Project for Public Spaces » Transit 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 9 Communities Selected to Receive Free Place-Based Sustainability Technical Assistance http://www.pps.org/blog/9-communities-selected-to-receive-free-place-based-sustainability-technical-assistance/ http://www.pps.org/blog/9-communities-selected-to-receive-free-place-based-sustainability-technical-assistance/#comments Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:02:50 +0000 Project for Public Spaces http://www.pps.org/?p=82347 This Earth Day, Project for Public Spaces and our partners at Livability Solutions are pleased to announce the 9 communities selected to receive free technical assistance in 2013, thanks to a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Sustainable Communities under their Building [...]]]> plts-logo1This Earth Day, Project for Public Spaces and our partners at Livability Solutions are pleased to announce the 9 communities selected to receive free technical assistance in 2013, thanks to a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Sustainable Communities under their Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program.

These governments and organizations represent a diverse group of communities from across the United States, from large cities to rural communities. All have a strong commitment to sustainability and smart growth and are poised to implement positive change by making use of the assistance we are offering. Each community will receive a one- or two-day training session with a livability expert from Project for Public Spaces or one of our Livability Solutions partners on an issue of their choice.

Livability Solutions is a coalition of professionals from 10 leading nonprofit organizations with deep experience in sustainable development. Our common purpose is to work with communities on transportation, land use, Placemaking, environmental issues, and public involvement, with the goal of achieving livability, smart growth, and sustainability.

The communities selected for free technical assistance in 2013 are:

  • City of Omaha, NE, which will work with Project for Public Spaces (PPS) on efforts to improve their planning process to create more vibrant, attractive, and livable neighborhoods.
  • City of Seattle Department of Planning & Development, Seattle, WA, which will work with Reconnecting America (RA) and the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) to train in Transit Oriented Development data and implementation tools in order to help promote walkable, vibrant, and affordable neighborhoods around major public transportation hubs in the region.
  • City of Twinsburg, OH, will work with the Congress for the New Urbanism  (CNU) to train the community on the benefits of walkable urban thoroughfares.  This training will help create a town center that improves connections and creates a safe healthy downtown destination.
  • Lee County, FL, where the Local Government Commission (LGC) will work with the community on how to evaluate and improve neighborhood walkability, as well as solicit feedback on local citizens’ walking and bicycling needs, in order to inform the County’s Bicycle and Pedestrian plan.
  • Valley Metro, Phoenix, AZ, where RA and CNT will train local officials in the use of Transit Oriented Development data and implementation tools to track indicators and build capacity in the region for more efficient, vibrant neighborhoods around public transportation.
  • Upstate Forever, Spartansburg, SC, where PPS will facilitate workshops focused on training local citizens and government staff in the creation, implementation, and enforcement of Form-Based Codes in order to help create a more attractive and livable Duncan, SC.
  • Village of Hyde Park, VT, where PPS has already begun training local stakeholders in the use of the Power of 10 and Place Audit tools to strengthen the village’s Main Street as a destination by building on local assets, as well as improving the area’s walkability and connectivity.
  • Vanguard Community Development Corp., Detroit, MI, which will work with PPS to  envision a more vibrant public realm and destinations in the North End neighborhood, identifying site-specific improvements to serve as pilots for Placemaking in the neighborhood.
  • Working in Neighborhoods (WIN), Cincinnati, OH, which will work with the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute (WALC) to identify opportunities to transform streets for improved safety for all modes, and to better support economic development.

The EPA’s Building Blocks program funds quick, targeted assistance to communities that face common development problems. Two other nonprofit organizations—Global Green USA and  Smart Growth America—also received competitively awarded grants under this program to help communities achieve their sustainable development goals.

We encourage interested communities to continue to check the Livability Solutions website for additional opportunities for technical assistance. We also welcome interested foundations, organizations, and individuals to contact us if they are interested in supporting assistance to one of the many other qualified applications we received.

