For downtowns lacking greenspace, cemeteries can fit the bill

May 1, 2020
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

 

Artists take over cemetery

May 1, 2020
Historic Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY, hosts a sold out event called Nightfall each year. The Green-Wood Historic Fund works to maintain the cemetery’s “vibrant presence in our current time by presenting open-to-the public events such as walking tours, lectures, and performances.” During the Nightfall event, thousands of candles guide visitors along the cemetery’s winding…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Roundabouts cut down on major accidents but increase fender benders

April 1, 2020
In recent years, downtowns across the country have embraced traffic roundabouts as a way to ease congestion at clogged intersections. The traffic features do seem to make busy crossings safer. There’s a downside, however: Motorist confusion can cause a spike in fender benders. First the good news. In San Pedro, TX (est. pop. 334), to…To read more — login/subscribe

 

For neighborhood intersections, mini-roundabouts can make sense

April 1, 2020
Roundabouts are a popular way to smooth traffic flow at busy intersections. What about less hectic crossings where you’d like to slow vehicles? Mini-roundabouts have been shown to increase safety at intersections, according to the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). Some best practices for mini-roundabouts include: • Crosswalks should be marked to clarify where…To read more — login/subscribe

 

City’s approach to homelessness ranges from mental health services to annoying music

March 1, 2020
A public space in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, FL (est. pop. 111,389), stands as a centerpiece of the city’s redevelopment. The manicured lawn offers views of the Intracoastal Waterway and glimpses of the mansions of Palm Beach. An indoor pavilion hosts weddings and other events. The park also attracts homeless people. To…To read more — login/subscribe

 

City not allowed to cite homeless for sleeping on streets

March 1, 2020
After the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review a lower court’s ruling, Boise, ID (est. pop. 228,807), can’t bring misdemeanor charges against people who sleep on the streets if they have nowhere else to go. The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the constitutional issues raised by Martin v. City of Boise is the latest development…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Public art creates new energy in downtowns

February 1, 2020
In Milwaukee, WI, an annual installation of sculptures from around the world attracts attention and visitors during the summer months. In Lakewood, CO, a four-mile long art trail is winning kudos for bringing new energy to a long-neglected neighborhood. The two projects offer differing strategies for using public art as a downtown development tool. In…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Closing downtown street brings new life — and spurs downtown events

January 1, 2020
Pratt Street is a brick thoroughfare in the heart of downtown Hartford, CT (est. pop. 122,591). For all its promise, Pratt Street long has been bereft of pedestrian traffic. When the mayor proposed closing the street to cars, downtown leaders countered that further reducing activity on the street was the wrong approach. Instead, the Hartford…To read more — login/subscribe

 

“Shade Parade” blends public art and much needed protection from the elements

November 1, 2019
A sun-roasted, unwelcoming stretch of sidewalk in downtown West Palm Beach, FL (est. pop. 110,219), is scheduled to get a “Shade Parade” made of six moving purple parasols. The city hired Montreal design firm Daily tous les jours to brainstorm ideas about a section of Quadrille Boulevard. The proposal: A system of aluminum umbrellas that…To read more — login/subscribe