Category Archives: Cityreads

Placebook: Come Around the Table In Love

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Friday evening I experienced something I’d only experienced but one time before. Dinner at the home of Charlie and Ruth Jones. Sure, you can have dinner at a lot of homes, but dinner at this home is a lot different. You ascend the steps to their top floor apartment. At the top, you are greeted with lots of warmth and the sight of a massively long table, always set to a different theme. You mingle and then you sit down and then you chat with people you may have seen in passing, but now know a lot more about, encouraged by a prayer by the hosts to lay down all your pretensions and esteem your seatmate better than oneself. To love for a few minutes, maybe just a little bit better than you loved before you came in. Oh, and to share a part of yourself on the stage in the parlor room after your bellies are full with the wonderful physical food that was shared, and listen to more spiritual food shared by others.

And in this spirit, this month here on the blog, we will be focusing on love, as well as the history of my people, as many of us do for this month. Each week, there will be an essay on some form of love for the places we live. I invite you to share your love stories of where you live too. I’ll also be reposting some of my Black History Month content and I invite you, if you have a special story about the black experience and place, please feel free to share it. Email me at the email above or if you are reading this in your email, reply back to it with your stories. Throughout the month, I’ll share them in this section of Placebook.

And with a mighty Go Seahawks,the news:

North Carolina News Round-Up

Tuesday night’s Greensboro City Council agenda.

These two Greensboro notables could have disappeared and given up on their life’s mission when their terms/jobs ended on Election Day. Yet, they take to Stephanie’s and have a conversation together, showing the power of many and many more second acts to come.

New mixed-use development set to start soon near NewBridge Bank Park in downtown, which will be anchored by another hotel.

The head of the Greensboro Economic Development Alliance defends his record.

People in Burlington were not hurt, but not notified of a major sewage spill in the Haw River last week.

Can we really compare Greensboro and Winston-Salem on economic measures? The News & Record makes an attempt. From what I can see both cities having winning times and losing times.

Guilford County School Board issues a resolution against ending teacher tenure.

The state of North Carolina’s HBCU’s.

The uncovered story of a Buffalo Soldier with roots and connections to Greensboro.


U.S. and World News Round-Up

NPR has a great report on the impact of crack on DC. It’s latest struggle with public housing and gentrification.

California’s State Water Project will not deliver water for the first time in its history due to the drought.

Fellow Streetsblogger Alex Ihnen just published a study on Millennials in St. Louis and makes the case for retaining them.

Thoughts on the concept of jaywalking. There’s a science to all foot traffic too and it helps us design cities better.

Placebook: Spring Today, Winter Tomorrow, Summer Next Week and Fall?

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After the eventful day we had yesterday, I felt like I needed to remind folks what is proper to do when weird weather comes around.  Please pass that PSA around to folks, because we are not out of the woods yet for extreme cold, extreme heat, snow, ice, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and anything else that combines tragedy and nature. And with that, let’s get into some news for today.

NC News Round-up

A man jumped off the Marriott parking deck in Downtown Greensboro

GTA is short 2 million dollars. Meanwhile a man was robbed at the bus stop.

City of Greensboro still working on financing for the STPAC.

A profile of the new interim (independent) citizens police review board in Greensboro and also the details on the latest movements with the Renaissance Co-op and shopping center.

A train hit a tractor-trailer in Colfax, just west of Greensboro. No one was hurt.

Kroger now officially owns Harris Teeter.

These photos of Dix Hill remind me of the fact I never got to sled as a student in Raleigh. The one snow may have snarled traffic, but it cleared up before I could get back outside to play.

Oh, it’s funny, that Onion article about Charlotte, but it’s also so true.

Person County (just above Durham) will be receiving funds and technical assistance from Smart Growth America.

Students at Davidson College are aiming for zero waste at athletic events.

National and World News Round-Up

Aaron Renn makes a compelling argument that Houston’s had a bad rap in the media for no reason, as it has a lot of the qualities we want in a city, despite no zoning restrictions.

Free transit seems to be a win-win for both the government and citizens of Tallin, Estonia.

Die-hard bike commuters report no problems with getting around in the snow, in NYC and in ATL.

Several California cities are running out of water.

Why the Greater Greater Washington crew lives exactly where they do in the region. Like most of us, it’s a pretty personal decision where exactly to live.

Placebook: Snow Crazed, Still Here

So yeah, this happened yesterday. 

