Car dependence is actually less an issue that population density. Each retail space needs a certain number of rooftops, and until an area hits that threshold, retail will be limited. (More affluent places get more, poorer places get less). Abandon hope of that changing. The only escape lies in converting old buildings to new uses, or in the use of substandard buildings. The first 'community' space to emerge in the suburb I grew up in was a non-profit coffee house run by a local church out of a disused restaurant. And they were only able to do that (after much struggle) because they were issued a variance to local parking requirements.