Click here for information on other opportunities to work with Livability Solutions or here for training and technical assistance offered by Project for Public Spaces or our partners.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/9-communities-selected-to-receive-free-place-based-sustainability-technical-assistance/feed/ 1 We Need a Placemaking Rail~Volution http://www.pps.org/blog/we-need-a-placemaking-railvolution/ http://www.pps.org/blog/we-need-a-placemaking-railvolution/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:30:03 +0000 Paul Salama http://www.pps.org/?p=72758 Despite the word rail in the title, Rail~Volution is above all a conference about transit-oriented development (TOD), hence its tagline: “Building communities through transit.”

Last week, 1,200 transportation enthusiasts, planners, engineers, and community leaders – call them “Rail~volutionaries” — descended on Washington, D.C., for Rail~Volution 2011, to hear about the latest TOD methodologies and implementations, swap war stories about community opposition, share successful case studies, and schmooze with other people who view compact development around transportation nodes as a necessary aspect of any future growth model.

This being my first Rail~Volution conference, I didn’t know what to expect. But during the first plenary, when Christopher Leinberger of the Brookings Institution spoke of nearby Tysons Corner, Va., as “44 million square feet of unmitigated hell,” I knew I was among friends.

Tysons Corner holds a special place in my heart: My experience consulting there in a previous career was instrumental to my pursuit of a degree in planning. An ill-conceived attempt at walking the half-mile between my hotel and office led me to wonder: What had allowed this sort of human-hostile development to occur?

Fairfax County’s bold comprehensive plan for Tysons Corner, “Transforming Tysons,” was intently discussed at the conference, and lavished with well-deserved praise. But it’s not the only innovative transportation-led plan in the region. The Washington metro area is home to more examples of walkable urban places around TODs than anywhere else in the country, according to Leinberger.

Yet I came away from the myriad descriptions of well-designed, pedestrian-oriented, multi-modally connected developments feeling like something was missing amidst all the TOD fervor. There were few images or descriptions of people outdoors, simply enjoying their newfound central public spaces – let alone any talk about great spaces that non-locals are excited to visit.

In his session “The Fundamentals of Greatness: TOD + Transit,” G.B. Arrington, vice president of Parsons Brinckerhoff’s Placemaking Group, spoke of TODs needing “friction” to make people stop and notice the amenities, so that they aren’t simply transfer points between modes.  Placemakers have the tools to create great places — where people stop, linger, converse, and enjoy the company of others.  It’s these kinds of places that will bring blinder-wearing commuters out of their stupor. Placemakers need to be playing a larger, complementary role in the creation of TODs, because creating better places will benefit everyone involved.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/we-need-a-placemaking-railvolution/feed/ 2 Thinking Within the Station http://www.pps.org/blog/thinking-within-the-station/ http://www.pps.org/blog/thinking-within-the-station/#comments Fri, 08 May 2009 12:57:20 +0000 Robin Lester http://blog.pps.org/?p=1936

By now, you likely have seen the video footage from the Antwerp train station in Belgium, where at first one, then two, and eventually hundreds of people performed a choreographed dance to a well-known song from the Sound of Music.

One would hope that this amazing display of feelgood performance was some sort of [...]]]>

By now, you likely have seen the video footage from the Antwerp train station in Belgium, where at first one, then two, and eventually hundreds of people performed a choreographed dance to a well-known song from the Sound of Music.

One would hope that this amazing display of feelgood performance was some sort of public art project.  Disappointly, it was performed and filmed for a reality TV show promo spot (per the Huffington Post).  Regardless, the choice of song, hearkening back to favorite childhood memories, and the surprised and delighted looks on the faces of travelers have been delighting viewers all over the world.  It’s a great example of the possibilities that public spaces hold, and reveals the creative potential for programming in and around transit stations.

