They say the French know how to live and that may be true. They certainly know how to eat and drink. But the Dutch, now, they know how to plan a community. Most everywhere I look I see quality, great design, common sense and a desire to make things that are highly livable and built to last.
Intercity Canal
I took a bike ride yesterday and came upon a new development just a few blocks away. I thought I’d stepped into the pages of Dwell Magazine or Architectural Digest.
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- Two family homes. The backs have water views.
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- Waterfront duplexes.
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- Development
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- Development
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- Development
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- Development
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- Development
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- Development
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- Common dock and personal moorage.
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- Side by side with a historic Schuitje.
Neighborhoods and developments are all tied together with roads, waterways, bridges, foot trails and bike paths. All of which help foster a sense that we are all in this together.
Bike and foot path.
Neighborhood bridge.
Don’t get me wrong, there are spray paint cans sold here and lunkheads that know how to use them, but people do seem to share an innate respect for each others property and the common areas they all share.
Recycle bins.
Glass, paper, plastic. These stainless steel recycle bins are at the end of the street. Clean and well organized, with easy access. The squares they sit on flip back to give access to the larger containers mounted in the ground. These receptacles are not dented, painted or pissed on.
And for the kids.
Stainless steel spider gym set.
