Using Milan as a model, Inverness, Scotland has lofty plans for its Old Town. To achieve them, asserts one local historian, the city must get creative--and more optimistic--in meetings its challenges.
"The aim is laudable - to create an attractive, pedestrian-friendly environment and boost trade in an area struggling to attract shoppers from the Eastgate Centre and out of town stores - and hopefully the end result will be worth all the inconvenience."
"On the face of it her choice of Milan as a model to follow is somewhat fanciful. After all, Milan is a much larger and wealthier city, is looking forward to hosting a world event in Expo 2015 and has architectural riches such as the magnificent Duomo.
But that also means the problems it has had to overcome were of a much bigger scale. Excluding traffic from Inverness's Union Street, Queensgate and Church Street would be a simple task compared with denying vehicular entry to central Milan to the car-loving Milanesi. Yet with determination and vision, this was accomplished and the north Italian city is now reaping the rewards."
FULL STORY: Desperate need for big ideas
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
Minnesota Seeks State Support for Office Conversions
The 30% “CUB credit” would support the conversion of buildings 15 years or older into any use that “will return that vacant area to an income-producing, habitable condition.”
Community-Led Efforts to Combat Gentrification in Philadelphia’s University City
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Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule
The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.
Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path
Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.
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