This is really no different than existing low story construction except connect the building instead of leaving them unconnected. If anything it's worse since t

This is really no different than existing low story construction except connect the building instead of leaving them unconnected. If anything it's worse since there is now now variety at all, and enormous multiple blocks of sameness. Part of what makes old-school cities so pedestrian friendly was having a variety of small shops to stop in. A bakery, grocer, butcher, clothing store all only a few windows wide. This is like building an enormous Home Depot, Costco and Circuit City in the middle of downtown. This does not make a pedestrian friendly city.