First off it will be interesting how many people will discuss this at length, being as it is "off" the restaurant forum. If discussed, it will also be interesting to see whether or not it remains civil.
As Robert often points out, a lot of what went in to making up "the good old days" is--for whatever reason--gone today. You mention a commonality or community bond as impetus for neighborhood establishments 100 years ago. Well (with some exceptions), you just don't see ethnic communities
forming in 2007. At the very least, not like they did in the 20's. Arguably, on the basis of diversity, you probably wouldn't want to see modern ethic enclaves spring up. Communities aren't going to spring up around a common employer either due to the predominance of the service industry, telecommunting, etc, etc. But think the lack of distinct, cohesive neighborhoods is due--in no small part--to the prevalence of and our (over?)reliance on cars. Like you, not being judgemental here in the least as I am very much car-reliant.
So, will NC work? Is commonality a prerequisite for community? Does NC have any commonality?
NC might work. Might work as intended. Might successfully grow/adapt and work, albeit not as intended. Might not work at all.
Though I personally would rather see more historic preservation and rehabilitation of existing neighborhoods (closer to the urban core), I realize that notion is not everyone's cup of tea, and that's okay. I prefer the whole New Urbanism thing to the alternative (subdivisions of McMansions). I understand that some people like the "look and feel" of traditional development, but little else associated with established 'hoods. This is okay and the lesser of two evils (the other being huge yards, huge driveways, single use, etc).
No denying that most successful, established neighborhoods are built around some commonality, but I think it's worth mentioning that Louisville areas such as Old Louisville, the Highlands, Germantown, Irish Hill, Butchertown, etc no longer have the commonality they were built on. Sure many people living in these areas are like-minded, but they're no longer all German or meatpackers. Norton Commoners probably, more-or-less, share some sort of like-mindedness but are not coming together around some commonality. Especially ironic being as "Commons" is in the name. Not sure whether that will help or hurt them.
Whew, feel like I used a lot of words, but didn't say much. In short, while it's not anywhere close to my ideal, I wish NC the best. If rampant exurban development is going to take place regardless, this is the best kind.
Now watch as this denigrates to discussions of Wal-Mart, chains, Louisville: North, South, or Midwestern, etc, etc.