Project for Public Spaces » Brian Geraghty http://www.pps.org Placemaking for Communities Mon, 13 May 2013 20:45:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5 Market Tour Spotlight: Little Market with Big Taste http://www.pps.org/blog/market-tour-spotlight-little-market-with-big-taste/ http://www.pps.org/blog/market-tour-spotlight-little-market-with-big-taste/#comments Thu, 07 May 2009 15:39:37 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=2083

The Frutivale Public Market was recently redeveloped due to lapses made by developers and local government who originally decided not to include community input when planning the original design. The current incarnation seems somewhat empty and fledgling, apparently due to the weak status of the economy during the market’s beginnings. When I stepped [...]]]>

The Frutivale Public Market was recently redeveloped due to lapses made by developers and local government who originally decided not to include community input when planning the original design. The current incarnation seems somewhat empty and fledgling, apparently due to the weak status of the economy during the market’s beginnings. When I stepped off the bus at the market I actually had to ask someone where it was.

Hot churros at the Fruitvale Market

Hot churros at the Fruitvale Market

The one cart and two or three stalls were completely overshadowed by our huge tour bus. I walked over and immediately jumped on the opportunity to purchase a hot, fresh churro which was, by the way, the best churro I have ever tasted in my limited experience. I parked myself on a bench in the sun after having already suffered the beginnings of what would become a healthy first of the season sunburn.

The view while waiting for the best tacos north of the border

The view while waiting for the best ice cream around

As I devoured my afternoon snack I began hearing raves about the small Mexican restaurant in the corner. One person even told me he’d just eaten the best Taco he’d ever tasted outside of Mexico. A bold statement, even in California. I’d say this market has some very promising beginnings. I would bet that before long, there won’t be a tour bus big enough to eclipse this gem.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/market-tour-spotlight-little-market-with-big-taste/feed/ 0 GREAT PUBLIC SPACES: Senate Square (Helsinki, Finland) http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-senate-square-helsinki-finland/ http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-senate-square-helsinki-finland/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:00:26 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1030 What: Helsinki’s main town square serves as a concert venue, a meeting place, a place to people watch and a reminder of the state’s history.

Why it Works:

Senate Square has been the main square of Helsinki since the 17th century. It was transformed into its current form in the early 19th century, when Russian [...]]]> People gather on the north stairs leading up the the cathedral

People gather on the north stairs leading up the the cathedral

What: Helsinki’s main town square serves as a concert venue, a meeting place, a place to people watch and a reminder of the state’s history.

Why it Works:

Senate Square has been the main square of Helsinki since the 17th century. It was transformed into its current form in the early 19th century, when Russian Tsar Alexander II, moved the capital of Finland from Turku to Helsinki. The buildings on the four sides of the square represent the four powers of the state as conceived at the time: senate, church, university and commerce. The old merchant houses are now mainly occupied by city offices, but there is also a nice café, and a bazaar. While the square is a popular tourist destination, the steps on the north side are commonly used as a meeting place, a venue for student meetings, sun bathing or even studying.

Read the entire profile here.

Click here to nominate your favorite public space!

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-senate-square-helsinki-finland/feed/ 0 GREAT PUBLIC SPACES: Pirates Alley, (New Orleans, Louisiana) http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-pirates-alley-new-orleans-louisiana/ http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-pirates-alley-new-orleans-louisiana/#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:09:33 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1335

What: A pedestrian walkway between historic buildings, The Saint Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo.

Why it Works: Pirates Alley is a cobblestone pedestrian walkway about one city block long that was once an old street between the Cabildo, or Spanish Government House and the Saint Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. Historically [...]]]>

What: A pedestrian walkway between historic buildings, The Saint Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo.

Why it Works: Pirates Alley is a cobblestone pedestrian walkway about one city block long that was once an old street between the Cabildo, or Spanish Government House and the Saint Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. Historically the Old Spanish Jail fronted on the street so prisoners were always lined up there. In modern times artists would set up along the Alley to sell paintings. Today there are several businesses fronting the Alley and some artists still set up on special occasions. There is supposed to be a ghost walking along the alley in the early morning. And now a lot of weddings take place in the Alley as a tradition from the first wedding there in 1815.

