Critic Blair Kamin speaks out against Mayor Emmanuel's decision to allow advertising on Chicago's iconic bridges to make up a budget shortfall. Kamin calls the move "the uglification of the City Beautiful."
The Wabash Avenue Bridge, a stately bridge built early in the 20th century, currently features banners advertising Bank of America.
Kamin opines:
"Yes, these are tough times and Chicago is desperate for cash. "We want to find innovative ways to bring new revenues into the city to protect critical city services," said Kathleen Strand, a city spokeswoman.
But the public instinctively understands that marring civic icons in the name of balancing the books is a self-destructive act, one that sacrifices Chicago's matchless architectural identity. As of Monday evening, more than 96 percent of those responding to an online Tribune poll gave the bridge ads a thumbs-down."
FULL STORY: New ads on the Wabash Avenue Bridge: Avert your eyes; at least they'll be gone in a month

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.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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