Letter: ‘Enclosure’ or not, it’s a special Chapmantown

Has Beans is a little coffee shop and bean roaster on Humboldt Avenue in my neighborhood. Across the street is the narrow iron girder bridge over Little Chico Creek. Alongside it is a pedestrian bridge. Both acquired second hand, moved – placed – made do after the war.

My Chapmantown suits me. Three blocks down is Boucher Street Market, a nice little walk to either from my home. Community Park boarders our east side, and through that park we have pedestrian and bicycle access to the bookstore, groceries, office and crafts stores along MLK Avenue. We are a hot mess mix of culture, languages, of craft, dirty work, messy yards and gardens, laggards, educators and activists. Sipping coffee I mingle with cyclists, students, homeless, watch the seasons change, the creek, young kids, and the old aging and dying. Our Chapmantown neighborhood – by luck and resistance has overcome obstacles – probably better than other Chico neighborhoods. We can “get around” some. But! We can not get to you. Not on foot, or by bicycle – safely.

A book: “Less is More” talks of “enclosure.” I have penciled and tacked that word to my wall. Enclosure is built into the system. It is why cars are the greatest burden and threat to young families and the handicapped. Cars source the greatest profit. It is why there is little compliance, smart design, placement or consideration of ADA integration that helps everyone get around. Enclosure is why our urban streets and sidewalks crumble.

— Richard Roth, Chico