In the past, owning a car in New York City made little sense for most people. But the pandemic has many residents reconsidering their transportation options.
"Car ownership in New York was once generally reserved for those who worked in transit deserts, those who use 'summer' as a verb, those with second homes (these last two often being the same person), who could afford garages, or those who lived in the more suburban parts of the outer boroughs, with actual driveways. Not owning a car, not knowing how to drive, or doing so poorly was a point of pride," writes Foster Kamer.
The pandemic has dramatically changed car ownership trends in New York, says Kamer. A variety of factors have contributed to an increase in demand for cars, including the desire to travel by a mode perceived to be safer, the ability to leave the city, and more disposable income as people forgo activities such as dining out and traveling.
Car registrations in June and July were up 18 percent compared to the same time last year. "Many of these New Yorkers are finding one of the most valuable quantities money can buy right now: peace amid a pandemic, relief in actual escapism," notes Kamer.
FULL STORY: The Great Gotham Vroom Boom of 2020
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As COVID infections and hospitalizations mount in California, ICU availability dropped to zero in Southern and Central California. Demand for hospital care is also outstripping supply in New Mexico.
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Coronavirus Shuts Down Food Processing Plant as President Pushes Reopening Economy
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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.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
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Journal of the American Planning Association