Monday, January 31st

Pulling the old switcharoo on us, eh?
Last night at Panera on McKnight Road, a suburban retail nightmare, I overheard the people at the next table say they lived on Cedar Ave (at least one of them--that's right near my house, in the city). It made me think a bit about the situation we have here, a suburban atmosphere in the city and a bit of the city in a suburban hell.

There I was with other Northsiders eating at Panera on McKnight--both of whom drove here because, well... there's nothing but houses where we live. There in the suburbs was a community bulletin board, a place for meetings--all these things you'd find in a cool city coffee shop, and what's normally absent from the suburbs. Now these places are absent from the city and we drive to the suburbs for urban flavor.

Ugh, how pathetic things have become.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.31.05 @ 21:45PST

Friday, January 28th

New Store Items
If you like to read the monthly New Colonist quote, you'll enjoy one of our new items, a sticker and mug bearing the "Forget the damned motor car and build the cities for lovers and friends" quote by Lewis Mumford. Also check out several new stickers....

Stickers
Mugs

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.28.05 @ 18:09PST

Voucher Program Takes Another Hit
The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports agencies administering the Housing Choice Voucher Program received word from the Department of Housing and Urban Development in a memo dated January 21 that they are, once again, going to have to figure out how to administer the program on far fewer dollars than originally expected. Agencies will experience a 4% cut in FY 2005 housing assistance payments.

In determining how to distribute the FY2005 appropriations for vouchers, HUD determined that in applying the agreed upon formula, the FY2005 appropriation was insufficient, thereby forcing a prorated 4% cut. Some housing agencies may face more than a 4% cut, while others may experience slightly less.

Unlike the FY2004 funding distribution announced last April that signaled the first major cutbacks, agencies will not be allowed to appeal their funding levels, with the memo stating that “the funding allocations provided herein are final.”

National Low Income Housing Coalition says those who are concerned about the families and individuals who rely on the Housing Voucher program, including landlords, housing authorities, advocates and tenants, are working together on solutions to the budget shortfall that do not harm residents.

These groups will make sure that their Members of Congress are aware of the local impact of the FY05 budget shortfall even as they begin work on FY06 budget.

The Housing Choice Voucher program, also known as Section 8, was created under the Nixon Administration. The program has enjoyed support of Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle as a flexible, market-based way to address the gap between what families earn and what housing costs. Under the program, low income families, seniors, and people with disabilities receive vouchers to give to private landlords that generally make up the difference between 30% of the household’s income and the cost of the rental unit. The voucher program is the largest federal low income housing program.

Currently, the voucher program serves 2.05 million low income households. More than half (53%) of all voucher holders are families with children. Another 40% are seniors or people with disabilities. About 40% earn wages, while most others rely on disability or retirement income. There is a serious shortage of vouchers, and only about one quarter of eligible households receive them. Most families seeking assistance face wait of several years. In larger cities, waiting lists can be as long as 10 years.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.28.05 @ 17:00PST

The history of mailbox design from 1870-1980
I wasn't sure how I'd like it, walking door to door with green hangers promoting a real estate service. "What a delightful afternoon," I thought as a left my warm abode to hang a second batch of these flyers in my neighborhood. "Now I know what your job is like," I said to the mail woman as I passed her on Hemlock Street.

I recall flyering door to door in San Francisco, delivering political leaflets. Door knobs in the City by the Bay sometimes sag with the weight of the door hangers. Pizza, politics, take-out, the door hangers have become an annoyance.

In Pittsburgh, it would seem, aside from the gas company telling of a missed call for a meter reading, these door flyers are rarely used. This is starting to change. A pizza ad on my door knob made me think I should try this approach. Perhaps there are people who have thought about selling...

I don't know yet if the flyer approach is good for generating real estate leads, but I do know the activity is enjoyable. Entranced by the architecture of each new doorway, the design of every knob, the changing bricks in the sidewalk, the decorations, the history of mailbox design from 1870-1980, and the beat, or lack of it, on each street I forgot the freezing temperatures and got to know my neighborhood one doorknob at a time.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.28.05 @ 16:52PST

Thursday, January 27th

Hartford Passes Big Box Access Law
ACORN reports that in December, the Connecticut Working Families Party, working with labor and community allies including Connecticut ACORN, won passage of an innovative ordinance in the Hartford City Council that responds to the impact of big box stores like Wal-Mart on opportunities for free speech.

