The Star’s article this morning woke me from my post-holiday doldrums better than my cup of coffee. I learned about high-speed rail last year, and thought it sounded too good to be true. But there has been progress on this issue. A bill is pending in Congess for funding. Here’s the mandatory block-quote: A bill …
The picture above is obviously not Avon (note the hill), but the built environment doesn’t look much different. US 36 is basically the only option for a person driving from Danville to Indianapolis, and it might be the best (worst?) example of unplanned sprawl in the metro area. This article in the Star mentions that …
The title of this post seems to answer its own question with a resounding “YES”; however, there are neighborhood organizations that aren’t so sure. The owner of the building pictured above wants to convert it into a two-story multi-use, with a green roof to boot. Sounds like another asset to downtown. So, when does construction …
The Town of Speedway has released a vision for its future that is quite ambitious. The idea is to make the town a destination for racing fans. Personally, I’m not a racing fan, but I do like the design for the most part. The first of two simulation videos now on the front page of …
A free kick-off event for the next phase of the Rapid Transit Study will be held at the Convention Center in 2 weeks. Let’s see…light rail, expert keynote speaker, and free. I think I can make it.
A drive down 82nd street in Castleton during rush hour is an exercise in futility. Bumper-to-bumper traffic. Lights at every major and mid-major intersection. One could probably walk (or maybe jog) from Allisonville road to I-69 faster than drive it. And what is the constant refrain from people frustrated with this set-up? The road isn’t …
It seems every month or so, a new development in Carmel is featured in the Indystar. Carmel is densifying their city at an impressive rate. These developments are helping it shed the suburban sprawl image and move to a place where people can actually walk and bike without putting their lives in danger. I’m not …
I returned from a 5-day trip to New York City to this tidbit of positive news listed in the latest issue of Urban Times (pdf warning). Developers are starting to realize that this can only help their interests, and attract more of the young, creative class into the city. Even if they can not afford …
There’s a noticeable bit of panic in this city when gas prices rise. Our lack of options is a serious handicap. I’ve been known to fret a time or twelve as well. However, there are quite a few benefits. High gas prices may be the only way that people get serious about alternatives. First, our …
The excellent quarterly newsletter Carfree Times has been updated, featuring two innovative projects. The first is a massive-scale project in Abu Dhabi designed to be completely carbon neutral. It will combine ideas from the past (compact walled city) with ideas for the future (solar and wind power). It is obviously quite ambitious. The second is …