Let’s do the walk of life, Miami

The Miami Herald’s June 30 editorial, “Miami called the worst place in America for housing costs. Is more density a fix?” is correct. Land planners have developed an approach to increase density while improving residents’ health and well-being.

Research shows that these neighborhoods have reduced rates of chronic diseases — from depression and Alzheimer’s Disease to four types of heart disease and more. These are communities that include a mix of places to play, work and live, which usually results in a reduced number of car trips. These neighborhoods also are shaded by tree canopy and are pedestrian-friendly.

Most important, the effects of such neighborhoods on residents’ health may be most powerful in the poorest areas, where residents do not have access to or cannot afford gyms or private trainers. Walking is the most common form of exercise in America and is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an excellent physical activity. Such neighborhoods have builtin gyms — sidewalks. Walkable neighborhoods are also likely to decrease crime because crime avoids streets filled with people.

We can increase density and reduce the housing shortage while creating other benefits. Our community does not have to re-invent the wheel.

Scientists and town planners know how to design healthier and more dense neighborhoods, ensuring protection of green and public areas, and improving the social life of the neighborhood.

– José Szapocznik, professor, public health sciences and architecture, chair emeritus, department of public health sciences, clinical and translational science institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

BENCHES CLEARED

The July 3 cover headline of the Herald’s Neighbors section, “Beachwalk is launched,” and the accompanying story, laud Miami Beach’s new, uninterrupted beach walk — a single, paved pathway from South Beach through North Beach. Residents are happy with this new development, as are, surely, the many tourists who come to this area.

However, the old boardwalk was much friendlier to the elderly and disabled, as it had shaded areas and benches on which to rest. The new beachwalk eliminated those amenities. When residents approached the mayor’s office with this grievance, the response was that the city did not want the homeless to establish themselves on benches and under canopies.

We hope the city will reconsider its baffling decision for the sake of Miami Beach residents.

– Allen Shaw, Miami Beach

HEAVY DETAILS

Kudos to Dan Le Batard on his July 3 column. He explains in detail exactly what is going on in the country. His column should be in every newspaper and read by every person in the country.

– Ela Redondo,

Kendall