Summary Of Chapter 9

In this chapter Jacobs argues that shorter blocks are better overall in comparison to long city blocks. I honestly thought longer blocks would work to our advantage because there's more that'll be avialable in a single city street. But after seeing the numerous reasons Jacobs gave to why shorter blocks would be better, I quickly changed my mind. Her reasoning made complete sense. Since the blocks are shorter it's inevitable for people not to turn corners, therefore forcing them to walk around their community more. There's also a greater possibility to make friends with a neighbor because its less crowded. Crossing the sidewalk becomes more convenient. Businesses will have less competition because they will no longer be grouped together. There's a more likely chance for the community to become stronger and therefore everyone is well acquainted with each other. So it just goes to prove the shorter blocks are simply better than longer blocks.