Read the entire profile here.

Click here to nominate your favorite public space!

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-pirates-alley-new-orleans-louisiana/feed/ 1 Places in the News: March 9, 2009 http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-march-9-2009/ http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-march-9-2009/#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:05:46 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1654 The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

‘Streets For People’ campaign kicks off in Seattle. [World Changing Seattle] Nelson County, VA launches an online Farmers Market. [Nelson County Times] Farmers Markets in SoCal crack into the ramen-munching College Market. [LA Times] Norman, Oklahoma considers a ban on [...]]]> The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

  • Farmers Markets in SoCal crack into the ramen-munching College Market. [LA Times]
  • Norman, Oklahoma considers a ban on smoking in public parks. [NewsOK]
  • Dubai announces ban on smoking shisha in public places. [The National]
  • As economy slumps, urban gardens fill the void in Flint, MI. [mlive.com]
  • Asheville, NC based Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project promotes its farm to hospital pilot program. [Locavore]
  • City planning commission approves a zoning amendment to require bike parking in new buildings. [Streetsblog]
]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-march-9-2009/feed/ 1 ‘Streets For People’ Campaign Kicks off in Seattle http://www.pps.org/blog/streets-for-people-campaign-kicks-off-in-seattle/ http://www.pps.org/blog/streets-for-people-campaign-kicks-off-in-seattle/#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:05:20 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1714 ‘What’s your street for?’ is the motto of Seattle’s new Streets for People Campaign.  Modeled in many ways after the ‘Open source’ NYC Street Renaissance Campaign that PPS helped to found, Streets for People’s approach to advocacy is to connect, convene and inspire a new conversation about how streets can best [...]]]> Seattles Skyline

Known for its skyline and natural setting, Seattle is organizing to re-envision its streets as places for people.

‘What’s your street for?’ is the motto of Seattle’s new Streets for People Campaign.  Modeled in many ways after the ‘Open source’ NYC Street Renaissance Campaign that PPS helped to found, Streets for People’s approach to advocacy is to connect, convene and inspire a new conversation about how streets can best be used as public spaces for people.

The campaign will be coordinating with a broad range of local organizations, as well as with the city, on bike and pedestrian Master Plans, a Summer Streets program, Seattle’s new plan for light rail transit (LRT), as well as a Low Impact Vehicle Exhibition (aLIVE) which invites the public to submit installations for display and demonstrations during a one day exhibition.

PPS’ Renee Espiau traveled to Seattle to help launch the Streets for People campaign in February.  Espiau gave a presentation on PPS’s work and approach to generating demand and creativity for the higher use of our road space and how that placemaking approach translates into city-wide advocacy.  The event was covered by the Worldchanging blog.

In New York City, PPS partnered with The Open Planning Project and Transportation Alternatives to create the New York City Streets Renaissance (NYCSR) which has ignited a powerhouse of change for pedestrian oriented redevelopment in various NYC locations such as Gansevoort Plaza and Madison Square. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently announced plans to reclaim vast stretches of Broadway through Times Square and Herald Square which realizes dreams set early in the campaign.  Look out for more reclaimed pedestrian space and great streets in Seattle.

This momentum in Seattle further reflects the ripe Placemaking movement that PPS has participated in and chronicled over recent years.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/streets-for-people-campaign-kicks-off-in-seattle/feed/ 5 GREAT PUBLIC SPACES: Jardin Des Plantes (Paris, France) http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-jardin-des-plantes-paris-france/ http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-jardin-des-plantes-paris-france/#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:08:31 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1280

What: A park with rose gardens and a greenhouse.

Why it Works:

Located in the culturally stimulating Latin Quarter of Paris, Jardin des Plantes is a hidden gem of a park, containing a spacious and well-plotted rose garden, as well as a very large tropical greenhouse. This is the type [...]]]>

What: A park with rose gardens and a greenhouse.

