In Kennesaw, GA (est. pop. 33,700), a downtown cemetery is no longer just a final resting place. The Kennesaw City Cemetery, an eight-acre space that opened in 1863, is being transformed into a greenspace and recreation area. Under a plan approved unanimously by the city council in 2019, the graveyard will host fun runs, yoga…To read more — login/subscribe
To reopen downtown, consider outdoor dining, “parklets,” and “flex zones” — The recovery from the coronavirus crisis threatens to be arduous and slow-moving. But architects Alan Pullman and Shannon Heffernan, of urban design firm Studio One Eleven in Long Beach, CA, urge cities to use “parklets” and “flex zones” to create spaces for outdoor dining. They also suggest transforming parking lots into al fresco seating areas. The National Association of City Transportation Officials offers guidance on Parklet design.
...Parklet vs Pedlet — A play on the word “parklet,” a pedlet allows for outdoor dining on the sidewalk while the adjacent parking space is converted to a pedestrian way. The video below shows modular pedlet installation in Great Falls, MT. https://youtu.be/jOZEUX0-ebY ...
Even after all-clear, downtown foot traffic might not return to normal — As the coronavirus pandemic has dragged on, it has become clear that consumers and merchants will take time to resume old behavior patterns, says Matt Wagner, vice president of revitalization programs at Main Street America. See Main Street America’s local resident survey questions and small business interview questionnaire. ...
Uber, Lyft increase congestion; here’s how one downtown copes — Before the coronavirus shutdowns silenced downtown Orlando, FL, city officials say designating locations for drivers to pick up downtown patrons improved traffic flow during the late-night rush hour, when bars closed and thousands of people tried to leave a small area at once. Read a traffic study commissioned by Uber and Lyft. ...
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
Downtown Walla Walla, WA (est. pop. 32,731), has reopened after the coronavirus shutdown, but with a number of new twists. A block near Main Street is closed to traffic and is now a plaza for outdoor dining. Main Street itself will close one night a week. Sidewalk liquor consumption is now allowed, within limits. And…To read more — login/subscribe
Empty office buildings, canceled events, shuttered bars and restaurants. The short-term fallout of the coronavirus pandemic was painful for downtowns. Now, downtown leaders across the country are bracing for a slower-to-unfold crisis. State and city tax revenues have been hit by the COVID-19 recession, and that’s likely to mean tighter budgets for downtown priorities for…To read more — login/subscribe
In normal times, Las Vegas’ casinos, conventions, and concerts bring a steady stream of visitors. During the coronavirus pandemic, however, Sin City has seen its famed Strip go unusually empty. To give local merchants a boost, the Downtown Vegas Alliance launched a “Playcation” promotion aimed at residents who are already in Vegas. “Downtown small business…To read more — login/subscribe
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many downtowns to rethink their outdoor spaces. By summer, downtown leaders had adapted — vacant lots, sidewalks, and even streets gave way to al fresco dining. Now, though, the changing of the seasons will present a new challenge: Are downtown visitors willing to sit outside when the weather turns cold? “Everybody…To read more — login/subscribe
In May, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms responded to the coronavirus pandemic with a number of emergency initiatives, including an end to parking enforcement in the city. The move, while well-intentioned, came with a downside, says David Wardell, vice president of operations and public safety at Central Atlanta Progress. “All the residents have tied up…To read more — login/subscribe
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many downtowns to rethink their outdoor spaces. By summer, downtown leaders had adapted — vacant lots, sidewalks, and even streets gave way to al fresco dining. Now, though, the changing of the seasons will present a new challenge: Are downtown visitors willing to sit outside when the weather turns cold? "Everybody…Continue reading
Does downtown Memphis, TN, have too much parking, or too little? The complicated answer is "Yes" to both queries. "It really depends on when, where, and how far away you want to park," says Brett Roler, vice president of planning and development at the Downtown Memphis Commission. Visitors can struggle to find spots at peak…Continue reading
