Now, in Roslindale Village, it's a pleasure to shop on foot

One benefit of Roslindale being the last Boston neighborhood to be rezoned in 60 years ("Finally, Rozzie gets into the zone," City Weekly, June 22) is that Roslindale becomes the first to get 21st-century zoning guidelines written for compact, walkable business districts like Roslindale Village.

The new zoning for Roslindale Village discourages suburban-style stores set back in asphalt parking lots.

It shuns new drive-up businesses and curb cuts that would surrender more of the sidewalk to vehicle traffic.

It also prohibits stand-alone pylon signs more appropriate for strip malls and suburban highways.

The new Staples store going up in Roslindale Village reflects the same design guidelines that shaped the Village Market grocery store built nearby in 1998. Both stores come flush to the sidewalk to maintain street-wall continuity. Parking is tucked onto the side of the buildings, not the front. The entrances and display windows face the street, not the parking lot. Building materials reflect local commercial architecture rather than corporate, cookie-cutter formulas.

The Boston Redevelopment Authority deserves praise for working with local stakeholders over the past four years to plan a future for Roslindale Village that will enhance pedestrian activity, foster an active street life and invite more foot traffic.

Foot traffic is the lifeblood of neighborhood retail districts. When the BRA initiated the rezoning of Roslindale in 2004, a gallon of gasoline cost as little as $1.51. The new plan has turned out to be more forward-looking than anyone realized. Now, Roslindale Village Main Street attracts people to the district with the slogan "Save on gas. Shop on foot."

Carter Wilkie
Board president
Roslindale Village Main Street