New York's Union Square is the scene of a lively protest featuring Rev. Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping. At stake is the square's pavilion, which is set to be transformed into a restaurant.
Celebrity chef Danny Meyer is thought to be the main proponent of turning the public space into a private restaurant.
"Meyer is the chair of the The Union Square Partnership, a Business Improvement District or BID, and the suspected source of an anonymous $7-million donation to the city, given on the condition that the the park's pavilion be turned into a private restaurant. Currently, construction for the renovation is halted under a court injunction after legal action filed by the community group."
"'BIDs are constantly trying to convince communities that they have their interests in mind-in fact they have business in mind, shopping in mind' said Savitri, an organizer who goes by one name. Referring to Meyer, she said "we hold him personally responsible for this.'"
The event "aimed to dramatize organizers' belief about the connection between public space and the freedom of expression. The Stop Shopping Choir chanted and sang the First Amendment, while Reverend Billy regaled greenmarket passers-by with the Pavilion's free speech history as the staging ground for activism by Emma Goldman and others, as well as post 9-11 anti-war actions."
FULL STORY: The Union Square Pavilion Picnic Protest
As Cities Densify, New Building Design Strategies Keep Them Livable
Cities need to increase density, but the design of buildings can drastically affect people’s quality of life. Architects are using new tactics and tools to create innovative structures where light, air, and space are not compromised.
Survey: US Public Spaces Not Meeting Community Needs
A lack of funding prevents many U.S. parks and public spaces from playing a more significant role in helping residents meet daily needs.
North Texas Town Launches Downtown Revitalization Plan
The Design Downtown Denton plan takes aim at improving walkability and highlighting the city’s historic assets.
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.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service