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October 2, 2007 North Beach Selected One of 10 Great Neighborhoods in America Authentic Character Intact After 150 Years SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The American Planning Association (APA) announced today that the North Beach Neighborhood in San Francisco has been designated as one of 10 Great Neighborhoods for 2007 through APA's Great Places in America program. APA Great Places exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value.
APA selected North Beach as one of 10 Great Neighborhoods in America for its commitment to ethnic, cultural, and economic diversity, and sensible planning to enhance sustainability. "San Francisco is honored to have North Beach selected by the APA as one of this year's Great Neighborhoods," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "Thanks to the efforts of our planners and engaged residents, North Beach continues to reflect the personalities of the many people who have lived or worked here for the past 100 years." "APA recognition is a fitting tribute to one of America's greatest urban neighborhoods," added Aaron Peskin, president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, who represents North Beach as part of his district. "Generations of activists have worked to preserve its 20th Century Edwardian architecture that, over the years, has been home to beatniks, bohemians, immigrants, yuppies, and the anti-chain-store movement." APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live. They are enjoyable, safe, and desirable. They are places where people want to be — not only to visit, but to live and work everyday. America's truly great neighborhoods are defined by many unique criteria, including architectural features, accessibility, functionality, and community involvement. Through Great Places in America, APA recognizes the unique and authentic attributes of essential building blocks of great communities — streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces. "North Beach is truly a role model for other communities around the country," said APA Executive Director Paul Farmer, FAICP. "We are pleased to celebrate not only North Beach's commitment to tolerance and tradition in its built and social environment, but its commitment to preserve its essential character." Mention North Beach and what comes to mind is a mix of images and contrasts: ethnic diversity ranging from Italian and Chinese to Arab, French, and Spanish cultures; arts, crafts, and jazz festivals; and a storied history involving known writers and musicians, movie sets and nightclubs. Added to this are several historical landmarks; a compact layout that makes walking enjoyable and easy; and a strong commitment to keeping businesses and stores independently owned and operated. Residents have fought to keep North Beach this way, and will continue to play an essential role in preserving this character. North Beach attained international repute in the 1950s as the birthplace of the Beat Generation. While it remains a popular pilgrimage destination for former beatniks, North Beach is anything but a relic. With the help of planning and zoning tools and citizen participation, its eclectic mix of mom-and-pop shops, nightclubs, and polyglot character make it one of the city's most unique and authentic communities, and a favorite among residents and tourists alike. North Beach also remains to be, in many ways, a traditional neighborhood. It's rarely more than a few blocks to walk to find a grocer, bakery, barber shop, hardware store, church, school or park. Pedestrians fill the sidewalks at all times of day, and public spaces like Washington Square, beam with community spirit. What cannot be found in the neighborhood are chain stores and fast-food outlets — and that's by design with the help of strong neighborhood associations. As early as the 1980s, the city placed controls on the type and scale of commercial uses as a way to help protect North Beach's identity and promote homegrown businesses. The nine other Great Neighborhoods for 2007 are Eastern Market Neighborhood, Washington, D.C.; Elmwood Village, Buffalo, New York; The First Addition Neighborhood, Lake Oswego, Oregon; Old West Austin, Austin, Texas; Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York City; Chatham Village, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; West Urbana, Urbana, Illinois; Hillcrest, San Diego, California; and Pike Place Market Neighborhood, Seattle, Washington. For more information about these neighborhoods, and the list of APA's 10 Great Streets for 2007, visit www.planning.org/greatplaces. This year's 10 Great Streets and Great Neighborhoods will be celebrated as part of APA's National Community Planning Month in October 2007, designed to recognize and celebrate the many residents, leaders, officials, and professionals who contribute to making great communities. For more about National Community Planning Month, visit www.planning.org/ncpm. Contacts |
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