July 2004

Metropolis Magazine The longtime Chicago mayor has vowed to make his city the greenest in the nation. (July 2004)

CNN Americans are so frustrated by traffic that more than half say they would be willing to pay higher taxes if it really would improve congestion, though only 1 in 20 currently use public transportation. (July 1)

Times Union NY DOT has begun using design more to improve road safety, but the public isn’t yet convinced roundabouts are a good idea. (July 6)

Ann Arbor News The Ann Arbor Farmers Market continues to review a master plan that will change the market’s appearance and operation. (July 6)

Honolulu Advisor Under a 14-year plan to ease the Honolulu area's road congestion with a 25-mile Bus Rapid Transit line, site preparation began for six stations along the line's initial 5.6-mile downtown-waterside segment. (July 6)

Kansas City Star The Downtown Arena Design Team hopes to create a destination that reflects the City’s rich heritage and traditions. (July 8)

NY Times The City’s Department of Environmental Protection handed over 50 acres of land to the Parks Department for future parkland, effectively displacing a camper who has been living in the dried-up reservoir floor for three years. (July 8)

San Francisco Gate The transformation of the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area is an example of how amazing land reclamation projects can be. (July 8)

Staten Island Advance The fear of empty spaces is driving a wave of overbuilding among architects. (July 8)

Chicago Tribune Public-private partnerships work together to give Chicago a new front yard. (July 11)

San Francisco Examiner The San Mateo County Economic and Development Association envisions transforming El Camino Real from a highway into a pedestrian-oriented boulevard with small parks and mixed-use retail frontages, and connecting to vibrant transportation hubs in each city. (July 16)

Springfield News-Leader In Springfield MO, Kids Farm Camp will offer area children an opportunity to learn firsthand about gardening and nutrition, while at the same time building their confidence. (July 20)

Chicago Tribune The historic character of Soldier Field has been destroyed, and the National Park Service is recommending that the stadium be taken off the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s landmark status revoked. (July 21)

Indianapolis Star With a potential price tag of $850 million, the rapid-transit line, which is still in initial planning-phases, will alleviate worsening traffic congestion in the area. (July 22)

Boston Globe For the third year in a row, Paris has transformed a stretch of the 45-foot wide highway that runs along the Seine into a sandy beach, with concerts, sprinklers, cafes, and beach chairs. (July 25)

Toronto Star The $7.5 million park, which will be located on the long-neglected shores of Lake Ontario, was consciously designed to avoid the sense of formality often associated with public space. (July 26)

Richmond Times-Dispatch Stronger relationships with growers, an improved physical layout, and new activities for children are among the signs of promise for this market in Richmond, Virginia. (July 26)

Detroit News Detroit’s Eastern Market is looking to add a midweek, scaled-down version of its Saturday farmers market that remains a favorite tradition of suburbanites and Detroit residents alike. (July 27)

Lawrence Journal-World Though cars now dominate the streets of Lawrence, a group from the Smart Growth Leadership Institute recommended ways to incorporate smart growth concepts into the downtown plan. (July 26)