ACORN says the new “Workplace Access Ordinance” requires that members of the public, including organizers, be permitted to engage in activities like leafleting on the sidewalks and parking lots of big box stores that are built on city-owned property. A proposed Wal-Mart store slated to be built on property leased from the Hartford Housing Authority is likely to be the first facility affected by the new law.

According to the group the Hartford ordinance, which was drafted by the Brennan Center for Justice, marks the first success of this new strategy by communities in the effort to mitigate the negative impacts of the rapid expansion of big box stores like Wal-Mart. ACORN says it has been working with allies to promote a similar ordinance in Chicago. For more information, contact Jon Green at jgreen@workingfamiliesparty.org or 860-523-1699. 

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.27.05 @ 05:45PST

Wednesday, January 26th

Rain Drain
Welcome to LA, where people run their sprinklers in the rain, and imported water drains along the gutters to the thirsty sea....

I guess that, strictly speaking, "people" don't run their sprinklers, since most of them seem to have them set to run automatically, and stupidly, on timers. How can a mere clock know that it's raining? But at least that's one more thing we don't have to think about, isn't it?

This automatic living will be the end of us...we manage our lives so that everything is somehow, vaguely "done" for us, because we don't want to think about it.

We end up not thinking about much of anything at all, and our very lives become vague...and rain swirls down the greasy gutters, while we pour imported water on our sodden lawns....

Richard Risemberg (rrisemberg@newcolonist.com), on 01.26.05 @ 11:17PST

National Trust Symposium Addresses Preservation-based Strategies for Economic Development, Affordable Housing and Commercial Revitalization*
Yesterday, preservationists and community revitalization leaders from across the nation closed the first Preservation Development Symposium. The symposium, held from Monday, January 24 to Tuesday, January 25, was hosted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preservation Development Initiative at Jurys Hotel in Washington, DC.

The Preservation Development Symposium focused on the role of historic preservation in community revitalization strategies. While preservation has been an important tool for community revitalization for several decades, more and more communities are beginning to incorporate preservation-based community economic development strategies that address issues including affordable housing, neighborhood commercial revitalization, and real estate development. This trend is reflected in the hundreds of community development corporations, Main Street revitalization programs, housing organizations, and municipal governments that are increasingly making preservation a part of their development plans.

During the two-day symposium, a host of presenters spoke about a variety of issues facing preservation-based community developers, from planning for preservation development, creating resources, and working with state and local partners, to the future of America’s cities, the housing crisis, and gentrification and displacement.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.26.05 @ 08:14PST

Tuesday, January 25th

EPA's List of Most Energy Efficient Buildings Nears 2,000
Almost 2,000 of the nation's most energy efficient buildings have earned EPA's ENERGY STAR, saving an estimated $200 million annually and reducing approximately six billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions of 500,000 cars. The buildings qualifying as ENERGY STAR use about 40 percent less energy without compromising comfort or services.

Currently 1,964 buildings nationwide qualify for the ENERGY STAR, representing nearly 400 million square feet. ENERGY STAR buildings protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and using energy more efficiently.

Among the top performing buildings are more than 900 offices and 400 public schools. Supermarkets, medical offices, hospitals and hotels account for another 655 labeled buildings. These labeled buildings can be found in every state and the District of Columbia. States that are home to the most ENERGY STAR qualifying buildings include Texas, with more than 250 qualifying buildings, and California, with more than 500 qualifying buildings. In 2004, more than 700 buildings received the ENERGY STAR label, the largest increase since the program began. More than 50 percent of the buildings joining the program were supermarkets or grocery stores.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.25.05 @ 15:11PST

Chicago Affordable Housing Set-Aside Ordinance Gains Committee Hearing
On Wednesday January 26, the "Affordable Housing Set-Aside Ordinance" co-sponsored by twenty-four aldermen will be heard in the Chicago City Council's Committee on Housing and Real Estate at 10 am in Council Chambers.