Why it Works:

Located in the culturally stimulating Latin Quarter of Paris, Jardin des Plantes is a hidden gem of a park, containing a spacious and well-plotted rose garden, as well as a very large tropical greenhouse. This is the type of place that one could spend a whole day in, for the sprawling grounds feature many user-friendly amenities, such as benches, food kiosks and climbable sculptures. Jardin des Plantes provides all the amenities one could hope for: food kiosks, public restrooms, a warm retreat (the greenhouse), and ample seating. As is the case with most Parisian parks, Jardin des Plantes is immaculately clean, with many wastebaskets scattered throughout. Due to its highly populated neighborhood, security is never an issue, and the park is open to foot traffic only.

Read the entire profile here.

Click here to nominate your favorite public space!

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-jardin-des-plantes-paris-france/feed/ 2 New Gansevoort Plaza gets mixed reviews, but remains victorious http://www.pps.org/blog/new-gansevoort-plaza-gets-mixed-reviews-but-remains-victorious/ http://www.pps.org/blog/new-gansevoort-plaza-gets-mixed-reviews-but-remains-victorious/#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:54:24 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1546 A partnership between PPS, Transit Alternatives and Streetsblog formed in 2005 called the NYC Streets Renaissance fueled a number of projects aimed at reclaiming street space for pedestrians. One project was the redevelopment of Gansevoort plaza in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. Last month, NYC’s DOT hosted a meeting for community [...]]]> The new Gansevoort Plaza and the bollards some find unsightly

The new Gansevoort Plaza and the bollards some find unsightly

A partnership between PPS, Transit Alternatives and Streetsblog formed in 2005 called the NYC Streets Renaissance fueled a number of projects aimed at reclaiming street space for pedestrians. One project was the redevelopment of Gansevoort plaza in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. Last month, NYC’s DOT hosted a meeting for community members to hear feedback on how the new plaza was fitting in. Some visitors had gripes with the bollords around the plaza which bear a striking resemblance to nipples. Others complained that it was too much of a nuisance to get home when traveling by cab or limo because now they had to get dropped off a little further from home. Still others supported the new plaza saying that it makes them feel much safer when crossing the street. One of the most popular and constructive pieces of criticism was the issue of livery traffic, and the popular support for taxi stands in the area to keep drivers from stopping around the plaza itself, which contributes to congestion. There are currently plans to add three taxi stands around the area.

Read more about the new Gansevoort Plaza at eyebeam.org or streetsblog.org

Read more about the New York City Streets Renaissance here and PPS’ work with Gansevoort Plaza by clicking here

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/new-gansevoort-plaza-gets-mixed-reviews-but-remains-victorious/feed/ 1 GREAT PUBLIC SPACES: Ver-o-peso Market (Belém do Pará, Brazil) http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-ver-o-peso-market-belem-do-para-brazil/ http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-ver-o-peso-market-belem-do-para-brazil/#comments Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:05:13 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1332 Why it Works: An amazing market by the Amazon River. The market has more than 2000 tents. It is a historical site, and was recently renewed. Located in the city center, the market is densely occupied with friendly people and local products. The [...]]]>
One of the tent vendors at teh market

One of the tent vendors at the market

What: A permanent market on the Amazon River with over 2000 tents.

Why it Works: An amazing market by the Amazon River. The market has more than 2000 tents. It is a historical site, and was recently renewed. Located in the city center, the market is densely occupied with friendly people and local products. The market used to be relatively unsafe but since the revitalization project in 2000, the market is cleaner, safer and structurally in much better shape.

Read the entire profile here.

Click here to nominate your favorite public space!

