Blogging Before Bed: Amenities in the suburbs

I have some problems with the concept of concentrating amenities around major hubs. I don't mind supermarkets, dress shops and the like being bunched up conveniently - provided its all decently planned - but every suburb needs places where people can need for a variety of activities. It's the way communities are built and friendships formed. Yes you can stop and chat when you run into someone in the mall but that's not the same as doing things together with your neighbours. And when all your leisure activities take place in large facilities, it can make you feel a bit anonymous.