Vera Prosper (Ed.). (2012) Livable New York resource manual: Sustainable communities for all ages. Division of Policy, Research, and Legislative Affairs: New York State Office for the Aging
The manual includes 126 articles—each devoted to a successful or innovative model, approach, or strategy related to Livable New York's focus areas: housing, planning, zoning development, universal design for homes and the community, energy efficiency and alternatives, green building, mobility, and transportation.
The manual provides information on existing strategies, models, and approaches implemented in New York and across the country that can be used by any community planner looking to improve the livability of his/her community. The information presented in the manual is also intended to aid local officials, community leaders, policymakers, and citizens trying to create livable communities by examining improvements that can be made to local housing, community design, and transportation services. For each approach or strategy, a description is provided along with the benefits and barriers communities may face in implementing such a strategy.
The articles provided in the manual include information about:
· Housing options for older adults, including cohousing, active adult communities, continued care retirement communities, and housing counseling for older adults.
· Universal design in homes and communities, demonstrating the benefits of complete streets, improved walkability in communities, and smart homes/home automation, among other innovations.
· Comprehensive planning, including strategies such as mixed-use zoning and transit-oriented development.
· Mobility and transportation services for older adults, incorporating features like complete streets, older driver assistance networks, and safe driving strategies.
How to Use
This manual is perhaps the best resource on livable community planning available today. It is an excellent resource for all planners, local officials, and community leaders seeking guidance for improving the livability of their communities. Planners and local officials can use the up-to-date articles presented in manual to gain an understanding of the improvements other areas are making to create livable communities through housing, design, and transportation innovations.
