As other cities take daring steps to reclaim their streets, a car ban in downtown Boston doesn’t seem so implausible.

Tom Acitelli considers the possibility of limiting vehicle traffic in downtown Boston. "Such a move would help Boston meet its own stated goals of eliminating pedestrian deaths and reducing pollution so much as to render the city carbon-neutral by 2050—never mind that, contrary to some concerns, the evidence suggests that banning cars downtown would not necessarily hurt businesses there."
Boston can look to the steps other cities have taken to redesign their streets, says Acitelli, including New York City’s vehicle restrictions on 14th Street in Manhattan and San Francisco’s plan to ban cars on Market Street.
Boston has already successfully instituted a series of recent street closures and repurposed public spaces. And the city is no stranger to pedestrianized shopping areas, including Downtown Crossing and Faneuil Hall Marketplace, both of which have benefited from the downtown’s economic boom, notes Acitelli.
FULL STORY: Should Boston ban cars from its downtown?

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
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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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