Page:John Nolen--New ideals in the planning of cities.djvu/100

NEW IDEALS IN THE PLANNING OF

Some of the underlying principles of land subdivision generally accepted as sound may be briefly stated as follows:

1. The plan for the subdivision of property should fit the topography, and give due consideration to natural features.

2. Even if the land is relatively level, the plan should nevertheless have interest, good organization and design. The point of view that leads to a good arrangement on hilly ground gives also a good arrangement on level land.

3. The use that is to be made of the land should determine its general plan and restrictions. There is no plan that is best for all places, nor for the same place for all time. Merit is largely a question of fitness for its original purpose, and its adaptability for probable future purposes.

4. Thoroughfares, and other broadly related city planning features, should be located first, and within these lines, and in conformity to them, local streets, blocks and lots should be defined in the best possible manner.

5. The various standards for various classes of property, the lot widths and lot depths, the block widths and block depths, recognized by the best authorities, should be applied with skill and discrimination. These are by no means absolute or fixed; they are still open to discussion, and in each case are largely matters of nice judgment.

6. An increase of lots or residence sites by new land subdivisions, and of the necessary streets, should be accompanied by a corresponding increase of playgrounds, parks, and other indispensable public features required by the probable population of the area when fully built up.

7. The interests of the real estate operator, of the prospective owner or user, and of the general public, should