"Numerous small, inexpensive but vital differences needed to make the streetscape appealing."

It's really not that difficult to create a real, livable, walkable, vital neighborhood as demonstrated in these drawings.

Unintended Use Of Urban Space

                     

I noticed this a few years ago on Grove Street in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston. (Not the best picture. I apologize.) This unintended use of space illustrates a need for bicycle parking in the area. The fact that the bikes remain undisturbed indicates that it is either explicitly permitted or ignored by whomever owns the fence.  

Better Uses For Alleys And Driveways

Look how simple it was to transform this space. Tables, chairs, umbrellas. A mostly unusable alley/driveway (Note the sign on the right.)  becomes an extension of the restaurant. This was later in the evening on a weekday. I'll have to go back during the weekend dinner hour to see if this "works." It sure seems like a great opportunity to bring a little life to an otherwise quiet block. (The other side of the street is usually active because of a bakery cafe with outdoor tables and chairs.) It could be an even more interesting space with lights or some other elements strung over the tables between the buildings.