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Gresham Rox, Ok Not Really…
MAX Red Line, MAX Blue Line, to #9 and Code, Code, Code
I was coding like a mad man, so I decided to hit my second place. A second place is one of those places, that isn’t home, that you go to think. For me, I like to ride around town, generally on transit because then I can think and not be interrupted. It could be thought of as odd, but it keeps my attention from running off, the irony that it is.
I boarded the MAX Red Line across the river from downtown to the Convention Center Stop, then walked back toward the Rose Quarter Transit Center ever so slowly to kill time. The Blue Line, which is what I was after, arrived shortly after I arrived at the stop. I boarded and pulled my second brain out (that’s the computer/laptop). I immediately dived into some architectural ideas and more code.
Bicycle Fare Officer Inspector Dude
The trip was uneventful until about 3 stops from my destination of Gresham. Upon leaving the third stop two bicycle officers boarded the train and started checking for fare. Of course, my response was, “rad, bust some punks”. Sure enough, this one guy who had been on the train since 42nd or 60th didn’t have fare. He didn’t even sugar coat it, but he lied like the fool he showed himself to be. He spouted off with every facial recognition of a liar, “No sir, I don’t have a fare, I was only going two stops.” I immediately thought, “two stops my foot!”
The officer told him he’d have to get off at the next stop and he’d check his name and write some paperwork. The officer asked the kid for ID, which he reported he didn’t have any. This was complete malarkey too, as the guy had his ID out about 5 minutes ago twiddling it in his fingers.
Me being a non-rat, I still couldn’t bare to say anything. But I was piping to chime in and correct his outright lies. At this point, I figured whatever, it was entertainment and I’d just let the officers figure it out for themselves.
Gresham, Land of Idiots and Morons
I got off in Gresham and wasn’t surprised one bit to see the buses shut without drivers. It is a layover point and I’m sure they drivers are told to shut the buses. The scum that line in Gresham are ripe for finding targets to desecrate, and TriMet has big huge ones in their buses and LRVs. I only had a mere 5 minutes transfer in Gresham between the MAX and the #9, so I didn’t mind too much. Eventually the drive arrived, entered through the back door, and let everyone else on.
We headed off into the darkness with a bus full of idiots. Carrying on in blathering absurdity about things I often forget, on purpose, that people talk about. Trite and absurd, but it was entertainment none the less, and I was being left alone. Within 25-30 blocks of getting out of downtown Gresham we rid ourselves of the idiots and the bus grew quite with blue collar workers and simple cordial people boarding here and there. With the idiots gone, the bus was now less entertaining, but any theoretical threat had also left with them.
The ride went smoothly and eventually I bounded off of the bus and walked my 1/2 block home.
Goofy Stats for the Ride About
- Trip Start: 7:24pm by me walking away from Backspace downtown toward MAX.
- Trip End: 9:XXpm by my walking 1/2 block home.
- Idiots: 6
- Smelly Cigarette Smokers: 1 (out of the dozens of riders)
- Acts of Respect or Cordial Behavior: 3
- Peak Load on #9: 20
- Peak Load on MAX Blue Line: 126-131 (I missed right front high floor section, but could tell there where occupants)
- Peak Load on MAX Red Line: 60-70 (Estimated as I was only on for 3 stops)
- Police Officers for Entire Ride: 2
- Proven non-paying customers: 1
- People on MAX Blue Line when non-paying customer was caught: 12
- Languages Heard: 2 (English & Spanish)
- Total mileage approximately: 30 mile round trip.
- MAX Blue Line Light Rail Trip Time: 35 minutes.
- #9 Bus Trip Time: 42 minutes.
A new vision for Savannah’s streets and squares
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Savannah is known for the beauty of its tree-canopied streets, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. Clearly, its citizens agree. A recent survey that invited people to name the city’s best and worst streets drew four times as many responses for “worst” as for “best.”
The survey was conducted on behalf of Savannah Forward, a coalition of public and private institutions — from the government, to the Downtown Neighborhood Association, to the morning news — all of whom are looking for ways to increase Savannah’s livability.
