Andrea Calhoun_Senior Thesis Report 1: Walking Off the Obesity Epidemic

Walking off the

Obesity Epidemic Andrea Calhoun | ARCH 407 | Thesis Report 1

Table of COntents Introduction Chapter 1

Global Awareness: The Larger Problem The Global State of Obesity .................................

Public Health and Land-use .................................

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12 14 18 20 27 33

Thesis Proposal: Downtown Northglenn Walkability as a Solution .........................................

The Building .............................................................

The Project Language ...............................................

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04 06

Local Realities: Northglenn, Colorado Location and Context ...........................................

Background and History ........................................

The Local Issue .......................................................

Site Analysis ............................................................

Updates to the Comprehensive Plan ....................

The HEAL Committee .............................................

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01

38 42 43

Precedents: Solutions in Action Weinland Park Food District ...................................

Mariposa Coop Grocery Store ..................................

Grow Dat Youth Farm ...............................................

The Farmery ............................................................

Fresh Moves Bus ....................................................

Belmar, Lakewood, Colorado ....................................

50 52 54 56 58 60

Appendix: Site Photos

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Introduction Health and fitness has always been a central component in my life - I suppose growing up in an extremely athletic family will do that to you.

My grandfather was the high school football coach, my mother swam for a NCAA school in college, and my father loves to ski. Staying fit is a part of the daily routine in the Calhoun clan.

As a result, I played competitive basketball for 12 years, dedicating the majority of my time to practice. In fact, up until receiving my third concussion in 12th grade, I had every intention of playing in college. However, that third concussion forced me to retire my sneakers and seek a new source of fitness.

During that same year, I found interest in food and nutrition. I had begun running marathons and weight training. Thus, I wanted to properly fuel my body. For my senior capstone project, I job-shadowed a nutritionist and self-published a cookbook called “Hold the Freshman 15,” which taught students how to eat healthy.

Personally, staying active and eating healthy is a habit. However, for many people, it is not.

In fact, for a third of the world, maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle is seen as a chore. In general, the American population, has adapted to the ever-changing luxuries of technology, upholding a comfortable reliance on personal space and personal mobility. We share our lives on social media, yet we do it from the privacy of our own home. We go to the store, yet we arrive in individual automobiles.

We purchase our food without leaving our cars.

We can even order products without leaving our couch. Our hot food costs $1.00 and is reheated in less than a minute. Our “fresh” food is grown on the other side of the world.

The American Dream itself is centered around a highly consuming, sedentary lifestyle.

After a few years in architecture school and a short visit home, I truly began to understand this reality. In fact, the built environment actually encourages this behavior.

Growing up, I lived in Broomfield, Colorado, a suburb located approximately 20-minutes north of Denver. When I returned to visit, I was somewhat disappointed. Seeing that I was only home for a month, I did not have a car. However, I quickly realized that suburban environments are nearly impossible to navigate without a car. From my parent’s house, the nearest store is more than a mile away in any direction. Moreover, the nearest transit stop is nearly 2-miles away. Many of times, I witnessed shoppers drive from one store to another in the same shopping center. Consequently, I began to wonder if my childhood lifestyle was actually healthy.

It is well-known that suburban growth and post-World War II development has impacted the environment. However, this same development has greatly impacted health as well. Therefore, in order to improve health, the built environment must encourage and support healthier lifestyle decisions.

1

Global Awareness The Larger Problem

The Global State of Obesity With numbers accounting for more than 1.9 billion adults, the obesity epidemic has reached global proportions.1 In fact, according to the World Health Organization’s 2014 report, 39% of the world’s adult population is overweight, with 13% of the population being obese.2 Moreover, 42 million children were reported to be overweight or obese in the same year.

That being said, 1 in 4 people, regardless of age, are impacted by the risks of obesity. In the U.S. alone, $147 billion are spent treating the diseases and complications caused by excess weight, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, gall bladder disease, and even some cancers.3 Obesity has even been linked to a series of mental illnesses, including clinical depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and distorted body image.3 Therefore, with more than 65% of the world’s population living in a country affected by obesity, immediate action is required. However, understanding the causes and solutions for such an epidemic is a complex matter in need of further investigation.

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Essentially, excess weight is caused by one fundamental concept: an imbalance of calories consumed and calories expended. A calorie, measuring the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1° C, fuels the body with energy.4 Calories are essential in all bodily functions. However, when food energy is consumed but not expended, the energy is stored, most often as fat.

Obesity in America

This excess weight is then taken into consideration when calculating an individual’s BMI, or “Body Mass Index.” BMI is measured using a simple equation: 5

Therefore, combating obesity requires the promotion of balanced, healthy, and active lifestyles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a healthy adult lifestyle incorporates a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity (i.e. brisk walking) and 2 days of muscle strengthening exercise per week.8 In addition, both children and adults should maintain a balanced diet.

Unfortunately, due to poor land-use and limited access to healthy foods in disadvantaged areas, existing conditions neglect to support such lifestyles.

BMI = Weight (kg.)

Height (m.)2 A healthy BMI will range between 18.5 and 24.9. An overweight individual has a BMI over 25 and an obese individual has a BMI over 30.

Ranking in the overweight or obese categories may cause a shortened life span.6

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of all American adults are obese.7 Individual states have rates ranging between 21% and 36%. The heaviest states can generally be found in the Southeast, Southwest, and Midwest, which draws attention to the regions’ environments.

sedentary lifestyles

+

abundant consumption of unhealthy food

=

imbalance of calories consumed and expended

Fig. 1.1: Global Obesity Rate >25% 15-24.9% 5-14.9% <5% N.A.

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Suburban

Northglenn, CO | Walkscore: 43 Obesity: 25%

Urban

Boulder, CO | Walkscore: 56 Obesity: 15%

6

Suburban

Wellingborough, UK | Walkscore: 45 Overweight: 70%

Urban

Chelsea, UK | Walkscore: 96 Overweight: 45%

Suburban

SW Melbourne, AU | Walkscore: 41 Obesity: 30%

Urban

East Melbourne, AU | Walkscore: 92 Obesity: 16%

Public Health and Land Use Prior to the haphazard and sprawling development that occurred throughout the mid-1900’s, life was lived outdoors and decisions did not revolve around the automobile. On the other hand, according to Douglas Farr, the average American will spend 87% of his or her lifetime indoors and 4% in enclosed transit, walking as little as four minutes per day.9 Needless to say, this indoor behavior is a contribution to sedentary lifestyles and, consequently, obesity. In fact, when looking at the urbanized regions of Colorado (the “leanest” state) and Mississippi (the “fattest” state), a direct correlation is drawn between physical inactivity and obesity.10 Throughout history, theorist and city planners have addressed problems with the American city. Jane Jacobs dissected the suburban neighborhoods of the 1950’s in “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” and Howard Frumkin examined the negative impacts of sprawl in his book “Urban Sprawl and Public

Health.” While both of these works will be excellent resources as evidence of the correlation between walkability and obesity, statistical data proves that this epidemic is no longer contained within the United States. According to Census data, 13.2 million Canadians live in the suburbs;11 Canada is the

4’

12’

12’

12’

12’

68’ Right of Way

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sixth most obese OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) country. Likewise, The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico, all within the top five obese OECD countries, show signs of abundant sprawl and suburban development.12

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4’ 5’

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68’ Right of Way

Fig. 1.2: Street sections above demonstrate the difference between a typical auto-oriented road (left) and a pedestrian oriented street. Auto-oriented street sections contain multiple, fast moving lanes with little to no barriers between pedestrians and traffic. On the other hand, pedestrian-oriented street sections create a protected pedestrian realm and implement traffic calming strategies.

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Fig. 1.3: Food Stamps 15-19.9% >20%

Fig. 1.4: Food Insecurity 10-14.9%

<10%

> Average

Average

Fig. 1.5: Poverty < Average

>18%

15-17.9%

13-14.9%

<13%

Fig. 1.7: Eats Less Than 1 Serving Vegetables Daily 25-29.9% >30% 20-24.9% <20%

Fig. 1.6: Obesity Rate >35%

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30-34.9%

Fig. 1.8: Physical Inactivity 25-29.9%

20-24.9%

>30%

25-29.9%

20-24.9%

<20%

Moreover, impoverished and food-insecure residents experience high rates of obesity due to limited resources, a lack of access to healthy foods, fewer opportunities for physical activity, and sudden metabolic changes.13 The correlation between income, education, and obesity is greatest among women. In fact, women in the most disadvantaged groups experience the highest rates of obesity.

According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women with access to sufficient but inexpensive and high fat foods are 10 pounds heavier than those with access to sufficient quality food due to overconsumption.14 As previously explained, overconsumption has a primary influence on obesity. From 1971 to 2000, consumption increased 7% for men and 22% for women. Today, the average American eats 300 calories more than the average adult in 1985. Unfortunately, along with weight gain, the excessive consumption of fast food can cause depression, oral distress, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, insulin resistance, bloating, headaches, acne, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and heart disease.15 Ingredients used in soap, shaving cream, Silly Putty, roof sealant, and concrete is found in Subway eggs. McDonald’s chicken nuggets are made from a mixture of chicken leftovers and carcasses. Taco Bell meat is only 36% beef and silicon dioxide is found in Wendy’s chili.16 These ingredients should not be consumed by humans. However, fast food chains have now spread across the globe.

A

G

B

H

C

I

D

J

E

K

F

L

Fig. 1.9: The side effects of consuming fast-food/processed food on a regular basis are as follows: A) Depression; B) Oral distress; C) High blood pressure; D) Shortness of breath; E) Insulin resistance; F) Bloating; G) Headaches; H) Acne; I) High blood sugar; J) High cholesterol; K) Heart problems; and L) Obesity.

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Local Realities Northglenn, Colorado

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Location Northglenn, Colorado is a suburban city located 15-minutes North of Denver (depending on traďŹ&#x192;c). The city covers approximately 7.5 square miles of land along the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary interstate, I-25, providing easy access to major attractions such as the Denver International Airport, the Rocky Mountains, and Colorado Springs. Within and/or near the city are multiple amenities including university branch campuses, community colleges, retail centers, business parks, and recreational parks.

Fig. 2.1 (Left): Northglenn City Hall Fig. 2.2 (Right): Northglenn, highlighted in red, is located approximately 13-miles from Downtown Denver.

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Background and History Following popular trends of Mid-19th Century America, the end of World War II paved way for Denver’s transition from mining center into regional capitol. In fact, the greatest influx of population since the “Pike’s Peak or Bust Gold Rush” occurred during the post-war decades, increasing by nearly 30%. Military personnel who had been trained or station in Colorado had fallen in love with the state and returned in order to raise families. Thus, there was an increase in suburban housing demand.

New home-owners flooded the campuses, neighborhoods, and public schools throughout the Denver Metro area. During this time, Adam’s County saw a population increase of 300% and other counties, such as Arapahoe and Jefferson, more than doubled in size. As mining collapsed and agriculture showed signs of decline, Denver became a national service and government center. Suburban shopping centers popped up along the Front Range, eliminating the need to travel downtown.

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Furthermore, in 1947, Mayor Quigg Newton transformed Denver from a streetcar city into an auto-oriented network. Buildings were torn down and replaced with parking lots, street trees were removed, roads were widened, and an extensive network of freeways were constructed in order to accommodate growing rates of automobile ownership.17 The growth of Northglenn Prior to this post-war boom, Northglenn was predominately agricultural land. However, in 1957, development began with two residential subdivisions at the intersection of 99th Ave. and Huron. The developments included commercial, industrial, recreational, and educational zones, all of which were centered on the regional mall. By 1969, the population grew from 500 residents to 26,000 residents.

Therefore, the City of Northglenn was officially incorporated on April 18th of the same year.

Over the next few decades, the population continued to rapidly grow and the boundaries of the city expanded. The first master plan was adopted in 1972.18 The Northglenn Mall In 1968, the Northglenn Mall opened its doors on a 71.6-acre plot, north of a small shopping strip. This one-story, $20 million shopping mall became Northglenn’s commercial hub and civic center. Moreover, at the time, the Northglenn Mall was the second largest regional shopping complex in Colorado, containing 850,000 square feet of leasable space.

Anchor stores included a two-story Denver Dry Goods, Sears, and J.C. Penney. Other stores included Fontius Shoes, The Limited, Stuarts, Fashion Bar, and F.W. Woolworth 5 & 10.

Furthermore, the existing single-screen Loews Northglenn Theatre made a nice addition to the mix of destinations.

Fig. 2.3: The Northglenn Mall during construction in 1967. https://www.facebook.com/NorthglennMall/

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However, during the 1980s, competition began to threaten the success of the Northglenn Mall.

In Westminster, a new, larger mall opened 3.8 miles away. In an attempt to maintain revenues, Mervyn’s was added in 1986. The outdated mall hung on to its customers until J.C. Penney and Denver Dry Goods both closed by 1989.19 The Northglenn Marketplace In response to the bankruptcy of the Northglenn Mall, the Northglenn Urban Renewal Authority (NURA) was established in 1990. NURA oversaw redevelopment of the shopping center, demolishing and redeveloping the site.

The original developer bought back the land and an “open-air” retail center was completed in 2001.

This new commercial center, known as The Northglenn Marketplace, still stands today.

The Marketplace contains a multitude of bigbox commercial stores, centered around an excessive parking-lot. Original stores included Mervyn’s, Lowes, Ross Dress for Less, Petsmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Office Depot, Marshalls, and Borders Books.

Fig. 2.4 (Top): The original JC Penney during the mid-1970s. https://www.facebook.com/NorthglennMall/ Fig. 2.5 (Bottom Left): Family walking through the Northglenn Mall in 1971. https://www.facebook.com/NorthglennMall/ Fig. 2.6 (Bottom Right): Friends after the 1997 Great Pie Fight. https://www.facebook.com/NorthglennMall/

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Unfortunately, Northglenn was not the only suburban city redeveloping its commercial core. In 2000, Flatiron’s Crossing Mall opened 4.2 miles west. Shortly after, Larkridge Mall and the Orchard Town Center opened within 7 miles of the Northglenn Marketplace.

