Saving B.W Cooper, Spacing Montreal, Atlanta’s Standstill, A Day in the Life, more
Hayley Richardson | Thu, Dec 20th, 2007 | Category: Commentary | Tags: commentary, hayley richardson, headlines, atlanta, traffic, b.w. cooper, urban planner, west harlem, point of no return, governor's island
B.W Cooper Safe, For the Time Being
“A day of demolition for the B.W. Cooper housing complex was stopped today by three local housing activists who chained themselves to the facilities as the bulldozers were getting ready to continue tearing down the 1,000-unit complex. After attempting to start work for an hour, bulldozer operators gave up for the day when the three activists – Jamie “Bork” Loughner, Elizabeth Cook, and Joy Kohler – refused to leave.Spacing: Montreal
“The spaces, places and urban issues that define Montreal are being covered by a recently launched group blog, Spacing Montreal. They promise to leave no space unblogged.
West Harlem Prepares for Eminent Domain Fight With Columbia
“Once upon a time, “eminent domain” meant private property could only be taken for public use, for things such as roads or public parks. Now, it is possible for to take property from one private owner and give it to another — if public officials endorse that the shift will be for the “public good.” Needless to say, the condemnation industry is busy.”
Historic Architecture Protected in Beijing
“These edifices are meant to reflect social progress or important historical events and figures. Additionally, they should depict the progress of architecture over time. Many of these buildings are among the most photographed symbols of Beijing,” said Wen Zhongyong, a senior official with the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning.
Design Selected for Governor’s Island
“The design, commissioned by the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation, calls for transforming much of the flat, sober island, which is roughly a half-mile from Lower Manhattan, into green space. That includes a two-mile promenade at the water’s edge, a new park on the southern flat expanse of landfill - where abandoned Coast Guard buildings are to be demolished - and an improved park in the island’s northern historic district. The architects proposed using the detritus from the buildings that are to be destroyed to form hills that would exploit the island’s views, which include the Statue of Liberty.”
Atlanta’s Traffic Problem “At Point of No Return”
“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. “Up until seven or eight years ago when we had Atlanta on a recommended short list” for places to relocate or expand a business, “we rarely heard grumbling,” said Dennis J. Donovan of WDG Consulting. That has changed. Now, he said, when Atlanta shows up on a short list, “Every one of our companies, every one of them, says, ‘Boy, isn’t there a lot of traffic down there?’”
I Wanna Be an Urban Planner When I Grow Up!
“Should a new stadium be built downtown? How can a county reduce sprawl while providing appealing, affordable housing? What should the city demand of a developer who’s pushing a new project? To address questions like these, planners gorge themselves on data, conduct studies, and hold public hearings. Before making a recommendation, they’ll end up wearing many hats: civil engineer, architect, economist, budget analyst, sociologist, and politician. A diplomat’s touch is necessary if you expect your plan to survive all the stakeholders with competing interests.”
