In Baku, Azerbaijan, the opportunity to host the annual Eurovision song competition in May has served as a catalyst for showing off the city as an untapped luxury tourism hot spot.
Amanda Erickson, a former resident herself, reports on the city's over-the-top preparation for "what amounts, essentially, to a television special." Projects include a new airport terminal, a revamp of major parts of the city center, six new hotels (including a Four Seasons), and a new Cultural Centre.
"As such, Baku isn't leaving any city street untouched. Even the Caspian Sea is in line for a make-over, in the form of a promenade dotted by works from Jeff Koons and Anish Kapoor, with a Gehry-designed art museum for good measure. Not bad for a city that, not too long ago, didn't even have any gas stations (men would sell gas out of pickle jars on the side of the road). "
FULL STORY: In Baku, a Citywide Coming-Out Party for Eurovision
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OPEC Plus Decision to Reduce Oil Output Could Lead to Global Recession
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Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
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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
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Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
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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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