A pilot program introduced parklets to Portland last summer to seemingly widespread applause. Fearing the loss of parking, a group representing downtown business owners has successfully lobbied the city to cancel the program in the downtown core.
"After a successful pilot program last summer, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) recently announced an update of their Street Seats program," reports Jonathan Maus. "While the newly proposed guidelines show the scope of the program has broadened, a group that represents downtown businesses successfully lobbied to prevent the conversion of parking spots in the downtown core."
"In an editorial published today, The Oregonian Editorial Board used this concern from the PBA to help make their case against the program. They argue that Street Seats are a sign of 'mission creep' from PBOT and that we should not give up precious parking spaces for non-parking uses"
FULL STORY: Fearing parking loss, downtown business group stops 'Street Seats' program
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Students Design and Build Downtown Portland's First Parklet
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Chicago Transit Leaders Call for $1.5B Funding Package
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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