Too often, street-side parklets become little more than semi-private patios for the businesses that sponsor them. Pavement parks, replacing dangerous intersections, may be a more worthwhile option.

Parklets are beloved of many urbanists, and Daniel Cohen argues they shouldn't be. Besides their minuscule size, parklets can be off-putting to pedestrians who confuse them for private spaces. "Perhaps it's fair that the parklet paid for by and in front of the ice cream shop is used primarily by their customers, but a semi-public use of public space is only semi-better than private car parking."
Cohen observes that parklets are generally located along commercial arterials, furthering limiting their appeal. "If given the choice to sit within inches of fast-moving cars and their emissions and the choice to sit anywhere else, I'm going to take the latter."
Seattle's First Hill "pavement park" replaces a dangerous intersection in a residential neighborhood. Cohen praises its accessibility, permanence, and significant imprint on the area. The pavement park fills a need for public space and helps calm traffic: factors that, Cohen argues, parklets have failed to address.
FULL STORY: Stop Building Mediocre Parklets, Start Building Pavement Parks

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?

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.

Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
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