While the Northglenn Marketplace continues to serve as the city’s commercial powerhouse, revenues peaked in 2005. Circuit City, which had once replaced Mervyn’s, closed in 2009. Borders Books closed in 2011. Today, the shopping center is in the second-half of its lifespan.Thus, redevelopment and reinvestment is of high priority.20

Fig. 2.7: The existing Northglenn Marketplace and neighboring strip mall are outlined in red. Photo courtesy of The City of Northglenn Planning and Development.

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Census Data (2010) Population (2014) Persons < 5 years old Persons < 18 years old Persons > 65 years old Female Persons Race White Alone Black/AďŹ&#x20AC;rican American American Indian Asian 2+ Races Ethnicity Hispanic/Latino White, Not Hispanic Other Information Living in Same Housing for More Than 1 Year Foreign Born Speaks Language Other Than English High School+ Degree Bachelors+ Degree/Diploma Veteran Mean Commute Time (minutes) Number of Housing Units Home Ownership Rate Housing in Multi-Unit Building Mean Value Owner Occupied Homes Persons Per Household Per Capita Income Median Income Persons Below Poverty

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Northglenn

Colorado

Climate Data

38,596 7.5% 25.5% 11.3% 50.2%

5,355,866 6.8% 24.4% 10.9% 49.9%

76.6% 2.3% 1.3% 3.7% 4.2%

81.3% 4.0% 1.1% 2.8% 3.4%

Air Quality Index Water Quality Index Annual Rainfall (in.)

Annual Snowfall (in.)

Precipitation Days Sunny Days Average July High Temp. (F) Average January Low Temp (F) UV Index

30.6% 61.0%

20.7% 70.0%

81.9% 9.0% 19.5% 85.7% 16.4% 3,199 28.6 14,274 58.0% 31.5% $183,600 2.71 $23,729 $52,886 15.1%

80.7% 9.7% 16.8% 90.2% 37.0% 399,458 24.5 2,212,898 65.4% 25.9% $236,200 2.53 $31,109 $58,433 13.2%

County Health Data Health Behaviors Adult Smoking Adult Obesity Food Environment Index Physical Inactivity Access to Exercise Excessive Drinking Clinical Care Uninsured Diabetic Monitoring Social & Economic Factors Children in Poverty Single-Parent Households Income Inequality Physical Environment Driving Alone to Work Long Commute - Diving Alone

Northglenn 86.8 80 14.3 43 73 246 89 19.2 5.1

Adams

22% 25% 7.7 20% 95% 19% 22% 85% 18% 30% 3.8 77% 45%

The Local Issue While Colorado is considered the “leanest” state in the United States, if it were a country, its obesity rate of 20% would earn a spot among the top 13 obese OECD countries.21 Moreover, Adams County, in which Northglenn is located, has an obesity rate of 25%, ranking among the top 5 obese OECD countries.In Adams County, 77% of the population drives to work alone and 45% admits to a daily commute longer than 30-minutes. Furthermore, 20% of the population is physically inactive, yet 95% have access to some form of exercise.22 Thus, when looking at Northglenn’s existing land-use, poverty rates, and evidence of food-insecurity, this high level of obesity comes as no surprise.

Table 2.1 (Left): Data from the 2010 U.S. Census. This table compares the City of Northglenn and the State of Colorado. http://census.gov/ Table 2.2 (Right Top): Climate data for the City of Northglenn. http://www.city-data.com/city/Northglenn-Colorado.html Table 2.3 (Right Bottom): Health data for Adams County. http:// www.countyhealthrankings.org/

According to Walkscore.com, the existing Northglenn Marketplace has a low walkscore of 49, classifying the area as “car-dependent.”23 Errands in this area must me completed via automobile. Thus, it is difficult for families without a reliable vehicle to make healthy decisions. In fact, the Marketplace itself has multiple fast-food restaurants and convenience stores. However, the nearest full-service grocery store is across the highway, nearly 1-mile away (see Fig. 2.13). Sidewalks and streets are in poor conditions and an abundant amount of parking encourages the use of the automobile.

Moreover, the existing site contains high levels of poverty. In Northglenn, the estimated household income is $51,578, which is approximately $7,000 less than the Colorado median household income.24 In the area surrounding the Marketplace, the estimated household income is only $24,372, with a poverty rate of 27.2% (see Fig. 2.12).25

Nonetheless, the existing site has many amenities and a great deal of potential.

Currently, 6 regional bus routes stop within the site.26 In addition, Northglenn has 338-acres of park land and 28 miles of trails, many of which can be easily accessed from the Marketplace.27 Finally, the site is within a one-mile radius of Westview Elementary School, Hillcrest Elementary School, Vantage Point High School, Northglenn High School, Colorado Christian University, and other educational institutions.

Therefore, it is safe to assume that the existing site conditions, rates of poverty, and evidence of food insecurity are all contributions to the high rates of obesity. However, through walkablility and urban farming, there is a great potential for regenerative action and an overall lifestyle improvement. With that being said, redevelopment of the Marketplace is necessary, providing residents with access to healthy food and opportunities for daily physical activity.

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Fig. 2.8: Existing Network City Boundary Streets Plots Water

Marketplace

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Fig. 2.9: Existing Parks and Open Space City Boundary Streets Plots Water Green Space

Marketplace

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Fig. 2.10: Existing Trails City Boundary Streets Plots Pedestrian/Bike Trail Water

Marketplace

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Fig. 2.11: Existing Transit City Boundary Streets Plots Transit Route Water

Marketplace

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Fig. 2.12: Poverty by Census Tract City Boundary Streets Plots Water 20-30% 10-20% 5-10%

Marketplace

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Fig. 2.13: Existing Walkabiliy City Boundary Streets Plots Walk Circle Water Restaurant Retail Grocery Store Convenience Store Education Institution Park CoďŹ&#x20AC;ee Shop/Cafe Bank

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Fig. 2.14: Existing Street Network

Fig. 2.15: Existing Buildings

Northglenn Marketplace

Northglenn Marketplace

I-25

Huron St. 26

Public St.

Private St.

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Melody Dr.

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104th Ave. Highway

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104th Ave.

Fig. 2.16: Existing Uses

Fig. 2.17: Building Conditions

Northglenn Marketplace

Northglenn Marketplace 250’

Ken n

I-25 104th Ave.

Housing Food

Retail Storage

Service Vacant

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250’

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Melody Dr.

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Melody Dr.

Huron St.

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Huron St.

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104th Ave. Good

Ok

Poor

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Fig. 2.18: Existing Parking

Fig. 2.19: Existing Transit

Northglenn Marketplace

Northglenn Marketplace 250’

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Huron St.

Dr.

250’

250’

Dr.

I-25

Ken n

104th Ave.

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250’

I-25

Huron St.

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Melody Dr.

Ken n

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Melody Dr.

250’

104th Ave.

Updated Comprehensive Plan In celebration of its 40th Birthday, the City of Northglenn invested the time to look back at its history, consider current conditions, and plan for the future. In 2009, the city redeveloped its Comprehensive Plan, revealing the visions for the city and the policies needed for achievement of such visions. Through the process, they identified a core value of creating and maintaining a “small-town” environment.

