Accommodating growth: The concept of traditional neighborhood development in Westhaven

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

2. SPRAWLING URBAN GROWTH: IMPACTS AND APPROACHES

2.1 Causes and Problems of Urban Sprawl

2.2 Anti-Sprawl Approaches: Smart Growth, New Urbanism, and TND

3. PORTRAYAL OF WESTHAVEN’S HOMETOWN FRANKLIN

3.1 Location

3.2 Population

3.3 Economics

3.4 Provision of Infrastructure

3.5 Land Use Development

3.6 Urban Growth Management

4. EMBODIMENT OF TND IN WESTHAVEN

4.1 Design of Westhaven

4.1.1 Genesis of the Project

4.1.2 Setting in Franklin

4.1.3 Structure of the Neighborhood

4.1.4 Architecture of Buildings and Landscape

4.1.5 Existing and Planned Service Amenities

4.2 Successes and Benefits

4.2.1 Pedestrian-friendly Environment

4.2.2 Strong “Sense of Community”

4.2.3 High Standard of Living

4.2.4 Increased Awareness of Region

4.3 Failures and Deficiencies

4.3.1 Insufficient Connection to Region

4.3.2 Inadequate Internal Business Establishments

4.3.3 Inefficient Land Use

4.3.4 Unaffordable for Lower-Income Households

4.4 Conclusions of the TND Concept: What Westhaven Teaches Us

5. PLANNING APPROACHES FOR TND TO MANAGE GROWTH

5.1 Integration in Regional Network

5.2 Sufficient Supply with Businesses

5.3 Efficient Land Use

5.4 Offer of Lower-Priced Homes

6. FINAL VIEW ON THE REVISED TND CONCEPT

Research Objectives and Topics

This thesis investigates whether the concept of "Traditional Neighborhood Development" (TND) serves as a viable urban planning model to accommodate population growth while simultaneously preventing the negative effects associated with urban sprawl.

• Analysis of the origins, problems, and impacts of urban sprawl.
• Evaluation of the TND concept as an anti-sprawl planning strategy.
• Case study of the Westhaven development in Franklin, Tennessee.
• Assessment of successes and deficiencies in implementing TND principles.
• Development of refined planning approaches for TND to effectively manage regional growth.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the challenges of urban sprawl and introduces the research question regarding the viability of TND as a solution.

2. SPRAWLING URBAN GROWTH: IMPACTS AND APPROACHES: Explores the historical causes of sprawl and introduces anti-sprawl movements like New Urbanism and TND.

3. PORTRAYAL OF WESTHAVEN’S HOMETOWN FRANKLIN: Provides a comprehensive background of Franklin, focusing on its demographic, economic, and infrastructure development.

4. EMBODIMENT OF TND IN WESTHAVEN: Examines the planning, design, and practical execution of Westhaven, evaluating its successes and failures against TND standards.

5. PLANNING APPROACHES FOR TND TO MANAGE GROWTH: Suggests strategic modifications to the TND concept to improve infrastructure integration, business supply, and affordability.

6. FINAL VIEW ON THE REVISED TND CONCEPT: Concludes that while TND alone is not a complete solution, it offers potential if modified by more integrated regional planning measures.

Keywords

Urban Sprawl, Traditional Neighborhood Development, TND, New Urbanism, Franklin, Westhaven, Land Use, Smart Growth, Housing, Regional Planning, Infrastructure, Social Segregation, Sustainability, Urban Design, Transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

The thesis evaluates whether "Traditional Neighborhood Development" (TND) is an effective urban model to address the negative impacts of urban sprawl, such as social segregation and high infrastructure costs.

Which city serves as the main case study?

The study centers on the Westhaven neighborhood, located in the rapidly growing city of Franklin, Tennessee.

What is the primary research question?

The work seeks to answer: "Is TND a viable urban model to accommodate growth and prevent Urban Sprawl?"

What methodology does the author apply?

The author combines literature reviews of urban planning theories with an empirical evaluation of the Westhaven development, including interviews with residents and project stakeholders.

What are the central themes discussed in the main body?

The main body covers the history of sprawl, the design principles of TND, the practical implementation in Westhaven, and an analysis of successes and failures regarding infrastructure, business, and social affordability.

Which concepts characterize the work?

Key terms include urban sprawl, New Urbanism, TND, land use, infrastructure management, and community identity.

How does Westhaven connect to the regional network?

The thesis finds that Westhaven has insufficient connectivity, relying on a single major artery, New Highway 96 West, which results in significant traffic congestion for residents.

Does the author conclude that TND is a successful anti-sprawl model?

The author concludes that in its current form, TND is not a complete solution and can sometimes act as a "prettier form of sprawl," though it holds potential if modified with better regional integration strategies.