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If you read the blog before noon, you’ll note that I had a note about the State of the Union last night. However, that speech would never be able to capture my shock at what has happened in Atlanta and Birmingham thanks to the storm. The Atlantic has a great analysis of the politics of the situation, from an Atlanta-area resident. Gawker started out making fun of the situation, but now has pictures of people taking shelter in drug stores and other 24 hour establishments. Kids are stuck in schools. I’ve had a number of people on my Facebook timeline with stories of either being stuck at work, abandoning cars or it taking them hours to get home, if they are home. If you want to follow what’s going on down there, here are direct links to WSB-TV and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Oh, and there’s snow in Myrtle Beach. Please be safe as you get home, go to work, or do whatever you absolutely need to do today in areas where the snow has driven you crazy.

I have more thoughts on this,  but for now, news of note on NC and the rest of the nation.

NC News Round-up

The Governor has declared a state of emergency due to the winter weather we saw yesterday.

Our jobless rate is going down, and those who file unemployment will now be required to go into an office to claim benefits for the first time.

A new hotel could be coming to Downtown Raleigh.

Charlotte is on this list of the most affordable cities in the world

Durham and Greensboro, followed by Raleigh, Charlotte and Winston-Salem have the highest Walk-Scores in the state. none of these are anywhere near not being car-dependent. 

National Roundup

Chicago wants to turn an entire neighborhood into a national park.

Cleveland wants to turn vacant lots into pop-up libraries, but using the settings of different books as themes for the spaces.

NYC is going after jaywalkers more aggressively.

Famous metro maps as Super Mario Brothers games

What’s possible if you commit to turning a strip mall into a real neighborhood.

How to see wildlife in an urban setting in the snow.

Detroit’s new downtown apartments are pricing out everyone but the rich.

 

 

Placebook: It’s A Desert After All

This is Placebook. Here you will find the news you need every weekday to create and maintain awesome cities, towns, neighborhoods, farms and everything in between. Subscribe on the left to get this information in a daily email and share using the social buttons below.

So the USDA has declared parts of Greensboro a food desert. Honestly, when I wrote about the city as a food oasis, I acknowledged that this was only the case for those folks who had a car or could cart food on a bus or a bike or foot even. However, not everyone is able-bodied and a licensed driver and they shouldn’t have to be to get a basic meal. Also, once again, s/o to my city councilman, the mayor and the many other community leaders and members working to get more grocery options in East Greensboro. Now, for the round-up.

NC News Roundup

Here in Greensboro,a new children’s health clinic is opening, with the promise of another adult clinic in the future… Pyramids Village is just a mile away from the Renaissance Co-op and has managed to attract a few national chain stores, including three that just opened…the cold is weakening our waterlines…economic development leaders defend their record…annual count of homeless is expected to be lower…elsewhere around the Triad, High Point University’s plans for Oak Hollow Mall are on hold.

In Charlotte, city council leaders voted to invest in streetcar development, with the hopes they will receive federal funds next year for the remainder of the line.

Raleigh’s housing authority director has a new contract and a Durham coffee-house operated by a veteran, whose struggles were profiled twice by NPR, is now open.

In Asheville, a new hotel is set to be built…abandoned buildings torn down…Aldi opens and why there are not as many chain stores in Asheville, despite consumer demand.

In Wilmington, the mayor gives his state of the city address…zoning changes allow for smaller child care centers to open…the city is ranked as a good destination for young artists by PolicyMic…an editorial calls for more rec centers…and a long time restaurateur is hanging up her hat, but not closing the restaurant chain.

Nation and World Round-up

The New York/New Jersey based Super Bowl is expected to lose money.

The farm bill is set to cut food stamp funding by 1%.

The Guardian Cities launches with multiple good stories, including this outsiders perspective of what’s happened in New Orléans since Katrina.

Greater Greater Washington argues that Baltimore should get rid of their downtown jail…a young boy tells the story of a unique community in Baltimore, a rebel dirt bike gang.

The Atlantic Cities argues if streetcars are really transit outside of New Orleans…and Debra Fallows continues The Atlantic‘s coverage of the Greenville-Spartanburg area of South Carolina, this time with a focus on accents.

And finally, the role of black barbers from slavery to now in the community…how Greenwood,OK rebuilt after the riot that destroyed it in 1921 and how it’s coping now.

Placebook: News and Views for January 23, 2014

This is Placebook. Here you will find the news you need every weekday to create and maintain awesome cities, towns, neighborhoods, farms and everything in between. Subscribe on the left to get this information in a daily email and share using the social buttons below.