The ordinance mandates that residential developments of more than ten units include a 15 percent set-aside for families and individuals who otherwise would be priced out of the new housing. "This ordinance represents a logical extension of the city's program to meet the growing shortage of affordable housing," stated Alderman Burnett (27th ward), "and it demonstrates our commitment to families and individuals who make our neighborhoods vibrant."

In the face of an unprecedented real estate boom in the city very little of the new development is affordable to the residents whose labor and services are so critical to the city. The need for affordable housing is quite clear. "It was difficult a couple of years ago to see downtown office custodial staff strike successfully for a wage increase and still be unable to live in the city where they work because it requires a wage in excess of $17.00 per hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment," reflected Al Sharp, Executive Director of Protestants for the Common Good. "We need housing that meets the broad range of incomes of people who contribute to the city's strength and vitality."

The current ordinance has been modified from its first introduction in December 2002. After a series of meetings with community leaders, developers and aldermen, the present ordinance was introduced on May 5, 2004, and has inspired considerable support across the city. Twenty four aldermen have expressed their support for the ordinance and many already require affordable housing to be included in all development. "Our standard practice is for all development to include affordable housing," reflected Alderman Ocasio (26th ward). "In order to continue celebrating diversity in our communities and to combat the displacement of our working families, we must create affordable housing opportunities."

If the ordinance had been in place in 1998, by now the city would have created more than 7,000 additional affordable homes. "This need for affordable housing will not go away," asserted Alderman Preckwinkle (4th ward), "we know there are more than 200,000 households that will never have the income to be able to buy at the current costs. This ordinance employs a public and private partnership to help families who need affordable housing."

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.25.05 @ 15:10PST

Sunday, January 23rd

Unique Flavors From the Mustard Bowl
Pittsburgh is alive for the big game today. And luck seems to be in the air this evening. It's cold out, and there isn't a parking space to be found on this side of town. I wanted to go out and watch the action, but a half hour walk in below zero wind-chills wasn't in the cards, so I went for the car and seem to find the only parking space within a mile of the "Mustard Bowl," (Heinz Field). Taking pictures proved futile as my jittering finger seemed to push the shutter release randomly. Inside, the Hilton at Gateway Center was alive with fans carrying Iron City Beer in aluminum bottles. I stood on the stairway and watched as countless black and gold jackets, sweaters and hairdo's headed into Point State Park and across the Fort Duquesne Bridge to the game. The cold might not provide any advantage for the Steelers over the visitors from the North, but the wind from the open-ended stadium has to have an adjustment factor. At home now, I heard the fireworks which undoubtedly warmed the cold, clear blue sky. I'm not quite sure, but it looked like there was a full moon tonight as well. How the evening will progress is anyone's guess, but for sure countless visitors in the past few weeks have gotten to taste the unique flavors of Pittsburgh.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.23.05 @ 15:58PST

Saturday, January 22nd

Solidarity on the Street
Another letter from my old friend Harv Woien:

Last time I emailed I was suffering from a bout of tendonitis and having trouble being comfortable on a bike. Glad to report I am doing better in that regard and with the break in the monsoons I am hitting the streets once again.

My favorite streets for bicycling to and from the downtown L.A. area are Griffin Avenue and Main Street. Couple of days ago I was returning from Chinatown and its hectic auto and bus traffic that I handily carved through despite it being somewhat harrowing.

I turned up North Main Street and settled into a casual but brisk pace enjoying the much lighter traffic of the familiar street. Up ahead I noticed a black man, working class, about 40, standing alone at a bus stop (no bench). He was gazing in my direction, ever vigilant for the bus, which probably was a long time in coming. As I approached him he looked at me unsmiling, but with a pleasant enough expression. As I passed him he continued looking at me and gave me the "thumbs up." I couldn't help but smile and nod.

After thinking about this incident later, I realized that here was a guy who did not drive a car, but did not have a chip on his shoulder about it. He saw this old geek (me) pedaling his ass up Main Street apparently solving his alternative transportation another way. So he identified, and shot the thumbs-up.

Just another of the many reactions I get riding through downtown L.A., East L.A., and the surrounding communities. What a kick!

