Tall buildings can be vital part of good urban design

A 650-foot-tall building is only the beginning of the answer of growth. It is not the total solution. The question of urban growth should not be limited to how high buildings should be. Urban growth should be implemented by both an increased density and by an urban environment that accommodates growth.

Tall buildings are only a part of the solution to growth. It should occur if there is sufficient light, air and open space at the pedestrian level to create an urban environment. More tall buildings with open space and an urban environment are better than more 400-foot tall buildings to accommodate growth.

Growth should be balanced between the suburbs and the urban areas to provide a variety of opportunities and environments for living. It is better to grow than to not grow. Urban growth is an alternative to suburban sprawl and reducing open space. Open space, once it is used, will be lost forever.

Growth requires more urban open space. However, it should not be at the expense of livability. Growth should occur based on a number of conditions.

Good urban design is a complete urban environment for people to live, work and play. It should be a balance of different apartment types — mid-rise and high-rise.

Higher density in urban areas should provide an active place where people can gather. The higher density will achieve a greater efficiency in use of land, infrastructure and amenities — and it increases land values and tax revenues. Higher density from taller buildings should include space between other tall buildings for view corridors between buildings. Increased density in urban areas will be an alternative to increase in uses of suburban or agriculture lands. Higher density should concurrently increase open space, gathering places and public amenities to create neighborhoods.

Taller high-rise buildings should be permitted on larger parcels of land where appropriate public amenities can be provided. This would include low-rise and mid-rise buildings that would provide a variety of physical environments. Adjacent buildings on smaller lots without an urban environment can supplement the viability of the amenities created for the tall building and increase the livability of the neighborhood.

Suburban growth increases the cost of infrastructure, development of transportation systems and is contrary to a sustainable development. Without a transit system, it will increase the demand for more and wider roads to connect the suburbs with the urban area. The roads will eliminate the use of land that could be used to provide income and tax revenues. It will decrease the available land for open space. Suburban growth reduces open space, which becomes more important as growth occurs.

An urban environment for people to enjoy suggests having places to meet, to enjoy the outdoors, to enjoy art and sculpture. It is an opportunity to experience the sunshine, to listen to music, to discuss the pros and cons of urban issues, sports, performing arts. It is a place where one can learn with others. It will be a place to do things that may or may not involve computers.

This environment should include various retail options, specialty items, food and beverages. It should encourage an active participation in various activities. This outdoor pedestrian environment provides the balance for the density achieved in high rise buildings.

Tall buildings in selected urban areas can be significant in improving the quality of life, work and play in urban areas.