To that end, they invited PPS president Fred Kent to the city on February 5th to speak to a crowd of over 300 citizens interested in improving Savannah’s public realm. Kent tackled some of the “worst” streets — all of which, he noted, prioritize car traffic at the expense of everything else. Bay Street, for example, cuts off the city’s downtown from its riverfront, and is “the most obnoxious road you have,” Kent said. He urged the city to consider narrowing the roadway, widening the sidewalk, and adding attractions like sidewalk cafes to turn it into a gathering place.
The “good” examples submitted by the public were split between convenient throughways and slow, tree-lined residential streets. Which means, Kent suggested, that the right approach for Savannah will be one that balances the region’s character and ambience with easy accessibility to its destinations.
Savannah’s built form is also notable for the historic squares that checker its downtown. But “just because they’re beautiful doesn’t mean they’re well-used,” Kent pointed out. He encouraged the coalition to bring their squares to life, starting by scheduling activities in two or three squares to draw people there, like an interactive water feature, sitting steps, and a plaza for live performances.
“Mr. Kent inspired us to take action now,” said Theodora Gongaware and William Stuebe of Savannah Forward. And it’s a great time to act — not in spite of the economic downturn, but because of it. The lull in development offers “an excellent window of time to try new things,” they said.
Hardcore New Urbanist Can’t Stop Mixing Uses
Planetizen - Urban Planning, Design and Development Network
Bradley Archer, a long-time champion of New Urbanist principles, spends nearly every waking hour finding a way to get two, maybe three, uses out of everything.
Foreclosed Homes To Be Counted As Race in 2010 Census
Planetizen - Urban Planning, Design and Development Network
Officials at the U.S. Census Bureau announced today that foreclosed homes had seen such an increase in numbers over the past two years that they would be included as an official race in the upcoming 2010 Census.
City Officials Favor ‘Stupid Growth’
Planetizen - Urban Planning, Design and Development Network
Officials in Shelbyville, Kentucky are officially adopting a citywide “Stupid Growth” policy. The city plans to release the new Shelbyville Stupid Growth General Plan, which emphasizes “building whatever.”
Greener Than Greeny-Green Sustainable Homes Debut
Planetizen - Urban Planning, Design and Development Network
Chartreuse and Associates, a sustainable eco-planning firm, has announced a new suburban development that they say is greener than green. The 14,000 sq ft single-family dwellings feature the latest in eco-gadgetry.
Godzilla Named Tokyo Planning Director, Announces Broad Urban Renewal Plan
Planetizen - Urban Planning, Design and Development Network
Legendary gigantic lizard monster Godzilla has been named planning director for the city of Tokyo. Shortly after his appointment, Mr. Zilla revealed his urban renewal program by smashing through buildings and stomping across entire city blocks.
Resident Demands ‘Everything in My Back Yard’
Planetizen - Urban Planning, Design and Development Network
The public comment period at a recent planning commission meeting in Wheaton, Illinois was commandeered by resident Joann Davies, who aggressively demanded that a variety of land uses be approved in her neighborhood.
GREAT PUBLIC SPACES: West Side Market (Cleveland, OH)
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What: A public market that draws customers from the greater Cleveland area.
Why it Works:
Built in 1902, this market’s European ambiance helps draw shoppers from the greater Cleveland area. The market is home to over 120 tenants selling produce, meats, bakery, fish, spices, sauces, and some prepared food. 2002 marks the 90th anniversary of the market. It is the place to shop if you are a new citizen to Cleveland or have lived here for 80 years. Families come to experience the market and children as well as adults enjoy their shopping experience. People get to know their butcher, the man or woman selling their produce, and get quality products. The market is well kept and very clean. It is a safe place to shop and experience a little bit of Europe. Tours are scheduled on a regular basis, especially with local schools and senior/retirement homes.
Read the entire profile here.
Click here to nominate your favorite public space!
Places in the News: March 31, 2009
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The latest in urban planning, placemaking and citizen action:
- Chicagoans debates the pros and cons of Olympics-driven development as the city vies for the 2016 Summer Games. [Washington Post]
- A case for keeping the water flowing in 48 public fountains in Kansas City, MO. [Kansas City Star]
- In Salem, Ohio a new grant brings library programming into the city’s public parks. [Salem News]
- An in-depth look at the battle between preservation and demolition for the historic Mellus Newspapers building in Lincoln Park, Michigan. [Metromode Media]
- The New York Times’ Nicolai Ouroussof declares it time to reinvent American cities with bold action. [NY Times]
