More lunacy

More proof that we’re still headed in the wrong direction. Apparently, enclosed shopping malls are on the way out and are being replaced by “Lifestyle Centers.” It’s the perfect example of a bad idea being made even worse.

The New Urbanists should hang their head in shame at this quote by one of their directors, Ellen Greenberg.

Many people live in communities where there’s not a main street where they can walk, window shop and meet people […]. What we’re learning is people value that and miss it, which is why it’s being imitated in these lifestyle centers.

These are the people who are supposed to save our urban fabric? Has it become satisfactory to destroy our cities and then create sterile substitutes for the amusement of those who jumped ship? We have a place like that already. It’s called Main Street USA and it’s in Disney World. One fantasy is enough.

July 11 2004