To retrofit

I agree with Ellen Dunham Jones' ideas about retrofitting suburbia. Suburban areas have been designed with the automobile as the primary mode of transportation, which has led to numerous problems like traffic congestion, air pollution, and sedentary lifestyles. Retrofitting suburbia offers an opportunity to transform these areas into more sustainable, healthy, and equitable communities.

One of the critical benefits of retrofitting suburbia is reducing automobile dependence. Residents can have alternative travel methods by adding more walkways, bike lanes, and public transportation options; this improves public health by encouraging physical activity and reducing air pollution, a significant health concern. Furthermore, retrofitting suburbia can help support an aging population by adding accessible sidewalks, benches, and crosswalks.

Another important benefit of retrofitting suburbia is leveraging social capital for equity. By retrofitting public spaces like parks, plazas, and community centers, residents can come together to build stronger social connections and a sense of community. This can help address social isolation, a growing problem in suburban areas.

In addition, retrofitting suburbia can help communities compete for jobs and add water and energy resilience. By retrofitting buildings with green technology like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and green roofs, suburban areas can become more self-sufficient and resilient, attracting new businesses and creating jobs and economic opportunities.

Ellen Dunham Jones' ideas about retrofitting suburbia offer a roadmap for transforming suburban areas into more sustainable, healthy, and equitable communities. Expanding building lot lines and breaking suburban development patterns can be challenging, but the benefits are worth it. Retrofitting suburbia can help to create a better future for both current and future generations.