As a result, the new Comprehensive Plan provides a framework committed to attracting new businesses and retaining the old. Other City Council goals include: 1. Establishing a fiscally responsible government 2. Upgrading existing infrastructure and facilities 3. Maintaining strong competitive businesses 4. Establishing community governance with civic partnerships 5. Creating a clean and beautiful city 6. Providing livable neighborhoods

Furthermore, the City of Northglenn is dedicated to the achievement of long-term economic growth, environmental protection, and social wellbeing. With these goals in mind, the plan covers five major issues: housing, economic development, transportation, recreation, and institutional services.28 (The following policies are copied directly).

Housing Policies 5.1 Manage the issue of housing in the city through an approach to individual residential neighborhoods defined as unique geographic areas.

5.2 Policy: Diversify housing stock and encourage the development of new housing products in Northglenn. A diverse, high-quality housing stock may help Northglenn attract and retain residents.

5.B.3 Policy: Encourage reinvestment in and

maintenance of the existing housing stock.

5.B.4 Policy: Where applicable, encourage the redevelopment of existing housing to revitalize neighborhoods and provide housing stock diversity.

5.B.5 Policy: Where applicable, encourage the mixing of housing with commercial uses to provide greater proximal access to goods, services, and transportation access.

5.B.6 Policy: Recognize the transportation/land use connection with regard to new housing developments and redevelopments within the city.

Economic Development Policies 6.B.1 Policy: Create a more diversified and well-balanced economic base.

6.B.2 Policy: Further enhance and solidify the

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retail sales tax base for the city.

6.B.3 Policy: Support the expansion of existing businesses and recruit new businesses that pay higher wages than the current city average, with particular emphasis given to the creation of primary jobs.

greater transportation choice to citizens of the city and greater access to other parts of the region.

7.B.5 Policy: Fully participate in the decisionmaking process regarding future upgrades to the I-25 corridor.

coordinated right-of-way, access and crosssection guidelines. Acquire right-of-way and regulate roadway access based on suggestions provided by the draft corridor plan and the transportation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan.

Recreational Policies

6.B.4 Policy: Enhance the appearance and image of the city commercial to attract new businesses.

7.B.6 Policy: Coordinate city and regional trail systems through a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian trail plan.

6.B.5 Policy: Encourage the redevelopment of underutilized and vacant properties.

7.B.7 Policy: Coordinate city alternative transportation systems using comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian design standards.

6.B.6 Policy: Leverage the resources of the Northglenn Urban Renewal Authority (NURA), where appropriate to enhance existing business and secure new businesses.

7.B.8 Policy: Coordinate critical capital projects at the outer boundaries of the city with adjacent municipalities and Adams County to support a coordinated transportation system.

Transportation Policies 7.B.1 Policy: Encourage policies and obtain external funding to promote the maintenance of the existing transportation system and enhancements to citizen’s access to the system.

7.B.9 Policy: Obtain external funding for transportation improvements by cooperating with adjacent cities and Adams County.

7.B.3 Policy: Improve public transportation in the city and make it a higher priority.

7.B.10 Policy: Work cooperatively with Adams County to pursue methods to finance transportation improvements identified in the transportation element of the Comprehensive Plan and ensure that private development pays its fair share of improvements to the transportation network.

7.B.4 Policy: Leverage RTD’s regional investment in the FasTracks project to provide

7.B.11 Policy: Preserve the functional integrity of the city roadway system through

7.B.2 Policy: Reduce travel demand throughout the city.

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8.B.1 Policy: Provide for the recreational and tourism needs of city residents and visitors.

8.B.2 Policy: Continue to implement the City of Northglenn Parks Master Plan.

8.B.3 Policy: Preserve open space to enhance the quality of life, shape urban areas, avoid development of environmentally-sensitive areas and preserve critical wildlife habitat.

8.B.4 Policy: Encourage partnerships between and among municipalities, other jurisdictions, and the private sector to promote open space conservation, parkland creation, trailways and corridors.

Institutional Policies 9.B.1 Policy: Continue to provide citizens of Northglenn with the highest level of public services and facilities the city can support.

9.B.2 Policy: Pursue financial strategies with regard to shared municipal services that leverage future investments.

Fig. 2.20: Existing Zoning City Boundary Streets Plots Water Green Space Single Family Housing Multi-Family Housing Institutional Industrial Commercial Vacant

Marketplace

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Fig. 2.21: Areas of Major Change City Boundary Streets Plots Water Area of Change

Marketplace

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Fig. 2.22: Future Zoning City Boundary Streets Plots Water Green Space Single Family Housing Multi-Family Housing Commercial Neighborhood Commercial Mixed-Use (High Intensity) Mixed-Use (Low Intensity) TOD Institutional Industrial Light Industrial Vacant

Marketplace

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Fig. 2.23: Areas of Historic Preservation City Boundary Streets Plots Water Primary Secondary

Marketplace

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The HEAL Committee In an effort to improve community access to physical activity and healthy food, Live Well Colorado and the Colorado Municipal League has established a partnership known as The HEAL (Healthy Eating and Active Living) Cities and Towns Campaign. HEAL provides training and technical assistant to municipal officials across the state of Colorado, promoting healthier policies and planning efforts from all disciplines. The organization collaborates with city planners, architects, policy makers, employers, and local residents in order to promote three fundamental principles: 1) Active Communities; 2) Healthy Food Access; 3) Healthy Workplaces. Currently, 40 Coloradoan communities, including Northglenn, have pledged to participate in the campaign and 35 have already adopted at least one principle into practice.29 Northglenn’s campaign was adopted on July 14th, 2014, resolving to place healthy opportunities and choices within reach of

all residents. Among a list of many detailed actions, pledged efforts include planner support and development with a favorable impact on physical activity, planner support and development that improves access to healthy food, the adoption of an employee wellness plan, and the formation of a local wellness committee.30 City Planner, Becky Smith, currently heads this committee and will serve as a point of reference in the discussion of existing barriers and possible solutions.

improved on. With the results of the survey, the HEAL Committee hopes to make more informed decisions on future policies and projects.31

Since joining the campaign, Northglenn has begun planning for a more walkable, bikefriendly future. In July, the City conducted a survey of residents, asking questions about housing location, ownership status, and initial attraction to the city. In addition, the survey asked residents what type of foods he/ she consumes, where he/she goes grocery shopping, what kinds of exercise he/she engages in, what forms of transportation he/ she uses, and what he/she would like to see

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Thesis Proposal Downtown Northglenn

Walkability As a Solution An Auto - Oriented Society

Definition of Walkability

According to Douglas Farr’s book, Sustainable Urbanism, the average American adult spends five times more hours driving a car than exercising or playing sports.32 Likewise, children have become increasingly sedentary.

In 1969, 48% of all children between the ages of 5 and 14 walked or biked to school. In 2009, only 13% of this same group walked or biked to school.33 When parents were asked why their children did not walk to school, the top three responses included distance, traffic danger, and weather. However, these responses are slightly ironic, considering that the automobile is one of the leading causes of adolescent death.

Further parents driving their children to school accounts for 10 to 14% of rush hour traffic.34 Therefore, a more realistic response as to why Americans do not walk is centered around the bad habits of an auto-oriented society. On the other hand, when a walkable environment is provided, new habits may begin to form.

