On the east side of the ever-sprawling Twin Cities, Woodbury is becoming the whipping-town and shining example of what NOT to be when it comes to a suburb. Townships in WIsconsin say that Woodbury, Minnesota is exactly NOT waht they want to be. Nearby 'burb/rural area Lake Elmo fought tooth and nail against forced expansion from the Metropolitan Council fearing that they would be turned into another suburban wasteland much like neighboring Woodbury.
Suburbs, though, are inevitable when growth occurs. The style of the impending 'burb, though, is up to growth managers, consultants, planners and developers.
Many people view suburbs as sprawling, two-story hell-holes where the highways are flanked by strip malls and big-box retailers with names like Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Target. Not many people view suburbs as cosmopolitan centers where theater (not multiplexes with four screens showing "Saw 3") thrives and skyscrapers tower above your head.
Nope. Suburbs are somewhat green areas with professionally manicured lawns where, away from the highways, McMansions sit on lots where everyone is the proud owner of a walkout and never even speak to their conservative neighbors, split-level homes are filled by growing families who are eyeing that next promotion and a step up to a McMansion and first time "homeowners" buy into the suburban dream by plopping down $200K-plus for the privilege of living in a glorified apartment known as a townhome complete with paper-thin walls.
Don't get me wrong, though, There are decent jobs in many 'burbs. I have lived in the 'burbs, worked there, shopped there and experienced what little nightlife there is as well. They are not for everyone, though.
Growing up in a rural area near what can be considered a true-to-life city spoiled me. I expect a true downtown, streets that lead somewhere, sidewalks and stoplights that allow me to tool through town with all greens should I maintain a steady speed. Suburbs (for the most part) have none of my expectations.
Sure, if I want coffee there are no less than a dozen outlets dedicated to coffee and ONLY coffee but I don't drink the stuff so give me something more. And by more, I don't mean the same brand of gas station/convenience store spaced exactly seven blocks apart.
5 comments:
Brian, are you the same Brian that does Minnesota Lens and Minnesota Rangs? If not, spooky, on the same day, I got a comment from you and hubby from another Brian from Minnesota. (Not that Brian is a rare name or that Minnesota is a small village, but....)
Thanks for coming to NAW....
Which is worse? Eden Prairie or Woodbury? That is the question.
Beth
(a/k/a someone I think you know or knows someone who knows someone---)
One more question..(I do have lots more questions...want to hear them all?)..anywoo, I digress.
Does you school system in your neck of the wooods celebrate Martin Luther King day as Martin Luther king day or do they call it an "in-service" day like they do around here in my neck of the woods? Yes, you can research this.
WHere I went to school it was a holiday in its given name and I believe it is still that but what do I know, I journeyed out at 8:30 PM last night in sub-zero temperatures to get the non-existent mail.
Yeah, me too...I'm like, "Where's the mail, dude?" We are all so clueless sometimes, aren't we?
Beth
a/k/a no
a/ka/ Viking Fan
a/k/a I know you, don't I?
Post a Comment