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-ver-o-peso-market-belem-do-para-brazil/feed/ 0 Places in the News: February 16, 2009 http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-february-16-2009/ http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-february-16-2009/#comments Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:03:00 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1566 The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

Eco placemaking for the common good. [livemint.com] New Amsterdam Market to host a fundraiser benefiting the creation of a year round indoor market near South Street Seaport. [New Amsterdam Market] Slow Food USA gives a shout out to PPS’ Public Markets Conference. [...]]]> The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

  • New Amsterdam Market to host a fundraiser benefiting the creation of a year round indoor market near South Street Seaport. [New Amsterdam Market]
  • Slow Food USA gives a shout out to PPS’ Public Markets Conference. [Slow Food USA]
  • Tucson plans to layoff 30 planning employees, under pressure to make budget cuts. [Tucson Citizen]
  • California forced to make drastic cuts, closing popular parks like Pfeiffer Big Sur. [Wall Street Journal]
  • Northwest farmers say public markets are number one source of income – not restaurants. [North West News]
]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-february-16-2009/feed/ 0 GREAT PUBLIC SPACES: East Carson Street, (Pittsburgh, PA) http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-east-carson-street-pittsburgh-pa/ http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-east-carson-street-pittsburgh-pa/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:42:29 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1338

What: It is Pittsburgh’s version of the East Village in NYC. An awesome main street with tons to do and see.

Why it Works: The main part of South Side’s Carson Street is 21 blocks of everything you ever could want in your neighborhood. It is a truly urban setting that has dozens [...]]]>

What: It is Pittsburgh’s version of the East Village in NYC. An awesome main street with tons to do and see.

Why it Works: The main part of South Side’s Carson Street is 21 blocks of everything you ever could want in your neighborhood. It is a truly urban setting that has dozens of shops, restaurants, bars, and everything else in between. East Carson Street is one of Pittsburgh’s premier places to work and play. Carson Street is conveniently located just minutes away from downtown and Oakland, our city’s two largest areas. It is a large mix of life long residents, college students, families, and young businessmen and women. It is not unusual to see a young tattooed twenty-something year old walking with an elderly person out for an afternoon stroll. The overall mood of the people I would say is energetic and proud. It takes a special kind of person to live on Carson.

Read the entire profile here.

Click here to nominate your favorite public space!

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-east-carson-street-pittsburgh-pa/feed/ 2 Places in the News: February 9, 2009 http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-february-9-2009/ http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-february-9-2009/#comments Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:21:42 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1516 The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

California study identifies key to safe cities and safe roads. [New Urban News] NY Times says that markets are great for the economy! [New York Times] Arizona is set to close five state parks in order to cut spending. [Arizona [...]]]> The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:
  • NY Times says that markets are great for the economy! [New York Times]
  • If you’re thinking about becoming a locavore, check out the Local Foods Wheel. [Serious Eats New York]
  • Plans to ban smoking in public parks have been squashed In Lake County, FL. [Orlando Sentinel]
  • Plans move forward to create a protected green corridor for wildlife, human recreation and agriculture in the Bay Area. [SF Gate]
]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-february-9-2009/feed/ 1 Streetsblog gets credit for its influence as a new breed of advocacy journalism. http://www.pps.org/blog/born-of-a-pps-partnership-in-the-nycsr-streetsblog-gets-credit-for-its-influence-as-a-new-breed-of-advocacy-journalism/ http://www.pps.org/blog/born-of-a-pps-partnership-in-the-nycsr-streetsblog-gets-credit-for-its-influence-as-a-new-breed-of-advocacy-journalism/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:17:21 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1489 At the dawn of a revolution in transportation planning policy, there stands an influential engine that has bridged the divide between advocacy and government, moving towards a common goal. Streetsblog – an advocacy website at the forefront of the livable streets movement and the golden goose of their lesser known parent organization called Madison Square before and after NYCSR led redevelopment

Madison Square before and after the public plaza program

At the dawn of a revolution in transportation planning policy, there stands an influential engine that has bridged the divide between advocacy and government, moving towards a common goal. Streetsblog – an advocacy website at the forefront of the livable streets movement and the golden goose of their lesser known parent organization called The Open Planning Project (TOPP) – has teamed with PPS as well as Transportation Alternatives, another well known transportation advocacy group to form a juggernaut of  change for pedestrian, transit and cyclist oriented transportation policy. The three organizations formed a partnership called The New York City Streets Renaissance (NYCSR) in 2005 that has made a powerful and lasting impact on the built environment of the City in just a few short years. If you live in New York City or visit frequently then you most likely noticed some of the results last summer. Lanes of traffic and pavement in Madison Square were reclaimed for pedestrians and cyclists, creating a beautiful and social place. NYCSR also helped to transform the appearance and function of Gansevoort Plaza in the Meat Packing District, among many other places, and the partnership has spawned a new corps of planners in the NYC DOT, dedicated to transforming streets for the benefit of pedestrians and cyclists.