Engage Greensboro Image, via Engage Greensboro MindMixer

A Message from Kristen

I first discovered MindMixer at a conference back in 2011. I was very excited to submit ideas to our conference planning committee and know they were considered. The software  is built for cities and other organizations to do public outreach without requiring people to attend meetings. It does not replace meetings, but allows for groups to get feedback from people who can’t attend meetings, but still care about the direction of where they live. Also, once you sign up for one site, you are logged in for any other MindMixer-powered site. In addition, the voting and points system on the site allows municipalities and organizations to award prizes to frequent commenters or those who have ideas that are voted up the most.

There are two MindMixer sites in the Triad area right now for people to use if they want to send feedback to government/planning officials. The first is the Piedmont Voice site, run by PART via a Sustainable Communities grant from the federal government. The other is Engage Greensboro. Engage Greensboro is run by the City of Greensboro and can be thought of as an extension to both the Speakers on the Floor segment of council meetings, along with public hearings and public feedback. While there are many categories of issues and policy needs that people can comment on, I want to draw attention to a feed just for the Renaissance Co-Op grocery. This week there was a public hearing for feedback on next steps, but with this feed, anyone who was not able to attend can submit their ideas and be heard by city officials.

North Carolina  Round-Up

News of note in the Triad area and throughout North Carolina

Promotions in the Greensboro city managers office due to the promotion of Assistant City Manager Jim Westmoreland.

A different neighborhood issue in Greensboro’s Glenwood neighborhood, this time, a scrutinized agreement between two neighbors.

In Winston-Salem, the 25-year battle to get a piece of land redeveloped.

The NC Museum of Art receives a Cassat.

Facebook users, check out these then and now pictures of the Charlotte skyline.

In a show of the power of youth and young professional entrepreneurship, these guys who I met at a entrepreneurship meet up when we were barely out of college 7 years ago, are now a major part of the retail renaissance in Downtown Raleigh.

Sen. Kay Hagan has a Democratic challenger and the mayor of Apex has resigned after 18 years to join the state DOT.

Nation and World Round-Up

Urbanism and placemaking news from around the nation and the world

Yes, the millennial drift to the cities is still real and happening not just in major cities, but some cities thought to be on the brink.

The latest on gentrification: how not all low-income people are afraid of it and a more concrete proposal to address it.

An update on the battle between the elderly men and the Queens, NY McDonalds.

The kinds of people you don’t want on your planning committee and the kinds of things you do want to do for your neighborhood. The benefits of Brazilian cities who have participatory city budgeting.

How drive-thrus are discriminatory to those without able bodies and cars.

Why worldwide megacities remain poor. What would happen if we paid the US poor a stipend.

What it means when you say no to bad development ideas. Also, a counter post to those who wish to reclaim flood zones that are occupied.

A graphic of what New York City could look like in 2050. Meanwhile, the AOL of China is building a corporate campus inside one large skyscraper. Meanwhile, Apple continues to build their suburban spaceship, but may lose potential workers because of its location.

Do you wonder what we mean when we talk about traditional new urbanism? Here’s a hint.

Today in transit technology: the benefits of bus tracking software on ridership and opinions of the bus and how Europe does in fact build streetcars, just not the same way US cities do.

Some fun reasons why everyone should visit Detroit.

And finally, the latest snowball fight at Dupont Circle, quickly becoming a DC tradition when and if it does snow in DC.

Placebook: Kinda Snowy Now

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This is Placebook. Here you will find the news you need every weekday to know more about how to create and maintain awesome cities, towns, neighborhoods, farms and everything in between. Subscribe on the left to get this information in a daily email and share using the social buttons below.

Last night those of us in Greensboro  got our first honest dusting of the year.  It caused some accidents, including one that some folks’ s power blink and others go out for several hours. It’s also very cold again, but that’s not really news since it’s the middle of winter. What follows is news:

First, around the Triad area:

Greensboro has a new city manager already…Everything else that happened at council and going on in Greensboro politics this week via the #gsopol hashtag…What happened at  Winston-Salem  council last night.  PTI Airport will get more flights to New York…several prominent names are no longer on the Downtown Greensboro, Inc. board… A short profile of the two newest businesses in downtown Greensboro and a new development in downtown Winston-Salem…parents a Greensboro school are concerned with its namesake…and finally for the Triad roundup, Rockingham County officials pull the polls out of their schools, citing safety issues.

