faint at heart because they love to debate issues passionately. It is not about winning, it is about finding the best solutions for a better life for all and a huge amount of respect for one another is certainly expressed. Not surprisingly, affordable housing was a big topic this year and support and emphasis was on the people really doing or starting the new urbanist developments. A few faces from Sarasota were there....one from the City of Sarasota Planning Department which was great to see. Again, attend the next conference and encourage/support our Commissioners and City Staff to go!!
Downtown Rhode Island is also an amazing city with very talented people pushing it's success, such as Buff Chase. I believe it is the only city listed on the National Register of Historic Places...the whole city!! The Firewalk downtown along the river is an experience that is so moving and exciting one should not miss it. The city is relocating I95 which currently runs right through the city...and we in Sarasota cannot even relocate US41 away from our Bayfront, what is with that?
Of course this conference inspired me to visit Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and Seaside which is 1/2 an hour north of one of the most awful places I have ever been in Florida, Panama Beach. Nevertheless, the developments were amazing and wonderful. Nothing to snub your nose at as many seem to do. I particularly liked the arcades, the shell roads, the winding walking paths through neighborhoods, the different architecture that all had similarities so the feel of the neighborhoods were warm and maintained, bikes everywere and quaint shops...so charming but not too sickening. Alys Beach is the newest development and my favorite, check it out at alysbeach.com.
