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To restore cities, we need to exploit their great potential, Belmont writes. His book outlines the essential elements for revitalization, including re-centralizing commerce, housing, and transportation infrastructure.

He classifies urban neighborhoods into three types. "Gray zones," he writes, are too low in density to sustain two essential elements of urban life: neighborhood retailing and good transit. "Green zones" are also low density, but they offer parks and other natural features and thus can compete with the suburbs. "Gold zones" are moderate- or high-density neighborhoods that offer superior amenities and fine housing. Manhattan's Upper East Side is an example.

Manhattan densities, especially those of the Upper East Side, are extreme by American standards, Belmont writes. But they share some characteristics of other densely populated places. They promote transit use and pedestrian activity. They foster safety and a sense of security, day and night. They generate and sustain a rich diversity of commercial and cultural amenities. And they do not generate high volumes of vehicular traffic. In Belmont's view, these neighborhoods have a lot to teach us.

Ruth Eckdish Knack is the executive editor of Planning Magazine.
















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