Advocates for pedestrian safety are pushing for a simple fix that promises to make crosswalks safer for those traversing streets on foot: Forbid motorists from turning right on red lights. The concept is gaining momentum and also generating political pushback. Right-on-red turns are already illegal in the tourist zone of Honolulu. After successfully testing no-turn-on-red…To read more — login/subscribe
In the 20th century, many cities tried to contain creeks, streams, and small rivers with concrete culverts and other engineering projects. In the 21st century, growing numbers of imprisoned waterways are being set free. Restoring waterways to something like their natural order is a process known as “daylighting.” The restoration projects are gaining attention globally…To read more — login/subscribe
Most downtowns host the usual array of events — fireworks on the Fourth of July, a tree lighting ceremony for the holidays, and perhaps a restaurant week. But often the most successful efforts are unique, home-grown events that resonate with locals and attract non-locals. A careful look at a community’s history, industry, and foods will…To read more — login/subscribe
Making the most of downtown’s murals A2AC Murals brings large, vibrant works of art to the public in Ann Arbor and the South East Michigan area. The program is run by the Ann Arbor Art Center and funded through Patronicity and a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The center encourages people to…To read more — login/subscribe
During the Great Recession, Danville, VA (est. pop. 42,556), had fallen on such hard times that it was unclear if downtown could ever bounce back. “Our downtown completely died,” says Diana Schwartz, executive director of Danville’s River District Association. “Our entire community died.” No one was living downtown. The inventory of vacant commercial space stretched…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown leaders in Milwaukee, WI (est. pop. 569,326), plan a dog park as part of an ongoing overhaul of the languishing area along — and under — Interstate 794. The interstate was part of a nationwide development of highways that divided many downtowns during the 20th century. In the case of I-794, the 3.75-mile roadway…To read more — login/subscribe
Electric scooter rentals continue to grow in popularity in downtowns. But in many cases, the rollout has been chaotic. Downtown merchants and residents complain about disorderly parking and groups of young joyriders. Most startlingly, riders have died of injuries suffered while using the scooters. All of that has led some cities to tighten regulations. In…To read more — login/subscribe
It’s one of the most common complaints from downtown leaders: “I don’t have enough volunteers.” Whether you need community members to staff events, to judge business plan entries, or tackle some other task, volunteers are both crucial and scarce. Liz Parham, director of North Carolina’s NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center, says you need…To read more — login/subscribe
Champaign, IL (est. pop. 89,116), has a problem: Downtown has become a bustling destination on warm-weather weekends. But the city police department is so short-staffed that it can’t handle the inevitable calls for service that flow from the nighttime entertainment district. So the city of Champaign will spend nearly $330,000 to hire a private security…To read more — login/subscribe
