Are billboards visual pollution, or valuable information source? Sao Paolo, Brazil banned billboards in the city in 2007 and is an interesting case study.
Arkinet has many excellent photographs of Sao Paolo's former billboards. Could the city's billboard ban work in other cities, and would it be a good idea if so?
Arkinet writes, "Implementing what in current society is such a drastic measure–banning the very lifeblood of the global economy in the public realm–wouldn't be without its imperfections. Assuming the genuine intentions of the 'cleaner city' plan and its implicit commitment to preserving culture, finding means of minimizing ‘visual pollution' is just as logical as countering noise, air, water or any other form of pollution Of course, subjectivity comes into play if some equate visual pollution to aesthetic vibracy for what is a metropolis without the lights and flashing neon signs? New York without Times Square? Tokyo minus Ginza?"
FULL STORY: Publi-City or No Publi-City?

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

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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