A proposal to create a new outdoor advertising district in San Francisco has some locals anticipating a retail revival, while others dread the possible billboard blight.
"The 'Mid-Market Special Sign District' is the brainchild of a property owner who touts the idea that flashing light will spark the renaissance of an area that has been grim and bleak for decades, most every hint of revival quickly going dark. A committee will map precisely where signs can be placed; soon after that, boosters promise, long-boarded-up structures will sprout galleries and cafes.
The leading critic is San Francisco Beautiful - a civic organization that in 2002 authored its own initiative, a citywide ban on new general-advertising billboards. As you might guess, the nonprofit isn't thrilled by Prop. D's attempt to open a door nailed shut: The new wattage visible from afar and the possible precedent for other neighborhoods make the proposition nothing less than a 'neutron bomb,' SFB's president told The Chronicle's John Coté."
The ballot measure has elicited a variety of angry responses from citizens and impassioned pleas from proponents. According to urban design critic John King, both sides have a point.
FULL STORY: Signs wouldn't be worst blight on S.F.'s Market

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie