The return of wristbands to an expanded entertainment zone is going to be bad for business, bad for law enforcement, and bad for the city’s image.
St. Patrick’s Day, wristbands, and public space in Savannah
Category: Urban Form
Renewed attention on prospects for High Speed Rail between Atlanta and Savannah
Despite the disparity in size of the two cities, the advantages of high speed rail travel are pretty obvious. Atlantans could get fast and reasonably inexpensive access to a major tourist destination, while Savannahians would have much easier access to one of the nation’s most important metro areas. The possibilities for business generally and for the creative economy specifically are tremendous. There would be massive benefits to the state’s economy.
A Thanksgiving walking tour of downtown Frankfort, Kentucky
I wandered the deserted streets of downtown Frankfort, Kentucky — my hometown — on Thanksgiving morning. It was an absurdly gorgeous day. I wore a light jacket when I left the house but ended up carrying it — that’s how warm it was.
Last year I posted a similar tour, but, while there are a few duplicate shots, that gallery was mostly on the south side of the Kentucky River in neighborhood closer to the “new” capitol.
Americans still driving less than 5 years ago, despite increased population
The unevenness of the recovery and the squeeze on the middle class might also be limiting elective trips. I haven’t seen any data on it, but families that might have added another car to the driveway for their children might have delayed those purchases.
But it looks like some other factors are coming into play. Despite the facts of an increasing population, an improving economy, and moderating gas prices, Americans are still driving about the same number of total miles as they were five years ago.
Washington Post: Walkability increasingly important real estate market driver in DC area
“‘Walkable’ is a feature sparking sales and energizing future development and redevelopment, according to a recent report by a George Washington University professor that calls the Washington area a national model for compact urban areas where residents can live and work without cars.”
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed wants high speed rail to Savannah
I first spotted this at Peach Pundit, but here’s Maria Saporta in Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed says he’s staying — not joining Obama administration
Chatham County looks to raise fines for drivers violating crosswalk laws
Chatham County Commissioners, concerned primarily with drivers not yielding as required to pedestrians on roads like Johnny Mercer Boulevard in the unincorporated county, appear to be taking a modest step to increase fines against motorists who violate the law. From Eric Curl’s Ordinance aims to hike driver fines in Chatham County in today’s Savannah Morning News: [. . .]
Ogeechee Road and pedestrian deaths: street design matters
Another pedestrian was killed by a car yesterday on Ogeechee Road. I say “another” because such deaths have become depressingly routine on Ogeechee Road/Highway 17.
Savannah has something Atlanta wants: a real city center
“The economy has changed, but the plan doesn’t need to,†said Sottile, referencing the city squares that Gen. James Oglethorpe laid out almost 300 years ago. “It survived the American Revolution, the Civil War and the 20th Century. And now it’s defining sustainability in the 21st Century.â€
NYT: Does Louisville Need More Highways?
Long before I started writing about urbanism, I was intrigued by Louisville’s downtown — the vast empty blocks dotted with so many gems. Of course, the downtown was once filled, not just dotted, with architectural gems, and the streets bustled with life.
A 1969 French take on Los Angeles: “a sprawling city where the automobile is king and millions of individuals live together but never meet”
This is certain to be of interest to anyone interested in how cities developed in the second half of the 20th century.
Wheels in the sky: What if bike lanes were above traffic?
This is a really interesting animation from Exterior Architecture of the proposed SkyCycle project in London.
A few lessons from Hurricane Isaac
The first fatalities have been discovered in Plaquemines Parish, most of New Orleans is still without power, and many areas remain flooded.
Exactly 7 years after Katrina, Isaac could test New Orleans levees
Exactly 7 years ago tonight, Hurricane Katrina was gaining strength just off the Florida Keys.