Elsewhere around the nation and world:

Check out the photo gallery of the DC Streetcar, as it makes its official arrival. Also, MinnPost details why buses can make too many stops.

Could Spartanburg, SC be your next business opportunity?

MLK Memorial in DC already a place for current protests, this time, postal workers using their day off to protest wage and safety issues.

London could use a boost in residential space from repurposing high-rises that never really took off. Also in London, ten years of Tube ridership on one map.
NPR to do a special series focusing on the impact of Latinos in America.
Bixi Bikeshare, the Montreal service which helped with the development of services in NYC, DC and Chicago, is officially bankrupt.
And finally two  great essays. One on how highways were wedged into towns and continue to bankrupt many as they become more and more expensive to maintain and the other on the positive benefits of a less drivable and more walkable culture, especially with the advent of new technology.

Placebook: The Streets Dream On

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However you spent yesterday, I hope it was a great day of service, reflection and gratitude to how far we have come and have to go in human relations and civil rights. Not only did the front page of yesterday’s News and Record address the issue of the MLK Drive dream deferred, but Colorlines has a nice analysis of cities nationwide where roads named after MLK are marginalized. I do want to shout out Chapel Hill, for having what appears to be a prosperous MLK Drive. Also, two major black organizations released statements on energy policy and environmental justice for the King holiday.

Before we get into the rest of the news, a couple of announcements. Greensboro City Council meets tonight at 5:30. Here’s a brief agenda, which entails the spending related items/ordinances. Also, the new citizens advisory board for the police will be presented to the council. You can watch live and get a full agenda by going here.

Also,fellow North Carolinians, make your voice heard about what our transportation investments should be by Wednesday, February 12. Especially if you live in Union County and are for or against this measure.

And now the news:

Next City analyzes the president’s recent visit to North Carolina.

Portland builds the multimodal bridge of the future. Also, how autonomous cars could become a linchpin of public transit.

In other measures of slightly untraditional land and transit management, parts of Staten Island are taking buyouts to allow their continuously flooding neighborhoods to become wetlands and Kansas City is crowdfunding each of their bikeshare stations.

More on how Detroit is branding itself now that it’s bankrupt.  and how Toronto is battling over bike infrastructure.

Check out this old stove on a vintage Toronto railcar. Meanwhile, abandoned space in the NYC subway has been given over to pop-up stores and a photographer documents the changes in Bed-Stuy in Brooklyn.

Today in bad ideas and attitudes: juveniles are still receiving stronger sentences even after the laws have changed to reduce them, an elderly man in NYC was beaten by police for jaywalking, a French politician calls London an uglier dangerous suburb of Paris, the US may be weakening environmental protections, and some kids went to school yesterday and only a few actually took time to learn about the significance of the holiday while they were there.

Not quite so bad, but still of note, Chuck Marohn reminds us how some of our beloved chain restaurants don’t really add money back in the community, even if they are franchises.

Scott Bernstein of the CNT comes to Placemakers with a nice longread on how counties similar to Doña Ana County in New Mexico can reduce transportation costs and boost transportation services.

Why farming is not just a 9-5 job and how it needs more women.

And finally, one last reflection on Dr. King and his impact.

Placebook: More Than a Street Name

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Today, as we observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I hope that many of you also consider how to continuously improve the street that may adorn his name in your city. Mine has lots of ups and downs, from the New Urbanist redevelopment end I live on, to the rougher abandoned homes, to the fast food suburbia that punctuates its turn into a major US highway. Whatever the state yours is in, let’s be mindful of helping it become or remain something that is honorable of his spirit and memory.

And now, the news:

Good news out of Cleveland, first, the city’s commitment to add more bikeways. Secondly, Lakewood, a town considered a suburb of
Cleveland, has made a commitment for safe walking to school.

Also in the Midwest, Flint, Michigan has been named to a federal commission to receive more help rebuilding.

Explore James Baldwin’s Paris.

The Asheville Arts Council is growing and the director of Arts Greensboro has been named to a national board. The new Arts Council COO in Winston-Salem built the modern arts scene in Winston-Salem.

Seriously, it’s expensive to be poor. Also, the mascots of the poor Appalachians would like to NOT be the mascots for poor Appalachians or poor people in general.

