Flanked by soy and corn fieldsand sitting just north of theFountain Lakes CommerceCenter in northern St. CharlesCounty rests the neighborhoodof New Town, a sprawling “urbanoasis”. New Town, a WhittakerHomes Community, was inspiredby the vacations executive GregWhittaker and his wife took in Seaside,Florida. They were taken withthe idea of having all the amenitiesand events they wanted right withinwalking distance and became seton the idea of creating a “newurbanist” communityin St. Charles County, where suchconveniences and amenities wouldbe available within the neighborhooditself.“

All of the amenities here [arethe best part],” Sales representativeDiane Cox said. “There’s a wholelifestyle here. It’s very pedestrian-like.There’s a lot of things to do.”

Among the 700 row and townhomes of the approximate 3,000people that call New Town home arethe 20-30 businesses that give NewTown its small town feel and atmosphere.A grocery store, dry cleaners,post office, hair salon and ice creamshop are just a few of the many shopsand stores within the community thatare woven into the residential parts ofthe town. CarolineEades is one of the many peoplewho both live and work within theNew Town community. Along witha friend, the two own and work at asmall boutique carrying apparel andbaby products. Although the clienteleis mostly limited to residents of thecommunity, the two would not moveany other place.

“The people that live here want to keep these businesses going,” Eadessaid. “It’s new, it’s cute. We all like new and cute things.”

Unfortunately, the effects of a slumping economy have been felt within the “front-porch-clad” community, for convenience comes with a price – a price that many are havingtrouble meeting during such times.

“I would think the economyhas played a role in shapingthe community,”Eadessaid.“I can just tell our building hasdefinitely slowed.”

Despite the troubled economy,New Town is still ready to continuetheir expansion. The project wasoriginally intended to span thecourse of 10 to 12 years andeventually reach an estimated 5,700homes on a total of 700 acres ofland. As of now, the community isstill relatively small, but it shouldquickly double, or even triple withinthe next few years.However, the residents andfounders alike are ready for anything.

“This place is a lot better [thanwhere I used to live],” 11-yearoldresident Jonathon Hugo said.“There’s sidewalks everywhere,kids to play with, and more room toride bikes. It’s the best place I’ve lived.”