Simply stated, walkability is defined as having the ability to travel across an environment on foot. Walkability contributes to the sustainability and life of urban environments, improving health, social interactions, and consumer choices. However, walkability is dependent upon more than the distance between uses. In fact, the general theory of walkabilty outlines four main conditions for success:35

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1.

2.

3.

4.

Usefulness Safety Comfort Interest

Usefulness The first condition addresses the maximum walking distance and the number of uses within that distance. On average, a pedestrian

can walk 1-mile in 20-minutes at a brisk pace.36 Based on this fact, many theorists have argued specific radii in which a walkable environment is contained. Theories range from a 1/4 mile to 1 mile radius. Regardless, the primary concern of each is the number of destinations within a defined area.

When designing Downtown Northglenn, a variety of potential pedestrian destinations must be considered. According to Elliot Allen and Douglas Farr, an excellent neighborhood will include at least 70% of the following 20 destinations:37 • • • • • • • •

Bank Medical/dental office Child care facility Park Community/Civic center Pharmacy Convenience store Post office

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Hair saloon Restaurant Hardware store School Health club Senior care facility Laundry/Dry cleaner Share-car Library Supermarket Live-work housing A “third” place

Comfort

Third places will include hangouts such as: 41

According to Allan Jacobs, “there are street environments we avoid because we know them to be physically uncomfortable.”39 Thus, the third condition for walkability is comfort.

In fact, in a survey of San Fransisco residents, a high concern was given to the appearance, upkeep, and greenery of the neighborhood.

Thus, adequate lighting, human-scale amenities, shade, and other environmental responses will be provided.

• • • • • • • • •

Safety

Interest

Moreover, the pedestrian must be physically protected and perceive the environment as suitable for walking. According to Jane Jacobs, the most walkable part of a town is where the blocks are the shortest.38 Therefore, in Northglenn, blocks will be between 200 and 400 ft, providing more opportunities for crosswalks and, consequently, decreasing illegal mid-block crossings. In addition, on-street parking, street trees, and planter strips will each provide a physical barrier between the pedestrian and the automobile. Sidewalks will contain 6 to 8 feet of clear walking space and buildings will have shallow setbacks in order to promote natural surveillance. Complete streets will provide a designated traffic and transit realm, a bicycle realm, and a pedestrian realm. Finally, a safe urban environment will be created through traffic control techniques, such as timed traffic signals for a targeted operating speed.

Fourth, “qualities that engage the eye” should be provided in the walkable environment.

According to Allan Jacobs, the human eye is always moving.40 Consequently, it is important not to bore the pedestrian. Parking will be consolidated to parking garages so that the blocks may be lined with active uses.

Furthermore, street trees will provide a visually complex canopy of leaves.

Supporting Condition - A Third Place In addition to the first four conditions, Robert Oldenburg has described the importance of “third places.” Essentially a third place is a location outside of the home and work at which people may informally gather. Third places can be accessed via foot and provide people with the opportunity to socialize and be active.

Dog parks Playgrounds Tot lots Coffee shops Pubs Barber shops Hair saloons Nail saloons Etc.

Supporting Condition - Transit and appropriate street types Finally, the last supporting condition of walkability addresses transit and the careful consideration of street design. Historically, available modes of transportation - via water, land, or air - have been highly telling of American settlement patterns.42 With this correlation in mind, the integration of mass transportation is important for the success of Downtown Northglenn. Transit systems, with frequent stops, will support walkability by providing residents with a convenient alternative mode of transportation. In fact, “residents [living within walking distance of transit] use transit five times as likely as those who drive to the station.”43 Thus, transit stops will be placed no more than 1/4-mile apart.

Likewise, street types, including one-way and two-way streets, avenues, and boulevards, will be considered based on traffic demand.

39

Fig. 3.1: Gridded Network

Fig. 3.2: Mixed-Uses

Northglenn Marketplace

Northglenn Marketplace 250’

Ken n

I-25

Huron St.

104th Ave. Transit

40

Building Site

250’

250’

Dr.

Melody Dr.

edy

Dr.

Melody Dr.

edy

250’

Huron St.

Ken n

250’

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104th Ave. Park Block Commercial

Mixed-Use Institutional

Multi-Family Housing Building Site

8’

6’ 4’

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8’

Fig. 3.3: One-Way Street with Transit Lane

8’

6’ 4’

11’

5’

11’

4’ 6’

8’

Fig. 3.5: Two-Way Street - No Transit Lane

8’

6’ 4’

9’

11’

11’

11’

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4’ 6’

8’

Fig. 3.4: Two-Way Avenue - Alternating Turn Lane

8’

6’ 9’

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Fig. 3.6: Multi-Speed Boulevard - Local and Through Traffic

41

The Building Part 1 : Food Production 7,000 square feet

Part 3 : Market 10,000 square feet

Sustainable Farm (6,000 sf) Post-Harvest Handling Center (400 sf) Tool Storage (100 sf) Locker Rooms (2 - 250 sf each)

Selling Area (5,000 - 6,250 sf) • Produce from Farm • Uncooked Meats, Poultry, and Seafood • Dairy Products • Canned Foods • Frozen Foods • Dry Groceries • Baked Goods • Non-Alcoholic Beverages • Vitamins and Supplements • Personal Care Products Food Preparation Kitchen/Café (1,750 sf) • Preparation and Cooking Area (500 sf) • Holding and Serving Area (250 sf) • Wash and Dry Area (450 sf) • Dry Storage (200 sf) • Refrigerated Storage (150 sf) • Janitor Closet (50 sf) • Office Space (50 sf) • Toilets/Locker Space (100 sf)

Part 2 : Education Center 3,000 square feet Lobby (400 sf) Administrative Office (150 sf) Multi-Purpose Classroom (2 - 400 sf each) Teaching Kitchen (1,750 sf) • Instructor Preparation Station (50 sf) • Student Preparation Stations (10 - 50 sf) • Student Cooking Stations (500 sf) • Wash and Dry Area (400 sf) • Dry Storage (150 sf) • Refrigerated Storage (100 sf) • Janitor Closet (50 sf) Restrooms (2 - 150 sf each)

42

Front-of-House (700 sf) • Register Stations (400 sf) • Customer Service (100 sf) • Cart Pick-up/Return (200 sf) Back-of-house (900 sf) • Dry Storage – For Sales (200 sf) • Refrigerated Storage – For Sales (150 sf) • Loading Dock (300 sf) • Janitor Closet (50 sf) • Office Space (50 sf) • Break Room (150 sf) Restrooms (2 - 150 sf each) Mechanical Room (100 sf) ** In order to be classified as a “full-service grocery store,” the market must dedicate at least 50% of the total square footage to the sale of food products. Within this area, 5% of the square footage should be given to each of the following departments: produce, meats, dairy, canned foods, frozen foods, dry groceries, and non-alcoholic beverages.44

The project language The Urban Character 1. Based on existing buildings in acceptable condition, a grid of urban blocks is established. Blocks are short – between 200 and 400 feet – in order to encourage connectivity and walkability.

2. Between the blocks, streets are complete with pedestrian-zones, street trees, bike lanes, parallel parking, automobile rightof-ways, medians, and transit lanes when necessary.