Richard Risemberg (rrisemberg@newcolonist.com), on 01.22.05 @ 08:26PST

Thursday, January 20th

National League of Cities Statement on Inauguration of President George Bush
The following is a statement by National League of Cities president Anthony A. Williams, mayor of Washington DC, on the occasion of the Inauguration of President George W. Bush:

On behalf of the municipal leaders of the 18,000 cities, towns, and villages represented by the National League of Cities, I extend my sincere congratulations to President George W. Bush on the occasion of his second inaugural. As the president seeks unity across the country, we hope to work with him in a strong partnership that will enable us to ensure that our residents have the educational tools, the economic opportunities and the vibrant, affordable neighborhoods they need to live and thrive in freedom.

Just as President Bush spoke today about freedom and liberty for nations around the world, we must also commit to maintaining our basic freedoms here at home. We join President Bush in a shared commitment to abandon any vestiges of bigotry and racism in our communities.

Our country's cities and towns continue to be the level of government closest to and most trusted by residents. Local government leaders who tend to emphasize cooperation and consensus building will be a valuable resource to the second Bush administration as we convey to the President the needs and desires of our constituents.

Several months ago, one-third of the people of this country said that "living in freedom" was their primary definition of the American Dream. But they also said that to achieve this freedom, they need a good education, better job opportunities, housing they can afford and health care. It is our job-elected officials at the Federal, state and local level-to ensure that our citizens have the tools they need to achieve, in the President's words, their own destinies. It is also our job to create a political climate here in Washington that will allow us to work together on these goals.

We look forward to working with the President and the 109th Congress on our key priorities: a well-funded transportation bill to reduce growing congestion; municipal economic development programs to ensure the vitality of our country's economic growth, including fully funded Community Development Block Grants and Section 8 housing programs; homeland and hometown security programs to adequately equip and train our nation's first responders; and the preservation of the rights of local government in telecommunications tax and regulatory modernization.

As we look to the coming year, we join with President Bush in making America a beacon of opportunity in the 21st century. We stand committed to fulfilling the goals of our founding fathers in the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.20.05 @ 18:11PST

HUD Increases Home Loan Limits
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson recently announced that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has increased its single-family home mortgage limits by more than seven percent.

Effective January 1, 2005, FHA will insure single-family home mortgages up to $172,632 in low cost areas and up to $312,895 in high cost areas. The loan limits for two-, three- and four-unit dwellings also increased. The FHA is sending letters to thousands of mortgage lenders and brokers to make them aware of the higher rates that can help families.

Last year, the loan limits were $160,176 in low cost areas and $290,319 in high cost areas. Five years ago, the limits ranged from just $121,296 to $219,849. These levels were below the cost of many homes in many communities. As a result, families who needed FHA mortgage insurance to qualify to buy a home were effectively locked out of the process.

Low-income and first time homebuyers are attracted to FHA-insured loans because the agency requires only a three-percent down payment.

The increases will also benefit senior citizens who qualify for FHA-insured reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgages allow homeowners age 62 and older to borrow against the value of their homes without selling them. Homeowners can select a lump-sum payment, monthly payments or tap into a line of credit. No repayment is required as long as a homeowner lives in a home with a reverse mortgage. The reverse mortgage is repaid, with interest, when a homeowner sells the home or dies.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.20.05 @ 17:51PST

U.S. Department of Transportation Invests $9.5 Million To Add New Lower Manhattan Ferry Connections
New York area commuters will soon benefit from direct ferry service between Elizabeth, NJ, and lower Manhattan thanks to a $9.5 million federal grant awarded to County of Union, Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta announced today.

The Elizabeth ferry project will contribute to the expansion and improvement of transportation services to Lower Manhattan by providing a much needed link for Manhattan residents who work in the rapidly growing Elizabeth area.

Elizabeth Ferry operations are expected to begin by June 2006, with direct trips to lower Manhattan every 30 minutes during morning and evening rush hour, then hourly during off-peak times. The 25-minute trip will provide regional travelers with a relatively shorter and convenient travel option and ease traffic congestion along the New Jersey Turnpike.