For more on PPS’s work with transit, visit Thinking Beyond the Station, part of our Building Community through Transportation initiative.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/thinking-within-the-station/feed/ 1 Featured Network Group: Great Transit Systems / Routes http://www.pps.org/blog/featured-network-group-great-transit-systems-routes/ http://www.pps.org/blog/featured-network-group-great-transit-systems-routes/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:20:03 +0000 Robin Lester http://blog.pps.org/?p=1920 PPS founder and president Fred Kent has recently started a social network group dedicated to the best transit systems in the world.  An interesting discussion has sprung up about transit in San Francisco — how the bus’ cable lines indicate a route, and how successful the schedule information release has been in encouraging locals to [...]]]> Many appreciate the San Francisco bus' cable lines, which indicate a bus route

Many appreciate the San Francisco bus' cable lines, which indicate a bus route

PPS founder and president Fred Kent has recently started a social network group dedicated to the best transit systems in the world.  An interesting discussion has sprung up about transit in San Francisco — how the bus’ cable lines indicate a route, and how successful the schedule information release has been in encouraging locals to develop maps and programs for free public use.

What’s your favorite transit system?  Join in the discussion and tell us here.

Join the Placemaking Movement, PPS’s online social network dedicated to connecting Placemakers around the world!

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/featured-network-group-great-transit-systems-routes/feed/ 1 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 Freeways to Boulevards http://www.pps.org/blog/freeways-to-boulevards/ http://www.pps.org/blog/freeways-to-boulevards/#comments Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:00:45 +0000 Robin Lester The Congress for the New Urbanism has just published a list of the top ten aging elevated highways that are ripe for removal and redesign.  The removal of these highways could lead to revitalization movements in the cities and regions they currently occupy.

A large percentage of these highways are located in the northeast. [...]]]> The Congress for the New Urbanism has just published a list of the top ten aging elevated highways that are ripe for removal and redesign.  The removal of these highways could lead to revitalization movements in the cities and regions they currently occupy.

A large percentage of these highways are located in the northeast.

CNU, like PPS, advocates for replacing elevated highways with surface streets that connect destinations and promote walkability.

The top ten opportinities listed are:

1. Alaskan Way Viaduct, Seattle, WA

2. Sheridan Expressway, Bronx, NY

3. The Skyway and Route 5, Buffalo, NY

4. Route 34, New Haven, CT

5. Claiborne Expressway, New Orleans, LA

6. Interstate 81, Syracuse, NY

7. Interstate 64, Louisville, KY

8. Route 29, Trenton, NJ

9. Gardiner Expressway, Toronto, ON

10. 11th Street Bridges and the Southeast Freeway, Washington D.C.

More Information:

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/freeways-to-boulevards/feed/ 0 NYC Places: Placemaking on the Upper East Side http://www.pps.org/blog/nyc-places-placemaking-on-the-upper-east-side/ http://www.pps.org/blog/nyc-places-placemaking-on-the-upper-east-side/#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2008 03:00:12 +0000 Robin Lester PPS Founder and President Fred Kent spoke to a group of Upper East Siders Tuesday evening, engaging the uptown community to evaluate their own neighborhood.  After a presentation on bold moves in pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly policies around the world, attendees split up into groups to brainstorm simple ways to improve the streets in their neighborhood.  [...]]]> PPS Founder and President Fred Kent spoke to a group of Upper East Siders Tuesday evening, engaging the uptown community to evaluate their own neighborhood.  After a presentation on bold moves in pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly policies around the world, attendees split up into groups to brainstorm simple ways to improve the streets in their neighborhood.  Ideas including traffic circles, closing main streets to traffic and enhancing the area’s waterfront amenities were among those generated.

