6,000 Parking Spots, 20,000 Cars

That's the ratio on summer weekends downtown in Newport, Rhode Island. A coalition of local businesses, advocates and city officials are brainstorming solutions.

1 minute read

June 30, 2009, 12:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


The major obstacle to solving the problem is that the colonial-era city is largely built out or historically preserved. A streetcar linking downtown to the beach is under consideration as a possible solution.

"'Getting them from point A to point B quicker than if they took their vehicle or walked is a necessity for them to ride this people mover,' said Paige Bronk, Newport's director of planning, zoning, development and inspection.

Though a modern streetcar system may seem out-of-place with the city's colonial appeal, officials say it could actually be a throwback to the early 20th century, when trolleys operated in the city. Plus, Bronk said, there's nothing quaint about the city's traffic."

Monday, June 29, 2009 in Associated Press

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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