A Better Block installation took over the streets of Kenmoore in Akron, Ohio last weekend.
Fred Cay reports on the results of a Better Block installation in the Kenmore neighborhood of Akron, Ohio over the weekend.
A band cranked out a blues/rock concert on a parking lot stage while a hip-hop DJ spun vinyl records on the sidewalk across the street.
Thirsty customers patronized the adjacent beer garden. Food trucks and carts offered sandwiches. Cyclists traversed the bike lanes and sidewalks filled with pedestrians after a late morning shower subsided.
Motorists moved slowly along one lane on each side of the median, with on-street parking on the curb side. It was a kind of temporary utopian version of what the Kenmore business district might become.
The temporary Better Block demonstration, a result of the work of the Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance, took place on Kenmore Boulevard, between 13th and 16th streets, and earned more positive reviews from residents and business owners.
The Better Block Twitter account also took some aerial photos to show the dramatic effect of the temporary demonstration.
A before and after look at the treatment we gave an intersection for the #KenmoreBetterBlock. pic.twitter.com/GgOQqKlJnb
— The Better Block (@TheBetterBlock) September 6, 2017
FULL STORY: Successful Kenmore Better Block a temporary utopian version of what business district might become

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)