Well Designed, Compact Neighbourhoods?

Smart Growth Principle 2 States: Build well designed compact neighbourhoods…work, shop, and play in close proximity.

One group discussed this principle. Here are the results of their discussion of questions geared to Summerland.

"What does Summerland lack to comply with this principle?"

1. Insufficient multi-family close to the downtown - more needed.
2. People are happy with the way the town is now
3. Summerland is too spread out for this principle to work
4. Lack of market demand
5. Lack of developers that are willing to take a risk
6. Insufficient affordable and compact housing
7. Lack of leadership from council

"How much densification is possible without losing our small town character, and where should densification occur?"

1. Quite a bit of densification is possible.
2. Up to 3 stories maybe 4, should be the densification limit. Beyond that we will lose Summerland's character.
3. Zero lot line development could be considered for some areas.

COMMENTS: The Smart Growth principles were developed with large towns and cities in mind so some do not adapt well to small towns. By city standards is Summerland just one neighbourhood? Or perhaps three, with Lower Town and Trout Creek being the other two?
Every principle deserves more discussion by more groups, but this is a good start. This is the result of concentrated thought by one group, (group B).

Do you agree with group B? Or disagree? What would you add?
Comments please!