Streetsblog offers a full report.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/nyc-places-placemaking-on-the-upper-east-side/feed/ 0 Cyclists Take to the Streets in NYC http://www.pps.org/blog/cyclists-take-to-the-streets-in-nyc/ http://www.pps.org/blog/cyclists-take-to-the-streets-in-nyc/#comments Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:21:07 +0000 Robin Lester Following the lead of innovative cities such as Bogota, El Paso, Ottowa, Guadalajara and Paris, New York City is shifting its focus from cars to people on its streets.  Through its Summer Streets program, the city will close down a 6.9-mile stretch of road to cars on three consecutive Saturdays between the Brooklyn Bridge [...]]]> Following the lead of innovative cities such as Bogota, El Paso, Ottowa, Guadalajara and Paris, New York City is shifting its focus from cars to people on its streets.  Through its Summer Streets program, the city will close down a 6.9-mile stretch of road to cars on three consecutive Saturdays between the Brooklyn Bridge and East 72nd Street, creating an opportunity for safe cycling, walking and exploring.

The program is modeled off of Ciclovia, a similar initiative in Bogota, Colombia, that provides 70 miles worth of car-free streets each weekend to pedestrians and cyclists.  Now in its 32nd year, Ciclovia is considered to be an enormous success.

The road closure isn’t favored by all.  Taxi drivers and business owners alike are concerned about the financial impact of their livelihoods.

The Summer Streets route will include stretches of Centre Street, Lafayette, Fourth Avenue and Park Avenue and will take place on August 9, 16 and 23 from 7am until 1pm.

Further Reading:

  • Car-Free Streets, a Colombian Import, Inspire Debate [NY Times]
  • City to Experiment with Car-Free Streets [CityRoom] 
]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/cyclists-take-to-the-streets-in-nyc/feed/ 0 Road Diet, Parks Planned for the Bund in Shanghai http://www.pps.org/blog/road-diet-parks-planned-for-the-bund-in-shanghai/ http://www.pps.org/blog/road-diet-parks-planned-for-the-bund-in-shanghai/#comments Fri, 30 May 2008 11:45:43 +0000 mkodransky@pps.org

East-1 Zhongshan Road in Shanghai’s landmark Bund area is about to get a serious road diet. Decades ago, it was a tree-lined boulevard that served as a gateway to the region’s financial and global trade core. Today, it looks more like a moat full of vehicle [...]]]> Photo Courtesy of China Daily (April, 2006)

East-1 Zhongshan Road in Shanghai’s landmark Bund area is about to get a serious road diet. Decades ago, it was a tree-lined boulevard that served as a gateway to the region’s financial and global trade core. Today, it looks more like a moat full of vehicle traffic that separates the waterfront from the majestic buildings facing the harbor and the vibrant city life further inland.

Ten lanes of traffic will be reduced down to four to create more pedestrian space, parks, shops and better linkages to surrounding areas, such as the Nanking Road shopping corridor – one of the busiest in the world. Most of the traffic will be redirected underground to a new tunnel, which will let through traffic vehicles bypass East-1 Zhongshan Road.

Currently, views of the Huangpu harbor from East-1 Zhongshan Road are blocked by raised levees and an elevated promenade. Visitors mostly come to the promenade to see the new skyline shaping up in the Pudong district across the Huangpu River.

The hope is to bring people to the area for many more activities than currently exist. The proposed design promises to improve the physical and visual connection to the water. 

Bund-Redevelopment-Plan.jpg Photo Source: Chan Krieger Sieniewicz

The redevelopment project is expected to be done in time for World Expo 2010.

The Shanghai Planning Bureau is currently soliciting feedback and ideas on the designs. See more photos and view the public feedback page here (translated automatically using babelfish). 

Related Articles:

A New Look for the Bund [Shanghaiist]

Shanghai Waterfront Redesigned [Architecture Magazine] 

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/road-diet-parks-planned-for-the-bund-in-shanghai/feed/ 0 U.S. Presidential Candidates Ignoring Urban Issues http://www.pps.org/blog/u-s-presidential-candidates-ignoring-urban-issues/ http://www.pps.org/blog/u-s-presidential-candidates-ignoring-urban-issues/#comments Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:15:32 +0000 mkodransky@pps.org

Despite the large number of Americans now living in cities, urban issues have been astonishingly absent from the U.S. presidential debates. PPS did a spoof article for Faking Places, the annual April Fool’s Newsletter, in which Hillary, McCain and Obama make promises for more livable [...]]]>

