The basic building block of the vision plan is the neighborhood – but not the isolated, sprawling, single-use residential development mandated by present zoning. The recommended neighborhood building block is well defined by a physical edge, with an identifiable center that is animated by a lively mix of activities and a well-defined public environment. The neighborhood is walkable because it is limited in size – approximately ¼ to ½ mile in diameter or a 5 to10 minute walk, with interconnected streets. Interspersed within the neighborhood is a civic structure of public buildings and open spaces that include schools, places of worship and libraries. These are the principles of good neighborhood design.

Figure 6-10 illustrates how activities are located in an area of suburban sprawl. With all of life’s important destinations spread throughout the landscape, the only means of access is the automobile. The problems with this concept are noted in the Transportation Basis, above. 

Figure 6-11 illustrates how activities are to be located in the Town and Country neighborhood concept. Here, life’s major destinations are focused within the fabric of the neighborhood and are thus easily accessible by foot and bicycle as well as by automobile on local – not regional – roads. With the neighborhood concept, it is possible to envision Richland County as a region of neighborhoods. See Figure 6-12.