Author and urban planner Jeff Speck will discuss how and why walkability is important to cities like Portsmouth at two events next week.
On Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m., Speck will discuss his book “Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time” at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre, 15 Bow St., Portsmouth. Speck’s book makes the case that walkability is vital to a city’s economic success, livability, and sustainability, and includes his guidelines for ways city planners can make urban areas more walkable. Speck will answer questions and sign books following the discussion.
On Friday, Jan 23 at 11 a.m., Speck will lead a workshop on how to make Portsmouth a more walkable city at Portsmouth City Hall, located at 1 Junkins Ave. The session is especially for land-use board members, developers, design professionals, city staff, and members of the public interested in city planning. A coffee hour will precede the workshop at 10 a.m.
Both events are free, but attendees are asked to RSVP by signing up at ps21.info/rsvp. The events are hosted by PS21 (Portsmouth Smart Growth for the 21st Century), a nonprofit group that “aims to present ideas and encourage discussion and policy development around planning issues in Portsmouth.” — Larry Clow