Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND): A comprehensive planning system that integrates a variety of housing types and land uses in a pedestrian-friendly setting. TND’s incorporate many of the attributes of traditional small towns, but use modern development technique, even in the case of revitalization.
Simplified: Traditional Neighborhoods build families and communities by offering amenities within common areas for all to share. The street design is short and connected. Front porches serve as an extension of the home. Stores, schools and public places are within walking distance of homes.
Key elements of a TND:
- The neighborhood has a variety of building uses that can be found in the center or at the neighborhood’s edge and will include educational facilities, civic buildings and commercial establishments to be located within walking distance of private homes. You will commonly see a downtown center with retail shops and offices and an elementary or other type of school.
- Most dwellings are within a five minute walk of that center.
- There are a variety of dwelling types close together (ie; small to large single family, condominiums, rentals apartments, etc.)Commonly, townhomes, villas or condominiums will adjoin streets of single family homes. Lot sizes are distinguished with names that represent their size; typically cottage, village and estate. A variety of home types may be found on one street. Condominiums, townhomes and apartments may be found above or adjoining downtown shops.
- This also includes varying home price levels.
- A privacy side yard is typically on one side of the home.
- Homes are placed close to the sidewalk, and usually have front porches.
- Floors are raised above the sidewalk level for enhanced privacy and architectural appeal.
- Small parks and/or playgrounds near every dwelling.
Streets are…
- narrow, lined with trees and wide sidewalks
- laid out in a connected network in stark contrast to the sparse branched pattern of most suburban neighborhoods
shorter
Parking locations are…
- on-street
- in garage (garages are often at the rear of lots, often served by alleys)
What are the major advantages of living in a TND?
- Typical planning allows for parks and recreational areas, as well as schools and small businesses close by for community use.
- Front porch of home is focal and encourages interaction with neighbors. If front loaded garage, usually recessed from front elevation of home and not predominant feature.
- TND planning provides for amenities (recreational, public, and business) to be within a five to ten minute walk of each home site. Emphasizes less automotive travel.
- Unique Live/Work zoning on specific streets allow for small businesses to adjoin to homes.
- Design of the neighborhood encourages interaction with community. In many TNDs, events are able to be held within the TND because of space, allowing residents to experience cultural events close by.