jamiepinkham.com

marco:

“Since businesses are obliged by zoning restrictions to locate far away from residential areas, most Americans drive to every store they visit. This means that store visits are often discrete trips that must be undertaken consciously and planned out ahead of time. As a consequence, shoppers will want to visit stores that carry the most diverse inventory—Wal-Mart, Costco, et al.—and avoid shops that specialize in one particular kind of good—the local paint store or flower shop, for instance.”

— [Why Conservatives Should Care About Transit](http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2009/04/209)

I grew up in Collingswood, New Jersey. One of those towns that has a quaint little Main St. (We call it Haddon Ave.). I got sent to the market when I was a kid to go get things for my mom. I walked to Wawa to get a soda, or a sandwich from the deli. (Wawa’s there are quite different from the convenience store/gas station thing they’ve become as they’ve expanded). Some of my favorite Saturdays as a teenager were spent hopping on the PATCO high speed line and going to South Street in Philadelphia, or hopping the gambler’s express to Atlantic City and bussing over to Ocean City.

I have always maintained that the one problem that really plagues Richmond, VA and probably tons of communities around the nation is the fact that you have to drive everywhere. Typically, my argument is based on the accessibility of nightlife (no need to have a designated driver if everyone can take the train home). I’d never thought about the downfall of the local store as a result of the lack of public transportation. In fact, I’m going to add it to my arsenal the next time I’m complaining about being the DD.