James Howard Kunstler vs. McDonald's

Kunstler and Duncan Crary debate the merits and drawbacks (mostly drawbacks) of two McDonald's restaurants being proposed for Saratoga Springs and Troy, New York (their respective hometowns).

1 minute read

May 20, 2011, 2:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


Both McDonald's are attempting to meet local design requirements (pictures at the KunstlerCast site). And as Duncan notes, they are filling in locations which have stood empty for years and could be defined as "broken teeth." Kunstler says "I'd say every attempt should be made to defeat these f***ers and keep them out of your town."

Duncan reads to James from a letter to the editor he wrote suggesting that the McDonald's that it could be built into a useful, mixed-use building. Kunstler comments:

"I disagree with the expectation that they would ever build anything that would be okay enough."

Friday, May 20, 2011 in KunstlerCast

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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.

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