Why we love public-private partnerships here in Greensboro. To make way for a major one, the demolition of the Greensboro Inn starts today. Meanwhile, opposition is building for both the UNCG Rec Center and the potential Trader Joes at Friendly Center.

The latest in the MoMA Folk Art Museum building saga, the architects who built the building and the ones who recommended tearing it down are BFFs.

Color photographs of a segregated America.

The largest metro areas, over the entire history of the United States.

And finally, according to the Brookings Institution, innovation comes in cafes, bike lanes and 3D printers.

Placebook: What Is the State of Greensboro in 2014?

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This week, the annual State of Our City Report is out and it’s no surprise to anyone who pays attention and tries to change any of these things. In light of this information, I have a few questions. First, how do we bring jobs and money back on a consistent basis? How do we nurture what we have? And finally how do we keep from being discouraged, resentful, bitter or inadequate in our quest and in light of other cities and industries? Check out the News and Record article here. The full report is here and look for a longer analysis from me in the coming days.

Speaking of city leaders, here’s a really great long form article from Eric Ginsburg in Yes! Weekly on our departing city manager and a nice article from the News and Record on what’s next for Action Greensboro.

And with that, here are a few more news links to get your weekend started:

New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio launching VisionZero plan to eliminate all pedestrian fatalities, which could set a national standard in how we handle this issue.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx addresses the Transportation Review Board this week with a pledge to make bike/ped safety a priority.

Yes, most of the fried chicken restaurant signs in Britain are made by the same man and yes, they all want to look somewhat alike.

Pre-summit thoughts on sustainable cities from the Transforming Transportation Institute, held this week in DC along with the TRB and Transportation Camp.

The Durham Police, in their own words.

Another instance of free speech/congregating turned into trespassing and loitering.

The 11 dollar DC minimum wage is real.

The African American Atllier, one of the city supported art galleries here in Greensboro, celebrates itself in its new exhibit. Uptown Artworks, another emerging gallery, hosts its first major show.Or jet off to this island, which boasts 100 museums.

Next Wednesday: Community Forum on the future of the Renaissance Community Co-op.

If you are running in the city, run in a city park.

I understand why parking isn’t really free, but still, can we not give a break to disabled drivers.

So yeah, this house isn’t real, but what is inside is vital to Raleigh. Meanwhile, Brad Pitt’s “Make It Right” homes in New Orleans need to be made right.

The case for a Chicago-based Obama Presidential Library and the end of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

And finally, take a virtual tour of the new DC Metro Silver Line and get ready for the Capital Wheel.

Placebook: A Bright Future

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I want to take this moment to thank the man who wrote this short, but awesome letter into Yes! Weekly as a result of my winning and having an essay published in the January 1 issue of the alt weekly. One of the things he said was that I have a bright future ahead of me, which is true, hence the title of today’s post. I also want to take a moment and thank everyone who’s been reading either by email, or by blog or by both. I will be returning to regular essays, along with a few more surprises as the year goes on. I wouldn’t have a platform or a need to continue this version of my writing life without you and I am thankful for that.

And now, the news:

These elderly men raise a lot the same issues we witnessed here in Greensboro over the summer (thankfully, nobody fought in Queens). Should businesses that provide amenities that encourage gathering and socializing, but not so much purchasing be surprised when more of the former happens than the later?

Need to walk properly? Ask this UNCG professor.

My alma mater(the first one) will be leading President Obama’s new manufacturing initiative.

Are we shutting out families in our cities?

The last thing you need to do is flat-out say that you don’t want people to come to your state. My governor did that.

More on our unemployment malaise.

Here’s some good old puppy-based placemaking.

Looking forward to seeing Buffalo’s comeback in person later this year.

I can’t keep knocking suburbia when it’s developing more character (and unfortunately the problems) of the inner city a generation ago.

Poor folks unfortunately know too well what it means to be watched and they can help those who are just adjusting to the shock of a surveilled world.

Note to all my elected friends, be careful who you have drive you around.

Where’s the best place for healthy eating? Not the US.

Forbes has dropped their latest edition of the 10 best job seeker cities, featuring Raleigh and Charlotte.

What CDCs in Cleveland are facing in trying to make their city better.

Raleigh’s thinking about making two downtown creeks into rivers and adding amenities.

When your name reads like Dumpy’s, this is probably good. Also, a new name for the Downtown University Campus

Despite what happened to me last year, crime is actually down in Greensboro.

And finally, Yonah Freemark of The Transit Politic‘s transit predictions of the year.