For a year and a half, visitors to downtown Sarasota, FL (est. pop. 55,103), could travel the district via black-and-teal electric cars. But the third-party operator of the microtransit service pulled the plug so quickly that its sleek little vehicles are still stored in a downtown garage. The microtransit service's departure underscored the reality that…To read more — login/subscribe
The age-old parking practice of using chalk to mark the tires of parked cars faces legal scrutiny - and it just might be unconstitutional. A federal appellate court has sided with a motorist who sued Saginaw, MI (est. pop. 49,366), for violating her Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search. The motorist, Alison Taylor, sued after…To read more — login/subscribe
Johnson City, TN (est. pop. 65,598), just launched free Wi-Fi service in its historic downtown. The Appalachian Regional Commission approved a $27,500 grant to the Johnson City Developmental Authority that paved the way for the Downtown Johnson City Free Wi-Fi Program, the News & Neighbor reports. The developmental authority will provide additional funds over two…To read more — login/subscribe
Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest has turned into a genuine sensation. The threedecade- old festival brings more than 100,000 music lovers to downtown Fort Collins, CO (est. pop. 165,089). One unusual feature: All concerts are free, which the Downtown Fort Collins Business Association calls "nationally unique." While many large music festivals fund themselves with ticket sales,…To read more — login/subscribe
In January, Seattle's Urban Freight Lab will install delivery lockers next to transit stops in the city center. The pilot program expands on an earlier project which demonstrated more efficient delivery after similar lockers were installed in high-rise buildings. The program is part of the Urban Freight Lab's Final 50 Feet Research Program which seeks…To read more — login/subscribe
The Frederick Historic District in Maryland encompasses the core of the city and contains residential, commercial, and religious buildings dating as far back as the late 18th century. See the details and application Given the construction methods, materials, and density downtown, fire safety is a concern. To encourage property owners to install sprinklers, the city…To read more — login/subscribe
In June, volunteers from PFLAG Lafayette, an LGBTQ advocacy group in Lafayette, LA, painted the iconic Lafayette sign in downtown's Park San Souci as part of Pride Month activities. The Lafayette sign was erected in 2017 as an interactive public art installation. Local nonprofit groups are encouraged to paint its letters to promote community events…To read more — login/subscribe
The City of Spokane Downtown Parking Study presents a comprehensive package of recommendations designed to "facilitate growth and activity downtown, while making parking more convenient and user-friendly for residents, businesses, employees, and visitors." See the full study The document, offers a set of coordinated strategies focused on better utilizing existing parking spaces, updating permit programs…To read more — login/subscribe
Like many cities, Burlington, VT, is struggling with how to handle an increase in the number of individual rooms, apartments, and houses offered for rent by the night. While the city enjoyed a 100 percent increase in taxes from these rentals during the first half of the year, neighbors question the impact on quality of…To read more — login/subscribe
Festivals centered around local produce (Georgia Peach Festival, Kennett Square Mushroom Festival, Vermont Maple Festival) or a prepared specialty (Maine Whoopie Pie Festival, Picklefest, or the Livermush Festival) have great regional appeal. This summer saw the first sno-ball festival in Downtown Lafayette, LA. The event showcases a local Louisiana specialty made from shaved ice and…To read more — login/subscribe