3. Along the street, multiple destinations of mixed uses are strategically placed, providing a path and sense of wayfinding for the pedestrian.

4. In addition, a network of transit systems connects each of these destinations and key destinations in neighboring cities.

5. Furthermore, this network of transit converges at a single point, becoming Downtown Northglenn’s primary hub for transportation.

6. Consequently, due to increased urban activity, higher densities are encouraged.

7. In order to accommodate and maintain such densities, a mixture of housing is provided throughout the urban fabric.

1 - A Main Street Post-World War II commercial development has replaced “place-making” with the creation of lifeless environments, accommodating a culture of mass consumption.

The Building Character 1. Adjacent to the primary transit hub, a cooperative grocery store is located, allowing access via car, bus, bike, or foot.

2. A welcoming, bright entrance serves multiple uses. Visitors obtain information, customers enter the store, and students can reach the classrooms and farm.

3. In the grocery store, clearly organized shelves provide fresh foods, including produce, meats, dairy, baked foods, dry foods, canned foods, frozen foods, and miscellaneous household needs.

4. In the classrooms, inspiring kitchens are visually connected to both the urban fabric and farm.

Prior to the 1950’s and the rise of the automobile, main streets served as a community’s commercial center, offering a variety of amenities and fostering social interaction.45 Unfortunately, as consumption increased throughout the mid-1900s, shopping malls and auto-oriented box-stores defined new patterns of commercial development.

The convenience and themed attraction of this development discouraged the use of main street business. Thus, traditional main streets were abandoned and local stores were closed.

However, main streets are an integral component in the creation of neighborhood identity, constructing a core for social, cultural,

43

and economic activity. Traditional main streets promote local business and create a sense of self-reliance and local empowerment.46 Main Streets are compact, walkable, and meaningful.

That being said, main streets should be carefully and intentionally designed. Storefronts should establish a relationship between the private and public realms of the street, visually expressing the character of the store and reflecting its context.47 In addition, the National Main Street Center describes the main street as the “core of the community … [telling] us who we are and who we were, and how the past has shaped us” (National Main Street Center).48 Thus, main streets should respectfully upgrade and improve historic buildings, while integrating the new and allowing for adaptation in the future.

Therefore: Establish an urban street that is compatible with and supportive of the surrounding context. Refer to the city’s historic context and provide meaningful uses in order to support cultural and economic development.

Fig. 3.7 (Top): A Main Street Fig. 3.8 (Bottom): Main Streets are linear routes, lined with significant uses, commercial activity and cultural elements.

44

Create active streetscapes – Active Frontages (2), provide access to greenery – Gardens Throughout (3), establish appropriate ratios for human comfort – Human Scale (4), and encourage community participation – Cooperation (5).

2 - Active Frontages … Suppose a primary street of economic activity and cultural identity has been established – A Main Street (1). Along this street, it is necessary to create visual interest and activity.

Opaque storefronts and a lack of detail contribute to auto-oriented development and the abandonment of the pedestrian realm.

According to Matthew Carmona, the intermediate zone between the street and the building should contain a mixture of uses and provide a sense of prospect and refuge. The storefront should be transparent and utilize high quality materials and refined details.

Activities or differentiating features should clearly mark the beginning and end of streets, with places to “take a break” along the way.49 Similarly, in Allen Jacobs book, Great Streets, he describes eight requirements for the design of quality streets. These requirements include: 1) places for people to walk with some leisure; 2) physical comfort; 3) definition; 4) qualities that engage the eye; 5) transparency; 6) complementarity; 7) maintenance; and 8) quality of construction and design.50 Each of these requirements enhances the street frontage and creates a welcoming environment.

Therefore: Develop an active street front, which provides

a sense of security, accommodates physical comfort, integrates visual complexity, is transparent, and complements the context.

Provide foliage, benches, low street lighting, and small signs – Human-Scale (4).

3 - Gardens Throughout … Activity on the street creates culture and a sense of community – Active Frontages (2).

Utilize this sense of community in productive applications.

Producing food locally reduces greenhouse gas emissions, cuts costs, and improves health.

However, current development deprives residents of consistent access to local foods.

According to “Gardening Matters,” food in the United States will travel an average of 1,300 miles before reaching the dinner table.

Unfortunately, throughout the process, nearly 50% of all food is lost to spoilage and 2.3 million families are without access to the remaining 50%. On the other hand, research has shown community gardening to be an ecological and economical benefit for communities. In addition, community gardening provides many social benefits.51 Ecologically, community gardens filter rainwater, reduce soil erosion and runoff, and restore oxygen to the air. Gardening will heighten the individual’s awareness of nature

Fig. 3.9: An active pedestrian realm.

Fig. 3.10: Line streets with active uses.

45

and increase a neighborhood’s quality of life.

Further, community gardens increase property values and provide employment, education, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Through participation, gardeners will save $75 to $380 in food cost every season.52

Fig. 3.11: Working in a community garden.

Finally, community gardens provide access to fresh, healthy foods and increase recreation and exercise. Gardening is considered moderate to heavy exercise, which can improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Community gardens also create social-interaction, increasing natural surveillance and improving neighborto-neighbor relationships. 53 Therefore:

Fig. 3.12: Human-scale street in Boulder, CO.

Create a network of community gardens throughout the urban fabric, providing residents with access to seasonal produce and maintaining a sustainable, ecological system.

The garden will encourage participation and community support – Cooperation (5).

4 - Human Scale … Pedestrians use streets – A Main Street (1) – and facades provide the backdrop – Active Frontages (2). However, comfort maintains their presence.

Fig. 3.13: Cooperation builds community.

46

Auto-oriented development consists of wideroads, narrow sidewalks, excessive setbacks,

disproportionate ratios, and flat facades.

This development deters the pedestrian and encourages the use of the automobile.

Human-scale refers to the size and articulation of physical features, which reflect the proportions of the human body and respond to walking speeds. Designing with humanscale details will produce a comfortable and functional experience for the pedestrian, improving activity on the street.54 Overall, human-scale environments have a strong sense of definition, comfort, and engagement.

According to Hans Blumenfield, “… the human person must be visible,” which determines the appropriate spacing and size of objects. The human eye can identify an object at 70-80 feet away and recognize portrait-like details from 48 feet away. Moreover, the angle of clear perception is 27 degrees, which creates a street width to building height ratio of 1:2. Thus, these dimensions establish clear guidelines for designing comfortable streets.55 Therefore: Establish a street width to building height ratio between 1:2 and 1:3.3. Use tree arcades to create smaller enclosures within the large enclosure. Incorporate human-scale paving, material detail, foliage, benches, low street lighting, and small signs for human comfort.

Such environments sustain the public realm

and, thus, social interaction – Cooperation (5).

5 - Cooperation … The public realm facilitates community interaction – A Main Street (1), HumanScale (4) – and gardens are dependent on cooperation – Gardens Throughout (3). This pattern will explain how cooperation can be created through built environments.

Segregated environments encourage isolation and discourage participative interaction.

