The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

BLOG POST

I <a href="/node/38510">previously lamented</a> the apparent death of industrial use in our cities by the widespread application of terms like “post-industrial” and “rust-belt.”<span>  </span>While semantics is an issue, let’s not forget that design matters and, in terms of industrial use, it hasn’t seemed to matter enough in recent years.<span>  </span><span>  </span> <p> In times past, industrial use was often a form of pride.<span>  </span>Many of the hulking, multi-story industrial buildings in older cities are (still) beautiful additions to our cityscapes.<span>  </span>In some cities, those that went vacant have spawned a new form of <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20090301_Eploring_abandoned_industrial_hulks.html?viewAll=y">urban scavenge hunting</a> by those seeking to fuel their appreciation for our industrial past through photography and exploration.<span>  </span>Think as well of the <a href="http://vintagraph.com/wpa-posters/health-and-safety-posters/">WPA posters</a>, many of which used stylized industrial themes to promote our “American” identity.<span>  </span> </p>

July 16 - Scott Page

Beekeeping is on the rise in urban areas, despite laws to the contrary. Some beekeepers are concerned about the decline in bee populations and are doing their part to change that- other see it as a way to nurture local food movements.

July 16 - The Christian Science Monitor

An American-born transit planner who help usher in congestion pricing and smart transit card technology in London has been nominated to chair New York's transit system.

July 16 - The New York Times

Los Angeles sidewalks are in an advanced state of disrepair, with little to no funds available. A new proposal in front of the city council puts the burden on new property buyers.

July 16 - LAist

A resident of a Rancho Palos Verdes, CA development of 262 tract homes designed by Paul R. Williams, the first African-American architect in the AIA, is seeking an historic preservation measure to protect the 1950s-era homes.

July 16 - Daily Breeze

In the cold climes of Canada, parking lots come equipped with 120-volt outlets to keep engine blocks warm. Planners see these outlets as a stepping stone to a future of electric cars for the country.

July 16 - The Vancouver Sun

FEATURE

July 16 - Angus Witherby

A new report on how cities criminalize the practices used by homeless people to get by on a daily basis names Los Angeles as the country's "meanest city" for its "Safer City Initiative."

July 16 - CommonDreams

BLOG POST

<p> <span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">AZUL: 12PM-3PM@The Brig - Abbot Kinney and Palm in </span></span> </p> <p> <span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">Venice; 6PM-9PM@La Brea/Pico Billboard Eco Art - 4829 </span></span> </p> <p> <span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">West Pico just east of La Brea</span></span> </p>

July 15 - Tim Halbur

Speaking today at the Center for National Policy in D.C., Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood touted the success of the ARRA stimulus package and answered questions on transportation bill reauthorization and other topics.

July 15 - TheCityFix

Back in 1971, Alvin Duskin mounted an all-out campaign to limit buildings in San Francisco to 72 feet. Today, he is one of many Bay Area activists reconsidering density.

July 15 - San Francisco Chronicle

A perfect storm of projects, ranging from a new busway to an expanding sports arena, is just beginning to disrupt life in the village of Rozelle, Australia. Construction could continue past 2020.

July 15 - The Sydney Morning Herald

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law a bill that will bring about $31 billion worth of road, transit and school construction projects.

July 15 - Chicago Tribune

Cities can expand transit service areas by providing convenient access by bike.

July 15 - City Parks Blog

A 14-mile road segment that would connect two highways in Texas is a contender for stimulus funding in the state. But it would also cause the removal of at least 23 acres of wetlands. Environmentalists are upset the proposal is being considered.

July 15 - The Houston Chronicle

Sales in Brooklyn are down, and that's made a ghost town out of the recently booming but now busted Williamsburg neighborhood.

July 15 - New York Magazine

The convenience store announced it would open 200 new stores this year. A rep said that attractive locations had opened up for the retailer that were previously too expensive.

July 15 - The New York Times

Bicycles are being collected and distributed to Chattanooga's homeless in an attempt to improve their quality of life.

July 15 - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Vancouver, B.C. is experimenting with closing one lane of the Burrard Bridge to traffic to add a bike lane. Cheryl Chan reports from Day 1 of the lane closure. Was traffic affected?

July 14 - The Province

Via the White House, here are the President's opening remarks at yesterday's roundtable discussions with the Office of Urban Affairs and the Domestic Policy Council. He highlighted success stories in Denver, Kansas City, and Philadelphia.

July 14 - WhiteHouse.gov