Despite the large number of Americans now living in cities, urban issues have been astonishingly absent from the U.S. presidential debates. PPS did a spoof article for Faking Places, the annual April Fool’s Newsletter, in which Hillary, McCain and Obama make promises for more livable neighborhoods. The glaring omission of urban issues from the national discourse is actually no laughing matter.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports:

“There are three times as many urbanites in America as country folk, yet you wouldn’t know it listening to the three main presidential candidates, or perusing their Web sites. Instead, you might come away thinking the United States is a collection of Norman Rockwell small towns surrounded by picture-book farms.”

Related Stories: 

The Candidates and the City [Gotham Gazette]

Urban Issues Get Short Shrift [Politico]

Candidates Largely Ignore Urban Issues [City Mayors]

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/u-s-presidential-candidates-ignoring-urban-issues/feed/ 1 PPS In Providence: City told to think and dream big in reinventing plaza http://www.pps.org/blog/providence_kennedy_plaza_workshop/ http://www.pps.org/blog/providence_kennedy_plaza_workshop/#comments Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:35:11 +0000 jpastore@pps.org

As part of a project Providence, RI, PPS lead a workshop of over 130 city officials, business owners, residents and representatives of nonprofit groups about potential improvements to the city’s central plaza, Kennedy Plaza.

“All over the world, people are coming back to these great squares. Once you’ve got a great square, the [...]]]>

As part of a project Providence, RI, PPS lead a workshop of over 130 city officials, business owners, residents and representatives of nonprofit groups about potential improvements to the city’s central plaza, Kennedy Plaza.

“All over the world, people are coming back to these great squares. Once you’ve got a great square, the rest of your city is going to fall into place,” said Kent. He and PPS envision a Kennedy Plaza that is ringed by shops, full of attractions and serves as the hub for a different kind of transit system, one based on trolleys or trams.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/providence_kennedy_plaza_workshop/feed/ 1 The Great Neighborhood Book Voted in the Top 10 Planning Books for 2007 by Planetizen http://www.pps.org/blog/the-great-neighborhood-book-voted-in-the-top-10-planning-books-for-2007-by-planetizen/ http://www.pps.org/blog/the-great-neighborhood-book-voted-in-the-top-10-planning-books-for-2007-by-planetizen/#comments Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:24:47 +0000 rdahl@pps.org Planetizen has named PPS/Jay Walljasper’s The Great Neighborhood Book as one of its top 10 planing books of 2007.  http://www.planetizen.com/books/2008
Also, Urban Land magazine recently reviewed The Great Neighborhood Book in the November/December 2007 issue. Click here to read the review.
The Great Neighborhood Book also received an honorable mention on [...]]]> Planetizen has named PPS/Jay Walljasper’s The Great Neighborhood Book as one of its top 10 planing books of 2007.  http://www.planetizen.com/books/2008
Also, Urban Land magazine recently reviewed The Great Neighborhood Book in the November/December 2007 issue. Click here to read the review.
The Great Neighborhood Book also received an honorable mention on the American Booksellers Association’s list of books about promoting local businesses.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/the-great-neighborhood-book-voted-in-the-top-10-planning-books-for-2007-by-planetizen/feed/ 0 StreetStars: Christine Berthet and the Ninth Avenue Renaissance http://www.pps.org/blog/streetstars-christine-berthet-and-the-ninth-avenue-renaissance/ http://www.pps.org/blog/streetstars-christine-berthet-and-the-ninth-avenue-renaissance/#comments Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:54:07 +0000 rdahl@pps.org The StreetStars series focuses on the heroes and organizers in our communities who are fighting constructively for livable streets.

Christine Berthet, co-founder of Chekpeds (the Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen Pedestrian Safety Coalition), worked with TA and PPS, and was instrumental in organizing the Ninth Avenue Renaissance.

]]> The StreetStars series focuses on the heroes and organizers in our communities who are fighting constructively for livable streets.

