Archive for March, 2009
TriRail Needs Your Help
I received an email today and it seems that the Tri-rail in South Florida is again fighting for its survival. The system, which has been growing at double digit growth rates for years now, continues to search for a source of dedicated funding. Counties are proposing reduced funding that will force Tri-rail to cut service. After [...]
Achieving Sustainability (Tomorrow’s Miami : Part 8)
Based on this continuing discussion, Miami’s development of tomorrow must provide a sustainable way of life — harnessing the local environment in positive ways to ensure the long term health and survival of the city. Development therefore should[...]
Uninformed Naysayers – Why We Need Miami 21
It seems to me that some of the naysayers — some of those that oppose Miami21 are uninformed.
ICON Brickell – Why We Need Miami21
There is no recently completed project in Miami that is as large and as bold as the Icon Brickell. An 1800+ unit condominium project with a small portion (approx. 100 rooms) taken up by the Viceroy Hotel is comprised of three large 50+ story towers and a massive parking garage. Located in what many would consider one [...]
Livable Streets Education
Livable Streets Education (LSE), partners with schools, cultural institutions and community-based organizations working for improved urban livability, greener transportation, and safer streets. This spring, LSE is in residency at fifteen schools around New York City, working with students in grades K-8, as well as partnering with community and cultural organizations on special events.
The Real Biscayne Wall – Why We Need Miami 21
Miami 21, the new (and revolutionary) zoning code being proposed in Miami is close to being ratified. Composed by New Urbanist firm Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company — if approved, it will become the first form based code adopted by a major city in the United States. In hope of this upcoming approval I am going to [...]
Transit Stimulus = Redundant Service?
The City of Miami is moving forward with plans to spend it’s share of the stimulus money provided by the federal government for transit. The City of Miami will be spending it’s money on bridge, street, and sidewalk improvements — as well as on… Drum roll please… Trolleys!
Stadium Approved
The Marlins stadium has finally been approved. After being bounced around more than a ping pong ball for the last few years, the Marlins will be moving to their new home in Little Havana after construction is complete (construction is scheduled to begin this summer). The Miami-Dade County Commission approved the deal after the City of Miami [...]
Cars = Wasted Money
I really am amazed every time one of my friends buys a new car. While they are gleaming with joy all that goes through my head is – ”there goes another $30,000 bucks”. Even more amazing is that some of my friends barely make enough money to pay their expenses from month to month. Some of them even complain [...]
Suburbs: The Hidden Costs
As time passes, more and more people are becoming aware of the hidden costs of living in the ‘burbs. Some of these include cost of owning a vehicle for every driving age member of the family — which includes gasoline, maintenance, insurance, and other automobile related costs. Furthermore there is the cost of tolls, parking, [...]
Lessons From Manhattan (Tomorrow’s Miami : Part 7)
The Island of Manhattan in New York is one proven model that is not only the iconic American city, but has certain similarities with and offers many ideas and lessons that Miami could study and exploit. Manhattan is a great case study in urban density and city design that also happens to be roughly the same size and shape of the area east of interstate I-95 in Dade County.
Future Growth (Tomorrow’s Miami : Part 6)
With little land and need for future growth, as well as pressing issues in sustainability, Miami will need to transform itself into a denser, mixed use city — allowing new residents to enter without putting further strain on land and resources.
Churches of Donostia
I made a post yesterday regarding the Churches of Overtown. I spoke about the wonderful and unique churches, but also spoke about the dreadful urban conditions around them. Surrounding buildings ignore the churches and the urban fabric does little to enhance their importance as cultural and historic landmarks. In essence, the city ignores the churches.
Moving Communities Forward
I was alerted a few days ago about a new recently released transit development study. It is an interdisciplinary research project conducted by the University of Michigan’s Center for Transportation Studies that examines how well-designed transportation projects and Transit Oriented Developments have the ability to transform [...]
