Providence, Rhode Island is looking ways to make Kennedy Plaza, located in the city's downtown, safe for all users. Increased law enforcement in only one way to achieve that goal, according to an op-ed in the Providence Journal.
"[Providence's] Kennedy Plaza has received a lot of attention lately — most of it focused on disturbances, panhandling and bad behavior," according to a column by Cliff Wood, executive director of the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy (DPPC).
Wood shifts the focus of the conversation about the state of Kennedy Plaza, first by reminding readers of the importance of public space: "Public spaces are integral to the health and vitality of our city, and keeping them clean and safe is essential for all of its citizens."
After Wood lists the many partnerships his organization is working with to improve and maintain the parks in downtown Providence, Wood explains the importance of programming to his mission:
One of the most important principles of place-making, and one of our core beliefs at the DPPC, is that the best way to transform a space is by transforming the way people use it.
Wood's op-ed is written as a response to recent news of increased law enforcement presence in Kennedy Plaza, including a news article from early September by Amanda Milkovits. Although Woods recognizes the importance of law enforcement in keeping public spaces safe, "ultimately the best way to keep a public space free of negative activity is to fill it with positive activity."
Read the full story: Cliff Wood: Good things happening in Kennedy Plaza
Providence Plans Ambitious Public Space Makeover
Take a virtual tour of the new public spaces proposed in the Providence Unified Vision Plan.
Four Cities Making the Most of Alley Spaces
Urbanful examines four cities making the most of scare public spaces by reactivating their alleys with programming and pedestrian-friendly designs.
Key to Successful Parks: More Female Visitors
The example of Holladay Park in Portland is examined for lessons in improving public spaces through the help of private sector consultants.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello