I ‘ve wanted to do this for a while, but came up with all kinds of excuses. No more. Even if this is just a public way for me to clear my thoughts on a few articles that have come past my inbox, news feed and stream, then here it is. However, before I launch […]
W ell, I’ve been home in Greensboro for a few hours now and really, just marinating on what I learned. From the power of seeing Nikki Giovanni in the flesh and feeling a kindred spirit. Also, getting the question answered on how she drives inspiration from being in a place like the Roanoke Valley. From […]
Today I am sharing my space with Katie McCaskey of Urban Escapee. She and I are examining different shades of the words “rural urbanism”. Below she examines the racial element and on her blog I explore the place-related element. Enjoy! Our rural urbanism captured my attention when I moved from New York City to Staunton, […]
It shoudln’t be, but sadly, in many cities, it is. Graham Sheridan, masters candidate in public administration at Brown University, takes my civic-infereiorty complex to task and demands that a city can and should have it all. Because it happens just enough to both enchant us and drive us crazy. Urbanism should be second nature, […]
People move to the suburbs for different reasons. Let’s make sure it’s not because you hate your neighbors, neighbors who are more like you than you care to realize. Urbanism should be second nature, not bound by jargon or complex activities. ShareDuring a conversation at the recent Streetsblog training in Kansas City, I mentioned again […]
ShareI know many of my readers are like myself. They can’t draw buildings or maps. However, they may have the time and money to go out and organize the community. The passion for the city is still there, but in a different way. So how can these people contribute to urban planning? Here are five […]
Image Credit: flickr user steven.y As much as we hate them, I still do believe there is life in our traditional enclosed shopping malls and strip shopping centers. When these facilities opened, they were bright, shiny, air-conditioned and convenient. Supermarkets offered everything imaginable under one roof. Some even had lounges for spouses and kids, so […]
Yes, this looks cool, but I think I’ve seen this airport before…(Image Credit Flickr user: Evil Jess Floating through airports over the summer, I have noticed how remarkably similar they are. I would think an international building with the ability to showcase the local culture would in fact be that showcase. Instead, I’m seeing the […]
Yes, I know North Hills Raleigh is a great retrofit of an old mall. But it’s still mostly retail. Read below and find out more about other rebirth options. (Image credit: Flickr user radellaf). I know in my last post I came down pretty hard on the lifestyle center trend. However, living up the street […]
M illions of people are celebrating Kwanzaa this week. Founded by Maulana Karenga in 1966, the holiday started out as a cultural celebration for African-Americans and a replacement for what were thought to be non-African affirming holidays such as Christmas. However, over the years, the celebration has a evolved into a celebration of Pan-Africanism coupled […]
I recently had one of those old-fashioned, in-person-type conversations with Kristen. We discussed the [Greensboro] performing arts center plans, and how she believes supporters should bill the project as the Greensboro Civic Auditorium rather than Performing Arts Center. She’s right about this. Performing Arts Center means very little to most people and at worst gives off a snobbish tone. It […]
A nother fantasy transit map showed up on the Internet the other day. This map took Amtrak’s current service and spruced it up to show how quick a 220 mph train would service the lines. Sadly many people derided it as a fantasy. The Cato Institute shot it completely down. Most people derided the map […]
E very year for the last two years, I’ve put up my wishes for the urban fabric. This year, my wish manifests in one word: Maintain. It’s nice to have brand new town center neighborhoods, but let’s not forget to maintain the old ones, especially those that were already town centers. It’s nice to have […]
O ver the last couple of weeks I was made aware of the attempts by a community in Raleigh to determine once again, what they think looks right in a community. As far as I know, the accessory dwelling battle continues to happen in Raleigh and it’s cranked up again in DC. This latest situation […]
