Jacksonville, Florida officials are considering removing pay phones on sidewalks and in downtown parks, which are often viewed as nuisances that hinder efforts to make neighborhoods cleaner and safer.
"Karen Nasrallah, redevelopment manager for the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, said there would still be plenty of pay phones in downtown, both in government buildings like City Hall as well as on privately-owned property.
She said the regulation is aimed at pay phones that people loiter around, creating an intimidating situation for others who are walking down the sidewalks and find their path obstructed by panhandlers. She said it creates a perception that undermines the effort to make downtown a clean and safe neighborhood that's walkable.
The legislation mirrors similar restrictions the city placed on pay phones in the Springfield neighborhood north of downtown. Bruno said those regulations have proven successful."
FULL STORY: JEDC to recommend removal of pay phones

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.
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