Village

It may be that with a large number of people relocating closer to the poles to try to stay in a favorable climate, they may want to eschew existing towns and instead start fresh with creating a village.

This is not necessarily a bad idea. Existing infrastructure and buildings will most likely require retrofit to handle the new climate extremes. That could be costly and the materials used may not be robust enough. 

A number of "Rust Belt" towns are now clamoring that they will be the new safe havens. How much effort they put into replacing decomposing buildings, roads, utility as well as water will need to be considered.  

The key concepts here are:

• Self-reliant - Taking responsibility for your own actions and needs as much as is appropriate.

• Community - Because a group of people are stronger, and can do far more than individuals.

• Shared Resources - Not everyone can invest the time, effort, and money individually to a large project, but if it is for the greater good of the community, the time, effort, and money can be shared by all and the benefit shared by all.

Here are a few considerations for starting a new village, or taking over an existing village.

• A railroad runs through it. A lot of people look at railroads as a form of transportation that is old fashioned, obsolete. That thought should be really reexamined. Railroads carry  a large amount of cargo. They can do it cheaper since only a few engines can carry many many cars. A mile long train, or more, is not uncommon.  Steel wheels on steel tracks offers less friction, so you can carry more using less power. Just like in pioneer times, where the iron horse goes, industry and commerce follows.

• Global access. Access to high speed internet. Preference would be hard wired rather than Cellular or Satellite. 

• Shared Resources. Build the school next to the park. Playground equipment can be jointly purchased and maintained by the town and the school district.  On the other side, the town library is located, with a special door that leads to the school, and doors that contain students to the young reader section of the Library. Across the street place the Community Center.  A large area for meetings, get togethers, and assemblies.  Used once a week for the City Council meetings. It could also contain the cafeteria for the school.    The library, like most now, also should have CD's and DVDs, or other media that be checked out. An extension of the library has tools and equipment that can be checked out. Next to it are two enclosed bays where library members can reserve time to use repairing cars.

• Free Store. A place where people can send items they no longer need or want, but still in serviceable condition. That includes clothing. There may need to be some type of restriction to make sure only villagers are able to make use of the store.

• A place for people. Parking should be convenient to businesses, but not the main driver. People should find the business section mostly car less and people friendly. As much as is possible, the disabled members of the community should have unfettered access to the businesses.

• Public Transit. Look for ways to allow people to leave their cars at home. Creativity can be used here. How about a used theme park train ride as public transit?

• Destination town. A lot of towns in the past divided up major venues between themselves so each would have a specific "destination" or purpose. As an example: In Territorial Arizona, one town had the state university, one town the main medical center, one town had the prison.  I have seen this in other parts of the country.  One town has the airport, another has the community college. As time went on the towns went and added what ever they needed until they now all have a hospital, an airport, a community college. It is still a viable concept.  This town is the art colony. This town specializes in natural health. This town is a new business incubator.

• Transit stations. If the ideal would be transit stops every mile (roughly 12 - 15 minute walking distance for average adult). The transit station provides seating out of the elements. Also charging stations for personal devices. A water refill station and drinking fountain. It must be a safe place for people and preferably under video supervision with security people nearby patrolling.

• Green corridors. Fruit and nut trees border the sidewalks, creating a free food forest as well as shade for walkers and a cool zone for the ground and area.

• Flat surfaces using light colors, there are special white paints that can be used on exposed roofs and even roads. Reflecting the heat. White roofs have been found to lower the internal temperature of buildings by 5 degrees Celsius.

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