It seems to me that the Land Use Commission satisfies a core human need in the development of Bexley as a city. "Who we are" and "why we love Bexley" are essential questions with answers that must be branded in our minds so that a vision for the land use development of this city can be successful.
We have been asking members, "Why do you live here?" "What do you love most about Bexley?" "How do you use Main Street?" "How do you use Livingston Avenue?" "How do you use the trails, parks, library?" "How does its architecture make Bexley unique and alluring to you?" "What are your favorite things to do here?" "How can we make it better and make you more satisfied with the city?" "Is there something missing from our city that would fulfil your local needs?"
Most answers are descriptions of everyday happenings that please people and make their lives enjoyable. And--when the joys greatly outnumber the trials--that is truly what makes a great city:
One member talked about walking through tree-lined streets to a coffee shop admiring the houses along her peaceful walk.
One member rides his bike or walks to work every day from eastern Bexley to Drexel and Main.
One member likes to stop at Graeter's and stroll through the Capital University campus.
Many in my neighborhood enjoy taking their children to the Library for storytime or to the Montrose playground for a couple of hours before stopping at Starbucks or Johnson's for a treat.
Many people I know have expressed sadness that there are no Bexley markets or grocers to satisfy a quick need for a missing dinner item, or for dishwashing, or a fly-swatter, or anything. If we can walk or ride our bikes to the library and the schools, why can't we as easily or safely get to the corner market?
It's all about what our natural needs are as people in search of "home." We all desire the comfort of a strong civic identity to enhance our individual well-being!
That is why this blog is so important, too. The input of the experts who sit on this Commission will develop schemes for Bexley's built fabric- both the gaping regions that need tender loving care and the smaller pockets that need equal love- yet these schemes need the community's ideas and input to truly be part of the identity of Bexley.
Look for upcoming posts on the Commission's areas of concentration and please post your comments! We need to hear from the people of Bexley on what makes this city "home" for them and how they would see it improved so that we can continue to make Bexley more beautiful.
Bill Heyer
Bill is a member of the Land Use Strategy Commission and an architect living and practicing in Bexley.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I enjoy walking through Bexley like others who have shared input, but what I really love are the friendly neighbors. Many are "strangers," until you start waving at them everyday, then saying hello, learning their names and sharing drinks with them or having playdates. I do wish their was a Bexley grocer as that would fill the missing piece.
ReplyDelete