Christine Berthet, co-founder of Chekpeds (the Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen Pedestrian Safety Coalition), worked with TA and PPS, and was instrumental in organizing the Ninth Avenue Renaissance.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/streetstars-christine-berthet-and-the-ninth-avenue-renaissance/feed/ 0 The Rockefeller Foundation Jane Jacobs Medal Nomination Process is Now Open http://www.pps.org/blog/the-rockefeller-foundation-jane-jacobs-medal-nomination-process-is-now-open/ http://www.pps.org/blog/the-rockefeller-foundation-jane-jacobs-medal-nomination-process-is-now-open/#comments Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:35:35 +0000 rdahl@pps.org The Rockefeller Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Jane Jacobs Medal on its website through February 1, 2008. The 2008 Rockefeller Foundation Jane Jacobs Medals will recognize two living individuals whose creative vision for the urban environment has significantly contributed to the vibrancy and variety of New York City.

Click [...]]]> The Rockefeller Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Jane Jacobs Medal on its website through February 1, 2008. The 2008 Rockefeller Foundation Jane Jacobs Medals will recognize two living individuals whose creative vision for the urban environment has significantly contributed to the vibrancy and variety of New York City.

Click here for the full  press release

Click here for the The 2008 Jane Jacobs Medal Nomination Form

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/the-rockefeller-foundation-jane-jacobs-medal-nomination-process-is-now-open/feed/ 0 Traffic is Endangering Atlanta’s Growth http://www.pps.org/blog/traffic-is-endangering-atlantas-growth/ http://www.pps.org/blog/traffic-is-endangering-atlantas-growth/#comments Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:35:10 +0000 rdahl@pps.org Metro Atlanta’s traffic congestion is endangering its future growth, according to one of the nation’s top site selection experts, who advises companies on where to send their jobs.

Atlanta’s traffic problem has put it “at the point of no return,” said Dennis J. Donovan. Lots of places have transportation funding problems, but Atlanta’s congestion is [...]]]> Metro Atlanta’s traffic congestion is endangering its future growth, according to one of the nation’s top site selection experts, who advises companies on where to send their jobs.

Atlanta’s traffic problem has put it “at the point of no return,” said Dennis J. Donovan. Lots of places have transportation funding problems, but Atlanta’s congestion is the second worst in the nation, Donovan noted, and “the planning and funding to make sure this wouldn’t happen hasn’t been done.”

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/traffic-is-endangering-atlantas-growth/feed/ 0 NYC Plans to Increase Safety and Ease of City Cycling http://www.pps.org/blog/nyc-plans-to-increase-safety-and-ease-of-city-cycling/ http://www.pps.org/blog/nyc-plans-to-increase-safety-and-ease-of-city-cycling/#comments Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:52:17 +0000 rdahl@pps.org Improvements include increased bike routes, brighter striping to ensure visibility, additional linkages between bike paths for safer rides, and over 700 new bike racks throughout the five boroughs by 2009. 

]]> Improvements include increased bike routes, brighter striping to ensure visibility, additional linkages between bike paths for safer rides, and over 700 new bike racks throughout the five boroughs by 2009. 

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/nyc-plans-to-increase-safety-and-ease-of-city-cycling/feed/ 0 Fight for Pedestrians Rights in Athens http://www.pps.org/blog/fight-for-pedestrians-rights-in-athens/ http://www.pps.org/blog/fight-for-pedestrians-rights-in-athens/#comments Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:31:22 +0000 rdahl@pps.org Up against indifference from goverment officials and oppression from overpowering vehicles, young Athenians stand up to take back the sidewalks for pedestrians. Due to poor planning, limited space, and an increase in drivership, Athenian drivers have become accustomed to illegally parking on sidewalks and other walkways despite blockades, barriers, or restrictions. Due to the lack of [...]]]> Up against indifference from goverment officials and oppression from overpowering vehicles, young Athenians stand up to take back the sidewalks for pedestrians. Due to poor planning, limited space, and an increase in drivership, Athenian drivers have become accustomed to illegally parking on sidewalks and other walkways despite blockades, barriers, or restrictions. Due to the lack of other simple solutions, the government has looked the other way.

