John King is surprised to find that a bold plan for a public space has somehow squeaked through the Berkeley, CA planning process in an area between BART and campus.
The project is the last piece remaining of an extensive UC Berkeley proposal that had included a hotel, conference center and museum before the recession hit.
King writes, "the plan's less-controversial aspects include "a major public gathering place" on Center Street that would be "a model for sustainable design." And Hood has fleshed out this notion with pragmatic grace."
King dings the Bay Area for worshipping public process over quality results.
"So when an inventive approach to urban space gains traction in a city as fractious as Berkeley, I'm happily surprised.", writes King.
FULL STORY: Berkeley plan weds the natural, the practical

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

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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