The open office design has become increasingly popular. These cooperative spaces aim to maximize human interaction and productivity through an environment that encourages teamwork and cohesion. Communal tables have been proven to increase brainstorming and participation. Furthermore, the subtle divisions of space allow for the clarification of roles and the appreciation of diversity. In educational and community applications, cooperative environments can improve peerrelations and interactions.56

Fig. 3.14: Human-scale architecture relates to the size and proportion of the human body.

Therefore: Create a hospitable space, which encourages effective communication and creates a culture of efficient teamwork. Provide a variety of spatial arrangements, allowing for intimate conversation, team collaboration, and independent reflection.

Fig. 3.15: Urban farming increases food security Fig. 3.16: Create a variety of spaces that are by providing fresh produce and creating jobs. suitable for various scales of cooperation.

47

Precedents Solutions in Action

50

Food District Weinland Park is a neighborhood in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. This neighborhood had a long history of crime and drug abuse, but recent investments in community-focused projects brought forth revitalization.

The Food District is a community economic development center, including a locally focused food processing plant, a cooperative market, a public cafĂŠ, oďŹ&#x192;ce space, and event space. The facility has three primary visions: 1. Food Production 2. Food Accessibility 3. Job Creation By giving the residents responsibility and the necessary resources for self-reliance, The Food District has created a sense of community pride and participation. Farmers markets are held weekly, welcoming people from surrounding communities and transforming Weinland Park into a self-sustaining neighborhood.57

51

Food CoOp The Mariposa Food Coop is a cooperative grocery store in West Philadelphia. The organization is based on voluntary and open membership, education and training, and member participation. Anyone is able to shop at the full-service grocery market on the ground floor, but members are required to farm and work shifts in the store.

The building is a newly renovated, energyefficient, historic site with a roof top farm. In order to maximize crop in a minimal amount of space, the farm utilizes vertical farming.

Currently, Mariposa has over 1,400 members and sells a full range of food products, including meat, dairy, baked goods, bread, bulk foods, coffee, spices, dry foods, and frozen foods.58

52

53

54

Youth Farm Grow Dat Youth Farm is a 2-acre farm in New Orleans, operated by local teens. The farm grows more than 12,000 lbs of food per year, selling 70% in local farmers’ markets and donating the remaining 30%. The farm uses sustainable practices, such as cover cropping, composting, companion planting, farmscaping, crop rotating, and other chemical-free methods.

In addition, an “eco-campus” contains offices, teaching kitchens, locker rooms, food-storage, post-harvest handling, and tool storage. The 6,000 sf building was designed and donated by the Tulane School of Architecture. In line with the sustainable practices of the farm, the ecocampus is constructed from 7 recycled shipping containers.59

55

56

The Farmry The Farmery is an urban grocery store, farm, and cafĂŠ in North Carolina. An emphasis is placed on connecting the consumer to the product by providing an understanding of the agricultural process. While shopping, the customer is able to see his or her food grow through the vertical farming panels, which hang on tracks above head. Strawberries, greens, lettuces and herbs are grown on the vertical panels, while mushrooms are grown in the shipping containers. Vertical farming also contributes to the insulation on the exterior walls. The containers are spaced apart so that the customers can see the crops that are growing. Overall, the farm is designed to immerse the consumer in a living ecosystem.

Prior to its current design (left), The Farmery was located in a modular greenhouse/ warehouse (right). The center space served as a retail and growing area, ďŹ&#x201A;anked by mushroom containers and vertical panels. Solar water heaters provided heating.60

57

Fresh Moves The Mariposa Food Coop is a cooperative grocery store in West Philadelphia. The organization is based on voluntary and open membership, education and training, and member participation. Anyone is able to shop at the full-service grocery market on the ground ďŹ&#x201A;oor, but members are required to farm and work shifts in the store.

The building is a newly renovated, energyeďŹ&#x192;cient, historic site with a roof top farm. In order to maximize crop in a minimal amount of space, the farm utilizes vertical farming.

Currently, Mariposa has over 1,400 members and sells a full range of food products, including meat, dairy, baked goods, bread, bulk foods, coďŹ&#x20AC;ee, spices, dry foods, and frozen foods.61

58

59

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Lakewood, Co Prior to reconstruction, the Belmar site was the abandoned Villa Italia Mall. Today, the 104acre site has been transformed into a 23-block, walkable, urban fabric. The project contains 1300 housing units, with the remaining 50% of buildings as retail or oďŹ&#x192;ce space. Three primary strategies were used: 1. Dividing the site with public streets that connect to adjacent streets 2. Development of phased blocks with a ďŹ xed street matrix 3. Continuous network of open space The project hoped to enrich the downtown experience. By implementing mixed uses and transit, the development was able to avoid becoming a shopping center, which merely imitated downtown.62

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Annotated Bibliography Dunham-Jones, Ellen, and June Williamson.

Retrofitting Suburbia: Urban Design Solutions for Redesigning Suburbs. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2009. Print.

Retrofitting Suburbia provides readers with a number of case studies about the revitalization and redevelopment of existing suburban neighborhoods. Instead of promoting a “better suburban neighborhood,” Dunham-Jones and Williamson suggest the urbanization of flawed development. Pedestrian and bike friendly streets, transit-oriented designs, and the integration of local agriculture are all promoted as factors for living sustainably. Therefore, this comprehensive book may serve as a source of precedence, providing examples of stripmall redevelopment and urban agriculture.

However, a critical approach must be taken in the review of this book. Precedents must be investigated and analyzed for both success and failure. Due to local factors and conditions, one solution cannot be directly applied in all situations. Instead, this source will be used as a tool in the brainstorming process.

Farr, Douglas. Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design with Nature. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2008. Print.

In Douglas Farr’s book, Sustainable Urbanism,

78

he provides a detailed analysis of the existing and flawed development, giving an explanation for potential solutions. Farr aims to increase communication, health, and environmental conditions through density, transit-oriented development, high-performance buildings, and accessibility. This source provides recommendations for implementation, benchmarks for design, examples of regulatory restrictions, definitions for understanding, and case studies for review. In addition, applicable chapters provide suggestions for effective street-scale redesign and increased health. These suggestions include greenery, walkability, connectivity, lighting, bikability, aesthetics, convenience, and local food production. Overall, this source is a necessary handbook in both the research and design of a healthy, sustainable urban fabric. The detailed descriptions of urban-scale and building-scale solutions will provide for a well-informed, welldesigned project.

“Get Your Walk Score.” Walk Score. Walk Score, 2015. Web. 11 Oct. 2015.

As a promotion of walkable neighborhoods, sustainable environments, healthy people, and vibrant economies, Walk Score is an evaluation tool for both residents and urban planners. This site provides users with a walk

score, a transit score, and a bike score for any address in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Addresses are scored on a scale of 0-100, with 0 being the least accommodative and 100 being the most. According to the site’s methodology, amenities within a 5-minute walk (.25 miles) receive the most point and no points are rewarded to amenities beyond a 30-minute walk. Further, transit scores are calculated based on information released by transportation agencies and bike scores are calculated based on the quality of infrastructure and connectivity. In conjunction with “Healthy Rankings,” this site serves as an important component in understanding the correlation between obesity and walkability.

Entire cities may be evaluated and compared against related health rankings.

“Health Rankings.” County & Roadmaps.