One activist group the Street Panthers, finally fed up with this infringement, has begun sticking signs on illegally parked cars. An action, within the bounds of the law, that pushes back on illegal parkers, and informs and reminds the public and the government that pedestrians need safe and convenient spaces to walk amonst the city.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/fight-for-pedestrians-rights-in-athens/feed/ 0 Mayors Plan for Walkable City Futures http://www.pps.org/blog/mayors-plan-for-walkable-city-futures/ http://www.pps.org/blog/mayors-plan-for-walkable-city-futures/#comments Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:37:57 +0000 rdahl@pps.org The United States Conference of Mayors held a two-day Climate Protection Summit on November 1 in Seattle . Mayors from around the country pledged to make their cities greener and more sustainable.

This effort will begin with scaling cities down to a more human level. ”Cities that are centered on people and public transit, not cars,” are [...]]]> The United States Conference of Mayors held a two-day Climate Protection Summit on November 1 in Seattle . Mayors from around the country pledged to make their cities greener and more sustainable.

This effort will begin with scaling cities down to a more human level. ”Cities that are centered on people and public transit, not cars,” are more walkable and livable, and thereby more sustainable and energy efficient.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/mayors-plan-for-walkable-city-futures/feed/ 0 Jan Gehl to Help NYC Create More Livable Streets http://www.pps.org/blog/jan-gehl-to-help-nyc-create-more-livable-streets/ http://www.pps.org/blog/jan-gehl-to-help-nyc-create-more-livable-streets/#comments Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:38:23 +0000 rdahl@pps.org Jan Gehl, an urban planner known for promoting “life between buildings,” begins work in New York City with both the Department of Transportation and the Upper West Side Streets Renaissance Campaign. Gehl helps cities with traffic calming and creating more livable streets.

]]> Jan Gehl, an urban planner known for promoting “life between buildings,” begins work in New York City with both the Department of Transportation and the Upper West Side Streets Renaissance Campaign. Gehl helps cities with traffic calming and creating more livable streets.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/jan-gehl-to-help-nyc-create-more-livable-streets/feed/ 0 Survey Shows Americans Support Building Communities and Mass Transit http://www.pps.org/blog/survey-shows-americans-support-building-communities-and-mass-transit/ http://www.pps.org/blog/survey-shows-americans-support-building-communities-and-mass-transit/#comments Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:33:50 +0000 rdahl@pps.org The 2007 Growth and Transportation Survey shows that Three-fourths of Americans surveyed believe that developing communities that reduce the need to drive and improving public transportation are both better long-term solutions for reducing traffic congestion than building new roads.

