New Code Will Bring More Urban Developments

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Imagine a city where there are as many people choosing to walk as there are people driving. If city and county leaders have their way, that's what will happen right here.

A newly passed code will encourage developers to build neighborhoods where you can work, play and walk. Harbor Town is the best example of what the city is striving for. Instead of sprawling suburban landscapes, smaller walking communities.

Harbor Town is located on Mud Island. This is a place where you can find a mix of retail, offices, homes, condos, and apartments. Some residents say they don't use their cars for days at a time.

"I can go to the grocery, get a haircut, come and workout, I can go to the park and I never have to get in the car. It's just nice, I enjoy living here," said Emily Reynolds.

"To be able to go places with out getting in a car is really wonderful and it's better for the environment as well," said Colette Hopkins.

Neighborhoods like Harbor Town are what the city and county planning departments are striving for. The new unified development code will make that a reality.

It makes it easier to put residential, commercial, and business space in the same area to create a more urban environment.

Josh Whitehead, who helped develop the code over the last seven years, says this is the direction progressive cities are moving to attract a young educated workforce.

"The hope of the UDC is to create more of those neighborhoods, these young professionals who are going and locating out of the city," said Whitehead.

The code will discourage developers from making car oriented areas found in Cordova, like at Germantown Parkway and Dexter.

It will also help developers reuse historic buildings found in neighborhoods like south main.

"The troubling thing under the old zoning code was if those buildings were ever destroyed they could not be rebuilt where they were, they could not be rebuilt so close to the sidewalk."

The idea is greener living also leads to healthier living. The Mid-South is home to some of the most over weight communities in the nation but in Harbor Town, exercising is a way of life.

"Its great to get out and move around to walk because walking is the best way to burn calories and you might as well do it while doing the things you have to do during the day," said Reynolds.

The code has already been voted in and goes into effect on January 1st.