South Greensboro Area Plan - Public Review Draft - 9.25.25

09.04 Community Design

Urban design is the practice of shaping the physical form of cities, towns, and public spaces, with a focus on how people interact with their environment, especially in the public realm. In areas like south Greensboro, urban and community design can help address historical disinvestment, foster a sense of place, and create environments that are functional, beautiful, safe, and inclusive. Infill development is especially important in south Greensboro, particularly along Randleman Road. By focusing growth within existing urban areas, infill strengthens infrastructure, The City of Eagan, MN reinvisioned a disconnected suburban office campus into a resilient, mixed-use neighborhood by thoughfully adding new roads and trail connections. This type of transformation is possible in south Greensboro, particularly along Randleman Road. The plan included new public roads, trail connections, and dispersed parking to improve access to the park and adjacent neighborhoods. It integrated land uses to create a resilient, mixed-use neighborhood, transforming the traditionally disconnected suburban office headquarters. Draft makes use of vacant or underutilized land, and supports more sustainable development. When thoughtfully designed, it can reconnect fragmented neighborhoods, reduce sprawl, and revitalize areas that have long been overlooked. Designing places to look and feel good is not just about aesthetics. It’s about promoting dignity, pride, and safety. Streetscapes with trees, lighting, and active frontages can reduce crime and improve walkability. Compact, mixed-use development encourages daily activity and social interaction, which supports local businesses and public health. In suburban contexts shaped by car-oriented design, walkable nodes with housing, retail, and public space can help reimagine these areas as more vibrant and connected. Community design also plays a key role in unlocking sites for higher and better use. With a shared vision, south Greensboro can attract investment and align public and private efforts. This is especially important in areas with disconnected or underutilized parcels, where coordinated design can link housing, transit, parks, and economic development.

186 / SOUTH GREENSBORO AREA PLAN

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PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT - 9/25/25