]]> The 2007 Growth and Transportation Survey shows that Three-fourths of Americans surveyed believe that developing communities that reduce the need to drive and improving public transportation are both better long-term solutions for reducing traffic congestion than building new roads.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/survey-shows-americans-support-building-communities-and-mass-transit/feed/ 0 Public Space Plan Released for Penn Station http://www.pps.org/blog/public-space-plan-released-for-penn-station/ http://www.pps.org/blog/public-space-plan-released-for-penn-station/#comments Thu, 25 Oct 2007 13:56:25 +0000 rdahl@pps.org The Spitzer administration has released plans for a rebuilt Penn Station, complete with natural light pouring in and a “grand public space” in a new, rezoned business district on Manhattan’s far West Side.
The new plans would also create 7.5 million square feet of mixed use development, including a commercial district that would [...]]]> The Spitzer administration has released plans for a rebuilt Penn Station, complete with natural light pouring in and a “grand public space” in a new, rezoned business district on Manhattan’s far West Side.
The new plans would also create 7.5 million square feet of mixed use development, including a commercial district that would link to a plan to redevelop the Hudson railyards closer to the river.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/public-space-plan-released-for-penn-station/feed/ 0 Fighting for Safe and “Complete” Streets in Illinois http://www.pps.org/blog/fighting-for-safe-and-complete-streets-in-illinois/ http://www.pps.org/blog/fighting-for-safe-and-complete-streets-in-illinois/#comments Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:24:41 +0000 rdahl@pps.org Lawmakers in Illinois are recognizing what is becoming common sense across the country — that our roads need to serve everyone using them, whether they are driving, walking, bicycling, or catching the bus.  There was a unanimous vote under which the Illinois Department of Transportation must include safe bicycling and walking routes in all planning [...]]]> Lawmakers in Illinois are recognizing what is becoming common sense across the country — that our roads need to serve everyone using them, whether they are driving, walking, bicycling, or catching the bus.  There was a unanimous vote under which the Illinois Department of Transportation must include safe bicycling and walking routes in all planning for urbanized areas immediately and in construction by August 2008.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/fighting-for-safe-and-complete-streets-in-illinois/feed/ 0 PPS to Hold New Transportation Training Seminar in New York City, November 29-30 http://www.pps.org/blog/pps-to-hold-new-transportation-training-seminar-in-new-york-city-november-29-30/ http://www.pps.org/blog/pps-to-hold-new-transportation-training-seminar-in-new-york-city-november-29-30/#comments Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:43:13 +0000 bfried@pps.org http://blog2.pps.org/pps-to-hold-new-transportation-training-seminar-in-new-york-city-november-29-30/ Come to “Streets as Places”, PPS’s new training seminar, and learn how Placemaking can build great streets and great communities.

The course will introduce participants to new ways of thinking about streets as public spaces. It is intended for anyone who is interested in creating a great street, including transportation professionals who want to [...]]]> Come to “Streets as Places”, PPS’s new training seminar, and learn how Placemaking can build great streets and great communities.

The course will introduce participants to new ways of thinking about streets as public spaces. It is intended for anyone who is interested in creating a great street, including transportation professionals who want to learn more about how streets can help to build communities, civic and elected officials who realize that greater economic impact can result from changing the way that roads are designed, and citizen activists who understand that the time to change is now.

Presentations and discussion will center on how streets, roads, and transit facilities can be designed and managed to benefit communities, in addition to serving mobility needs. Practical tools for assessing a variety of street typologies and case studies of cities which have moved beyond solving mobility problems to community building will be presented, and participants will be encouraged to discuss their own projects as well as share experiences and ideas with each other.

The training session will include a walking tour and discussion of some of the recent street improvement projects in New York City, an on-site Placemaking street audit, seminar-style lectures, and open discussions about current transportation issues and challenges facing cities today.

For more information and to register, visit the event homepage.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/pps-to-hold-new-transportation-training-seminar-in-new-york-city-november-29-30/feed/ 0 NYC Century Bike Tour http://www.pps.org/blog/nyc-century-bike-tour/ http://www.pps.org/blog/nyc-century-bike-tour/#comments Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:48:08 +0000 rdahl@pps.org Choose Your Distance, Ride Your Pace: 100, 75, 55, 35 and 15 mile routes.

The Century is your ride—as challenging or relaxing as you choose, but always fun and rewarding. All routes have been carefully designed [...]]]>

6,000 Cyclists, 5 route options, the #1 best way to see New York City.

Sunday, September 9th, 2007

Choose Your Distance, Ride Your Pace: 100, 75, 55, 35 and 15 mile routes.

The Century is your ride—as challenging or relaxing as you choose, but always fun and rewarding. All routes have been carefully designed with your safety and enjoyment in mind. No matter which route you choose, you will be fully supported by experienced marshals and mechanics along the route and plentiful food at scenic rest stops. Plus on ride day all riders will receive a commemorative organic cotton t-shirt. Sign up before August 18 and you’ll be eligible to use the express start on Ride Day. ]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/nyc-century-bike-tour/feed/ 0