Read More about NYCSR at their official website, here.

Read the whole article on the background of Streetsblog here.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/born-of-a-pps-partnership-in-the-nycsr-streetsblog-gets-credit-for-its-influence-as-a-new-breed-of-advocacy-journalism/feed/ 4 Places in the News: February 2, 2009 http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-february-2-2009/ http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-february-2-2009/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:28:14 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1457 The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

New: A short movie from On The Commons. [The Nation] The Trust for Public Land’s Park Equity and Public Health Toolkit. [TPL] “Streetsblog is the force de majeure in the American Livable Streets movement”. [Planetizen] Raleigh passes legislature to require [...]]]> The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

  • New: A short movie from On The Commons. [The Nation]
  • The Trust for Public Land’s Park Equity and Public Health Toolkit. [TPL]
  • “Streetsblog is the force de majeure in the American Livable Streets movement”. [Planetizen]
  • Raleigh passes legislature to require a place in construction budgets for public art. [The News and Observer]
  • Check out the 7th International Public Markets Conference in San Francisco! [PPS]
  • Obamas bring their locavore Chicago Chef to the White House. [New York Times]
]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-february-2-2009/feed/ 0 Fred Kent of PPS to Speak in Savannah on City’s Development Ideas http://www.pps.org/blog/fred-kent-of-pps-to-speak-in-savannah-on-citys-development-ideas/ http://www.pps.org/blog/fred-kent-of-pps-to-speak-in-savannah-on-citys-development-ideas/#comments Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:15:41 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=940 Savannah is a city known for its downtown historic district, highlighted by 22 public squares constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the interest of bringing public spaces back to the forefront of its profile, the city has acted on the need to restore the beauty that once was. One of the city’s “lost” [...]]]> Savannah is a city known for its downtown historic district, highlighted by 22 public squares constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the interest of bringing public spaces back to the forefront of its profile, the city has acted on the need to restore the beauty that once was. One of the city’s “lost” squares, which was leveled to make way for a parking lot in 1954, has since been returned, moving the parking garage underground.

The Chatham County Metropolitan Planning Commission has invited residents to fill out an online survey, prompting vision’s of a better Savannah. Fred Kent of PPS will speak in Savannah regarding its future development on February 5th at the Coastal Georgia Center. The project’s chairwoman, Theodora Gongaware, said Savannah does a great job of bringing in well known speakers, but the speaker’s focus is not always entirely on the city.

More Information:
Read the article in the Savannah Morning News: http://savannahnow.com/node/603194

Visit the Planning Commission’s web site: http://www.thempc.org/

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/fred-kent-of-pps-to-speak-in-savannah-on-citys-development-ideas/feed/ 0 Places in the News: January 26, 2009 http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-january-26-2009/ http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-january-26-2009/#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:08:05 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1399 The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

Children as City Planners. [Radio Netherlands] State DOT’s frustrated over inadequate inclusion in stimulus. [Streetsblog] A small town in Upstate New York has big planns for a little grant. [News 10] New smoking ban in Western PA follows through with [...]]]> The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

  • State DOT’s frustrated over inadequate inclusion in stimulus. [Streetsblog]
  • A small town in Upstate New York has big planns for a little grant. [News 10]
  • New smoking ban in Western PA follows through with letters and threatens with fines. [WTAE TV]
]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-january-26-2009/feed/ 1 Places in the News: January 19, 2009 http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-january-19-2009/ http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-january-19-2009/#comments Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:00:45 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1367 The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

