An 18th century amenity is popular with new suburbs, resorts, and downtown renewal projects.
"Gaslights, which once graced the boulevards of Paris and the streets of New York but disappeared by the middle of the last century, are becoming more popular in suburban subdivisions, high-end resort communities and downtown renewal projects all over the United States. They are being promoted by an odd mix preservationists, architects and energy executives as a design detail that can soften the mood of a place and make it significantly more inviting. And consumers seem to be buying it.
The renewed interest in gas lamps is keeping manufacturers busy...Power companies across the country have been taking notice of the gas lamp boom, and recognizing in it an opportunity to increase profits...Web sites and salespeople list the advantages of gaslights: they are safe, relatively cheap and attract fewer insects than electric lights. If there is a power outage, gas continues to flow."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: Light to Soften the Suburbs

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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