The university wanted to limit a section of Bigelow Boulevard to pedestrians, but the city pushed for a compromise: better crosswalks and traffic calming features. Now the challenge is finding the funds.

University campuses may be pedestrian havens, but they're also part of the wider urban fabric. For the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ed Blazina writes, "The University of Pittsburgh would prefer to make Bigelow Boulevard a pedestrian plaza between Forbes and Fifth avenues, but if that's not possible it's on board with City of Pittsburgh recommendations to improve safety by rebuilding the street."
The city's $4 million proposal involves installing planters in the road, relocating the crosswalk, and adding protected bike lanes. "With the plans ready to go, the remaining issue is funding the project. The university has agreed to contribute $2 million, but the city applied for the other half through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and [...] was notified it would receive $500,000."
According to Karina Ricks, director of Pittsburgh's Office of Mobility and Infrastructure, the city isn't ready to close the street to vehicles. But "rebuilding part of Bigelow is part of an overall city strategy for making Oakland more pedestrian friendly, Ms. Ricks said."
FULL STORY: City, Pitt have plan to rebuild part of Bigelow Boulevard to improve safety

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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