Parking is at the center of proposed urban design and planning responses a recent melee at Montrose Beach in Chicago, which followed an un-permitted concert.
John Keilman reports on responses to a "massive, illegal party" at the Montrose Beach earlier in July. Much of the discussion was provoked when "Ald. James Cappleman, 46th, said [the party] was enabled by the relatively plentiful parking nearby."
Much of the discussion about the beach's parking has taken place on Streetsblog, where John Greenfield details the debate about the beach's parking. Streetsblog writer Steven Vance has even calculated (on his personal blog) the size of paved parking lot area for the beach, which totals 9.25 acres (or seven football fields).
Keilman also devotes significant ink to a proposal (interesting how often citizen-led urban design proposals get mainstream media attention in Chicago) by local architect Matt Nardella: "In sketches he posted online, Nardella shows the two parking lots just west of the sand replaced by open land dedicated to a bird sanctuary. Street parking, now free, would be metered….Other changes he suggests include adding Divvy bike sharing stations, a boardwalk and a large parking area for bicycles."
FULL STORY: Architect's Montrose Beach plan would sacrifice parking
Why Chicago Doesn’t Own its Parking Meters
More than a decade ago, the city sold control of its curb parking to private investors.
Parking Lots: A National Treasure?
Did you know? The amount of public subsidies given to free parking far outweighs federal funding for the National Park Service.
Do Bike Lanes Actually Cause Business Loss?
The often unsubstantiated assumption that loss of street parking due to bike lane installations leads to lost business can have a chilling effect on bike infrastructure.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Opinion: Federal Government Must Continue Supporting Rural Housing Program
The incoming Congress will have a say in bolstering — or harming — the only federal housing program focused on affordable housing in rural areas.
Chicago Budget Fails to Include Snow Plowing Program
Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.
Indy Bike Share Sees Sharp Growth Thanks to Free Pass Program
A new fleet of e-bikes and free access for Marion County residents are getting more people on bikes.
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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Village of Glen Ellyn
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners