Even before the coronavirus pandemic brought attention to such streetside features as parklets and flex zones, cities were rethinking how to use these important but overlooked areas. Many cities are saddled with last-century practices that prioritize parking for single vehicles over reliable bus lanes, safe bikeways, efficient loading areas for freight, or even public space.…To read more — login/subscribe
In Hailey, ID (est. pop. 8,259), Main Street is the main drag in more ways than one: It’s also State Highway 75, which means the strip caters to cars more than pedestrians and cyclists. “Main Street isn’t all that safe,” says Kaz Thea, a member of Hailey’s city council. “It’s a challenge getting across five…To read more — login/subscribe
While many downtown leaders are working with local businesses to enhance their online presence, business and community leaders in Knox County, ME, have taken a different approach. At the Opportunity Knox site, people can purchase gift certificates or credit at many small businesses, or they may make donations to area nonprofits. Customers visiting the site…To read more — login/subscribe
The City Council in Lewiston, ME, is considering a range of actions to help local businesses maintain safe social distancing as they begin to reopen. One topic under discussion is sidewalk markers. Public Works Director Dale Doughty tells the local Sun Journal that the city was not designed to safely accommodate lines of people waiting…To read more — login/subscribe
In an effort to reduce touch points amid the pandemic some cities are de-activating beg buttons and automating crossing signals. Chapel Hill, NC, was among the earliest cities to make the switch with 30 signal locations automated in late March. To read more — login/subscribe
Home to the Mayo Clinic and a global destination for health and wellness, the City of Rochester, MN, is offering business development grants to help local companies adapt to the pandemic. The city and the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency have announced $100,000 in grant funds to help small businesses and organizations that are…To read more — login/subscribe
The Traverse City DDA and local partners have launched the Buy Local, Give Local Fund. Individual donations are used to purchase items from downtown businesses which are then donated to partner organizations. The DDA says that, “donations will help purchase art supplies, books, puzzles, and additional items that will be provided to children housed at…To read more — login/subscribe
The Downtown Manhattan Beach Farmers’ Market reopened in mid-May after a brief closure due to the pandemic. Operated by the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association, the California market has been active since 2006. The market reopened with a new look and new procedures. The number of customers was limited to 35 people at…To read more — login/subscribe
The coronavirus pandemic has raised many questions, including this one: After the outbreak recedes, will Americans still want to live, work, and socialize in bustling downtowns? A disease that thrives on close contact could cause a shift in the preferences of office users and home buyers, and, possibly, a reappraisal of development patterns, some experts…To read more — login/subscribe
