Description
I'm not sure, but I would guess that 5 Points/Old Town is one of the densest areas in Huntsville. It's also (at least east of California) one of the most affordable for young professionals and families. As a result, it could easily be one of the most vibrant, walkable areas of Huntsville, but it seems that there are power poles growing from every crack in the sidewalk, where sidewalks can be found.
Also, none of the buildings in the area (with the exceptions of Star Market and 1892) have been improved lately. Landlords should be encouraged (read: incentivized) to upgrade their facilities. Ideally, buildings would be 2 or more stories with small setbacks and provide, in some cases, apartment living (like the main street in Providence).
Further, I would personally love to see California turn into a 2 lane road with parallel parking and bike lanes between Randolph and Beirne. That, coupled with sidewalk improvements, would go a long way towards creating a pedestrian-friendly environment in the area of Huntsville that would be most receptive to it.
11 Comments
Ben (Guest)
Jarom (Guest)
Mike (Guest)
guest (Guest)
Alice Brown (Guest)
Ron Hogan Stained Glass (Registered User)
Anonymous (Guest)
Joe W. (Registered User)
I agree with Anonymous. People will find other ways.
As an experiment, I got directions from Google Maps for what most of the people driving on Andrew Jackson through Five Points are probably doing. (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=California+St+SE&daddr=Oakwood+Ave+NE&hl=en&geocode=FZTGEQIdzP3W-g%3BFXo6EgIdCvLW-g&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=14&sll=34.730962,-86.575441&sspn=0.059253,0.077162&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=14)
It's interesting that a driver can go from Governor's to Oakwood, theoretically, via Memorial Parkway as quickly as via California/Andrew Jackson.
John WW (Registered User)
Curtis Benzle (Registered User)
Closed City of Huntsville (Verified Official)