Portland as “the” example?

But for what? Portland is often used as “the” example for how to manage growth effectively and efficiently. I usually read this blog and post it in my little sideblog (no longer available), but this warrants further comment. The following link is well-researched, cited and presented. I look forward to Part 2.

Land use regulations affect housing affordability, sprawl, congestion, etc. Pretty much everything. How does Portland fit in?
(no longer available)

Did the Portland experiment work?

After more than twenty-five years in operation, the results of the Oregon experiment are controversial and puzzling.  Growth control in Portland, like the text of the Bible, seems to provide almost anyone studying it evidence to bolster a pre-existing viewpoint.

Hmmm. How do we apply what they have learned in Portland to how we want the Central Virginia area to grow? Is New Urbanism “the” answer? “An” answer? Where does the vaunted Neighborhood Model fit into the grand scheme?

This Google search yielded some interesting results … more to read. And this (PDF) case study (archived: 2008) in particular.

The “missing link” in all of this is the myopic focus on the City of Charlottesville. What seems to be neglected is an understanding of how all localities interact and connect.  How does X development impact the surrounding area? How does X fit into the comp plan? So long as piece-meal development persists, the differences between NoVa and C’Ville area will becomes less and less.