2015. Web. 11 Oct. 2015 Lyle, John Tillman. Regenerative Design for Sustainable Development. New York: John Wiley, 1994. Print.

Speck, Jeff. Walkable City: How Downtown Can save America, One Step at a Time. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2012. Print.

Works Cited 1. “Obesity and Overweight.” WHO. World Health Organization, Jan. 2015. Web. 1 Sept. 2015.

2. Ibid.

3. “The Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 05 June 2015. Web. 02 Dec. 2015.

4. ”Calorie.” MedicineNet. Medicine Net, 19 Mar. 2012. Web. 05 Oct. 2015.

5. “The BMI Formula.” What Health. 2015.

Web. 02 Dec. 2015.

6. Ibid.

7. “Adult Obesity Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 June 2015. Web. 1 Sept. 2015.

8. “How Much Physical Activity Do Adults Need?” Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 4 June 2015. Web. 5 Oct. 2015.

9. Farr, Douglas. Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design with Nature. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2008. 19. Print.

10. “Colorado Health Rankings.” County Health Rankings. County Health Rankings, 2015. Web. 15 Sept. 2015.

11. Press, The Canadian. “New Census Data Shows Canadian Suburbs Rule.” CBCnews.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

CBC/Radio Canada, 12 Apr. 2012. Web. 8 Sept. 2015.

“Obesity Update.” (2014): 2. OECD. OECD, June 2014. Web. 8 Sept. 2015.

“Relationship Between Poverty and Overweight or Obesity.” Food Research Action Center. Food Research Action Center, 2015. Web. 05 Oct. 2015.

Drewnowski, Andrew, and SE Specter.

“Poverty and Obesity: The Role of Energy Density and Energy Costs.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. American Society for Clinical Nutrition, 2004. Web. 5 Oct. 2015.

“13 Effects of Fast Food on the Body.”

Healthline. N.p., 2015. Web. 02 Dec. 2015.

“Worst Fast-food Meals for Sodium - CNN. com.” CNN. Cable News Network, 23 Jan. 2014. Web. 02 Dec. 2015.

Chronis, Peter G. “WWII’s End Forever Altered City’s Identity.” Denver Post Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2015.

“The Northglenn Comprehensive Plan.”

(2010.): 1-63. The City of Northglenn. The City of Northglenn, Sept. 2010. Web. 9 Sept. 2015.

“Northglenn Mall.” Mall Hall of Fame.

N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2015.

Ibid.

“Colorado Health Rankings.” County Health Rankings. County Health Rankings,

2015. Web. 15 Sept. 2015.

22. “Colorado Health Rankings.” County Health Rankings. County Health Rankings, 2015. Web. 15 Sept. 2015.

23. Walkscore.com 24. “Northglenn QuickFacts.” US Census Bureau. US Census Bureau, 24 Sept. 2015.

Web. 05 Oct. 2015.

25. “Mapping Poverty In America.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 4 Jan. 2014. Web. 2 Dec. 2015.

26. http://www3.rtd-denver.com 27. “The Northglenn Comprehensive Plan.”

(2010.): 1-63. The City of Northglenn. The City of Northglenn, Sept. 2010. Web. 9 Sept. 2015.

28. Ibid.

29. “Healthy Policy.” Live Well Colorado. HEAL Cities and Towns Campaign, 2013. Web. 4 Oct. 2015.

30. “HEAL Campaign Resolution.”

Councilman’s Resolution CR-70 14-69 (2014): 1-4. Live Well Colorado. Mayor Downing, 14 July 2014. Web. 4 Oct. 2015.

31. “HEAL Committee.” HEAL Committee. The City of Northglenn, 2015. Web. 05 Oct. 2015.

32. Farr, Douglas. Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design with Nature. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2008. 19. Print.

33. “The Decline of Walking and Bicycling.”

79

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

80

Safe Routes to School Online Guide. Safe Routes to School Online Guide, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2015.

Ibid.

Speck, Jeff. “The General Theory of Walkability.” Walkable City: How Downtown Can save America, One Step at a Time. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2012. 7-11. Print.

“How Many Calories Will I Burn Walking?”

MedicineNet. MedicineNet, 2015. Web. 03 Dec. 2015.

Farr, Douglas. Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design with Nature. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2008. 132-133. Print.

Jacobs, Jane. The Death and Life of Great American Cities. New York: Random House, 1961. 8, 120,121, 150, Ch. 9. Print.

Jacobs, Allan B. “Requirements for Great Streets.” Great Streets. Cambridge, MA: MIT, 1993. 270-92. Print.

Ibid.

Oldenburg, Ray. The Great Good Place: Cafés, Coffee Shops, Community Centers, Beauty Parlors, General Stores, Bars, Hangouts, and How They Get You through the Day. New York: Paragon House, 1989.

Print.

Farr, Douglas. Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design with Nature. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2008. 114-115. Print.

43. Ibid.

44. “Full-Service Grocery Store Requirements.” DC.gov. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration, n.d.

Web. 2 Dec. 2015.

45. Brown, Lance Jay, David Dixon, and Oliver Gillham. “Destination Main Streets.”

Urban Design for an Urban Century: Placemaking for People. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2009. 165-75. Print.

46. “What Is Main Street.” National Main Street Center. National Trust for Historic Preservation, 2015. Web. 18 May 2015.

47. Emerick Architects P.C. “Portland Main Street Design Handbook.” Portland Development Commission. Portland Main Street, Oct. 2011. Web. 18 May 2015.

48. “What Is Main Street.” National Main Street Center. National Trust for Historic Preservation, 2015. Web. 18 May 2015.

49. Carmona, Matthew. “The Shape, Center, and Edge of Public Spaces.” Public Places, Urban Spaces: The Dimensions of Urban Design. Oxford: Architectural, 2003. 17375. Print.

50. Jacobs, Allan B. “Making Great Streets.”

Great Streets. Cambridge, MA: MIT, 1993.

270-308. Print.

51. “Multiple Benefits of Community Gardening.” The Social License (2012): 1-4.

Gardening Matters. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.

52. “Multiple Benefits of Community Gardening.” The Social License (2012): 1-4.

Gardening Matters. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.

53. Ibid.

54. Ewing, Reid H., and Otto Clemente.

Measuring Urban Design: Metrics for Livable Places. P. 9-11. Print.

55. Blumenfeld, Hans. “Scale in Civic Design.”

The Town Planning Review 24.1 (1953): 35-46. JSTOR. Web. 26 Feb. 2015.

56. Gatsby, Claudia. “Social Architecture: A New Approach To Designing Social Spaces.” The Huffington Post.

TheHuffingtonPost.com, 05 June 2014.

Web. 19 Nov. 2015.

57. http://thefooddistrict.org 58. https://www.mariposa.coop 59. http://growdatyouthfarm.org 60. http://www.thefarmery.com 61. Schmitt, Angie. “‘Fresh Moves’ Produce Market: Greening the (Food) Desert.” The American Institute of Architects. AIA, 16 Nov. 2012. Web. 03 Dec. 2015.

62. Dunham-Jones, Ellen, and June Williamson. “Chapter 8.” Retrofitting Suburbia: Urban Design Solutions for Redesigning Suburbs. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2009. 154-71. Print.