For ROUZAN

Q: Traffic is already a problem in the surrounding area.  The developer's own traffic study suggest 9000 +/- more cars per day in our already overcrowded streets.

A: Everyone agrees that existing traffic is a concern, not only in our area but within the greater Baton Rouge area.  The major cause for this traffic is urban sprawl, one of the negative byproducts of post-WWII planning practices, the Federal-Aid Highway Act, and the increasing affordability of the automobile . Also, a major contributor to traffic congestion in our area is the separating of uses that became the dominate method of development in post-WWII America.

The 9000 +/- trip number is based on two sources. One, the increase in residential use due to new neighbors in the development.  Two, the increased traffic associated with non-resident traffic targeted to retail stores, offices, restaurants and the public library. 

A large portion of this non-resident traffic already exists on the studied arteries and will be routed to this development instead of similar locations further away (e.g., current resident who lives on Hood Ave will travel to the new public library on Perkins and enter Rouzan instead of driving to the public library on Bluebonnet).  However, since this existing traffic will be entering and exiting the development it has to be counted in the traffic study as generated by the development.  The majority of the non-resident traffic will access the area from the main artery, Perkins Road.

With a TND traffic is reduced per capita when compared to the old subdivision model since people have to travel shorter distances to perform many of their daily tasks.  In many cases this travel is done by means other than by automobile, particularly by those living close to the Town Square. In addition, the connectivity of the streets which allows access to the amenities of the TND by the neighboring residents, helps filter the traffic and prevent congestion.  This also means that no one street will be burdened with excess traffic.

A: Everyone agrees the current drainage system needs significant improvement.  The lack of attention to the infrastructure issue is a problem and will require attention regardless of what is developed on the property.

Q: I think Rouzan will ruin my neighborhood character and make it feel more urban.  I've seen what the developer has done at Perkins Rowe.

A: Perkins Rowe bears no relation to Rouzan and should not be used as a comparison to the Rouzan Development. Perkins Rowe is a small "city in a city", while Rouzan will be a neighborhood integrating the existing subdivisions in a homogenous and logical manner.

Many residents and surrounding neighbors of TNDs comment on the charm and safety of the TND compared with their previous subdivision. You often hear, "it reminds me of when I was growing up." One of the overwhelming comments neighbors adjacent to a TND make is that they prefer to spend their "idle" time in the TND then their own subdivision due to the many benefits of the area.  They also feel their children are safer in the TND than their previous subdivision due to the greater sense of community and the traffic control methods that are used.

Q: I grew up in a subdivision and have always lived in a subdivision.  What's wrong with adding another subdivision?

A: Planners are now beginning to understand the planning mistakes of the past and working on developing more sustainable planning models to improve our quality of life, the state of our environment, and our public health. Today planners recognize that with a constantly growing population and a finite amount of land, they must begin to change the way they utilize and develop the land. If we add another subdivision, we are only compounding our problems, including our traffic congestion and dependence on foreign oil.

For instance the United States consumes more than 20.7 million barrels of oil a day, which is more than 867 million gallons per day.  That is almost 3 gallons per day for every man, women and child in the United States.  The next closest consumer is China who consumes 300% less with a 400% greater population.

Even small TNDs that cannot offer all of our daily needs have been proven to result in reduced car trips by residents both outside and within the neighborhood.

It was mentioned earlier that suburban sprawl and typical subdivision models have created traffic problems.  But they have also helped to engineer the daily activity out of our lives (we have to drive everywhere rather than walk - a contributing factor to the obesity crisis we see today) and have removed much of the sense of community we use to see in traditional neighborhoods.  If you speak with people who live in River Ranch, for instance, they will tell you that they know many more neighbors now than they did in their previous subdivisions.  This sense of community, as well as the pedestrian-friendly environment and mixed uses that get people out on the street, works to help prevent crime.

One TND in our neighborhood won't solve our traffic problems, drainage issues or our nations overdependence on foreign oil, but this will be the fourth TND in the area and with many more on the way, it's a great start. It's time we all "step up to the plate" and take responsibility.

Q: TND, Smart Growth and New Urbanism, what is this all about?

A: The World is changing, America is changing and Baton Rouge needs to adapt how it develops and grows to keep up with these changes. All these terms are associated with the study and understanding of these changes and adapting how we build now and in the future with emphasis on the overall effect of these design decisions.

Q: I've heard that these developments often are poorly constructed and in a few years we'll be stuck with a strip mall and an apartment.

A: Strip malls are counter to TND concept and design. You will never see one in a true TND.  Developers and designers know that the TND design appeals to a demanding market who will only accept quality construction with a strong family-oriented environment.

What has been recognized as a problem is that demand for these developments is so great, and the supply so limited at this time, that housing prices escalate.  This price escalation prohibits many people from being able to afford the housing in the TND and has the effect of  escalating home values in the surrounding areas.