A new food system in the stimulus package. [Grist] Michigan farmers markets double in number since 2001. [Lansing State Journal] Washington Governor threatens to close thirteen state parks. [The News Tribune] Over 700,000 acres of land in California to be [...]]]> The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

  • A new food system in the stimulus package. [Grist]
  • Over 700,000 acres of land in California to be reclassified as Federally protected wilderness. [Los Angeles Times]
]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-january-19-2009/feed/ 0 Places in the News: January 12, 2009 http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-january-12-2009/ http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-january-12-2009/#comments Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:28:09 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1329 The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

A new deal for neighborhoods. [AARP Bulletin Today] More bike lanes, more public transit, less driving. [NRDC Switchboard] Portland is recognized by the American Planning Association for its innovative survey techniques to engage the public in planning for public spaces. [ The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:
  • Portland is recognized by the American Planning Association for its innovative survey techniques to engage the public in planning for public spaces. [Daily Journal of Commerce]
  • If you’ve been lazy about getting rid of your Christmas tree, just remember, it’s still not trash so don’t just put it on the sidewalk! [Earth911.com]
  • Rotterdam installs the first electric vehicle charging station in public space. [CSSEY]
]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-january-12-2009/feed/ 0 GREAT PUBLIC SPACES: Adams Morgan (Washington, DC) http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-adams-morgan-washington-dc/ http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-adams-morgan-washington-dc/#comments Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:51:11 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1277 What: A Washington, DC neighborhood that caters to the pedestrian.

Why it Works:

Vivacious. Georgetown may be more famous, but city-dwellers know the real place to be is Adams Morgan. It’s hip but not yuppified, diverse but not preachy, safe but still gritty, cool but not uppity, and fun but not taken [...]]]> Looking east across 18th St NW in Adams Morgan

Looking east across 18th St NW in Adams Morgan

What: A Washington, DC neighborhood that caters to the pedestrian.

Why it Works:

Vivacious. Georgetown may be more famous, but city-dwellers know the real place to be is Adams Morgan. It’s hip but not yuppified, diverse but not preachy, safe but still gritty, cool but not uppity, and fun but not taken over by Starbucks and Disney. Adams Morgan is off the proverbial beaten path, hidden from suburban gentrification; and its street network is based on European design rather than the grid, which has created a more intimate, less predictable environment. It’s fantastically interesting, unmistakably urban, dense and busy, but still manages to pander to the person rather than the group.

Read the entire profile here.

Click here to nominate your favorite public space!

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-adams-morgan-washington-dc/feed/ 0 Places in The News: January 5, 2009 http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-january-5-2009/ http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-january-5-2009/#comments Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:03:31 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1304 The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

StreetsBlog’s best of 2008, featuring Hans Monderman. [StreetsBlog] Study finds housing is the key to job growth. [The Boston Globe] Idaho grows public art. [IdahoStatesman] Building up and not out is the plan for Ontario, CA. [Daily Bulletin] [...]]]> The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

  • StreetsBlog’s best of 2008, featuring Hans Monderman. [StreetsBlog]
  • Building up and not out is the plan for Ontario, CA. [Daily Bulletin]
  • England honors a man who is known for fighting for better public parks. [ThisIsBristol.co.uk]
  • Sydney promotes densely populated suburbs with and emphasis on building near transit. [Sydney Morning Herald]
]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-january-5-2009/feed/ 0 Places in the News: December 29, 2008 http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-december-29-2008/ http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-december-29-2008/#comments Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:34:14 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1284 The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

Murrieta, CA gets a new farmers market just as demand for one is increasing. [The Press Enterprise] South Dakota is offering grants for farmers markets. [Farmers Market Coalition] A federal stimulus for city parks? [Gotham Gazette] Some praise for public [...]]]> The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

  • Murrieta, CA gets a new farmers market just as demand for one is increasing. [The Press Enterprise]
  • Not good enough to simply be ‘a park in and of itself’. [Tulsa World]
  • Five reasons why biking is better than walking. [Dead Dog Cafe]
]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-december-29-2008/feed/ 0 Places in the News: December 22, 2008 http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-december-22-2008/ http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-december-22-2008/#comments Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:57:10 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1248 The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

