Daily Blog: Norman, OK

Flint, Michigan is not alone in trying to breathe new life into old neighborhoods. Norman, Oklahoma, population 100,000, is discussing mixed-use zoning:

http://newsok.com/norman-looks-at-mixed-zoning/article/3378022

The idea is to combine several different features of a city into one neighborhood. As the article notes:

"A mixed-use zoning district would include residences, retail development and green space, all developed according to a common design plan, city Planning Director Susan Connors said."

In other words, folks could take care of all their daily needs within the neighborhood. As Connors says:

"Allowing citizens to live in the same area where they work and shop creates a sense of belonging to the community and can improve their quality of life."

Connors is right: a sense of community is what more and more people want and need.