Saratota Legalizes Spitting! [Herald Tribune] Plano, TX risks scaring commuters away from public transit and back to their cars with the addition of paid parking at its local rail station. [Dallas News] So that’s what those things are in Washington Square Park. [...]]]> The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

  • Plano, TX risks scaring commuters away from public transit and back to their cars with the addition of paid parking at its local rail station. [Dallas News]
  • Read this one if you’re looking for green markets in DC. [New Times]
  • Buffalo unveils big plans for redeveloping its Erie Canal waterfront. [The Buffalo News]
]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-december-22-2008/feed/ 0 GREAT PUBLIC SPACES: Brooklyn Heights Promenade (Brooklyn, NY) http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-brooklyn-heights-promenade-brooklyn-ny/ http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-brooklyn-heights-promenade-brooklyn-ny/#comments Wed, 17 Dec 2008 23:10:15 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1017 What: A promenade extending about five blocks from Remsen St to Orange St along the East River.

Why it Works:

This exclusively pedestrian walkway offers majestic views of downtown Manhattan, the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. Lined with flowerbeds, playgrounds, and two rows of benches, the park is a favorite destination for joggers, walkers [...]]]> Visitors enjoy the view of Manhattan and the East River along the Promenade

Visitors enjoy the views of Manhattan and the East River along the Promenade

What: A promenade extending about five blocks from Remsen St to Orange St along the East River.

Why it Works:

This exclusively pedestrian walkway offers majestic views of downtown Manhattan, the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. Lined with flowerbeds, playgrounds, and two rows of benches, the park is a favorite destination for joggers, walkers and roller-bladers. Its width and the plethora of green space also offer places for quieter relaxation and contemplation. The Promenade is lined with grand townhouses and mansions, and is part of Brooklyn’s first Historic Preservation District.

Read the entire profile here.

Click here to nominate your favorite public space!

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/great-public-spaces-brooklyn-heights-promenade-brooklyn-ny/feed/ 2 Places in the News: December 15, 2008 http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-december-15-2008/ http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-december-15-2008/#comments Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:53:36 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1206 The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

Winter farmers market in Exeter, NH is a hit. [Seacoastonline.com] Residents of Abu Dhabi adopt an unforseen use for public green space. [The National] In an effort to lure back residents who have left in search of jobs lost to a recession, [...]]]> The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:

  • Residents of Abu Dhabi adopt an unforseen use for public green space. [The National]
  • In an effort to lure back residents who have left in search of jobs lost to a recession, small town Canada is reinventing itself with attractive waterfronts. [OttowaCitizen.com]
  • Portland pushes to impose design standards on single family homes, preventing the emergence of eyesores. [OregonLive.com]
]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/places-in-the-news-december-15-2008/feed/ 2 Boulder Recruits PPS to Ready its Central Park for Public Demand http://www.pps.org/blog/boulder-recruits-pps-to-ready-its-central-park-for-public-demand/ http://www.pps.org/blog/boulder-recruits-pps-to-ready-its-central-park-for-public-demand/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:49:05 +0000 Brian Geraghty http://blog.pps.org/?p=1238 Residents of Boulder, CO are not homebodies, and getting them to use the outdoor resources they have isn’t an issue. In fact, the city’s Central Park is in need of a bit of an upgrade due to the immense use it already gets!  (If only every park had this problem…)

The Boulder Parks Department will [...]]]> Residents of Boulder, CO are not homebodies, and getting them to use the outdoor resources they have isn’t an issue. In fact, the city’s Central Park is in need of a bit of an upgrade due to the immense use it already gets!  (If only every park had this problem…)

The Boulder Parks Department will work with PPS to make it easier for the town to more smoothly juggle the farmers markets, concerts and recreation that the park is already used for. Also, the intent is to incorporate the park into the neighboring Pearl Street Market, a bustling public area which city officials say sometimes feels like a world away to someone in the park.

More information:

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