Money will fund construction of a new ferry terminal and two new docks located on the eastern edge of the City of Elizabeth known as Elizabethport. The terminal’s amenities include restrooms, ticketing and waiting areas, and a parking facility with approximately 815 spaces. By 2010, the ferry is expected to serve 1,192 daily riders.

Ferry service proved crucial in the evacuation of lower Manhattan during the 9/11 attacks and during a major blackout in August 2003. It also served as a vital alternate mode of transportation during the shutdown of the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) downtown line from September 2001 through November 2003. With this grant, the Bush Administration has awarded nearly $90 million in funding so far, out of a total commitment of $100 million in emergency recovery support appropriated for ferry related projects in the New York area. It is part of the $4.5 billion in transit capital construction funding appropriated by Congress for the recovery of Lower Manhattan following 9/11.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.20.05 @ 15:16PST

Tuesday, January 18th

Spacing
Just wanted to alert everyone to a wonderful magazine out of Toronto, called Spacing. It's subtitle, "Covering Toronto's Urban Landscape," doesn't reveal as much as does the title bar on their web edition: "a magazine about Toronto's urban landscape and public spaces ::: Whose space is public space?"

Haven't gone through it all, but it looks intelligent, witty, and warm. Check it out:

Richard Risemberg (rrisemberg@newcolonist.com), on 01.18.05 @ 19:07PST

Sunday, January 16th

Tilt!
The other day I was walking along 6th St. near my apartment, when I encountered a curb cut for an apartment building driveway that was over a hundred feet long! Well, it was a single cut for two apartment building driveways....

The sidewalk is already narrow there--when I go walking with my girlfriend, we can't walk side-by-side along most of 6th. The curb cut takes up over half of a very narrow sidewalk, forcing you to limp along at a tilt for far too long. And of course it isn't the only curb cut on that street, or even on that block. Over and over again, you're forced to squeeze in towards the buildings or walk in a bit of an unsteady position--particularly bad when it's raining, or when you meet someone coming the other way.

And walk about old folks with canes, people with wheelchairs, parents pushing strollers, toddlers on trikes who might roll right down into traffic?

Curb cut after curb cut compromises the pleasure and security of your passage. It's a positive disincentive to travel on foot, though walking is the healthiest, most energy-efficient, and most sociable way to travel.

So most of us give up and drive. But then the curb cuts eliminate parking along one-third of every block!

Is there a solution?

Naturally: eliminate most driveways altogether...run one alley down the middle of the block with one small driveway at either end; anyway who wants to drive can reach their gaarge or parking lot from the alley. (Beverly Hills requires this arrangement on most blocks.) Then widen the sidewalks so people can walk, and can find it useful and a pleasure when they do. Then they will walk.

And if they do drive, there'll be more street parking for them too.

Curb the curb cut! Drive away the driveways! And a healthier city is just a few steps away....

Richard Risemberg (rrisemberg@newcolonist.com), on 01.16.05 @ 18:52PST

Light rail in Portland a great asset in an ice storm
This weekend during the US Figure Skating Championships in Portland, we've had an ice storm. Yesterday, traffic around the metro area was severely crippled. The buses slowed to 25 mph, and all had chains.

The light rail stepped up to be a major workhorse in bringing the skating spectators to the doorstep of the Rose Garden Arena.

Particularly helpful is the fact that many of the spectators staying in nearby hotels can ride the light rail for free because the Rose Garden Arena and many downtown hotels are in Portland's "Fareless Square."

Mind you, some weather conditions even close down the light rail.

But when the weather chips are down like they are right now in Portland, it's sure comforting to have a light rail system up and running.

John Andersen (editor@unconventionalideas.com), on 01.16.05 @ 09:29PST

Saturday, January 15th

Clouds parting in Pittsburgh
Sometimes the clouds seem to linger in Pittsburgh, but lately they have been opening to allow a little sun (and good news) to shine in. Enjoy one of America's finest cities with our new print "Clouds Parting Over Pittsburgh." also available in a greeting card.

CLICK TO SHOP

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.15.05 @ 19:35PST

Thursday, January 13th

Sprawl Endangers Hundreds of Nation’s Imperiled Species
The rapid consumption of land in the nation’s fastest-growing large metropolitan areas could threaten the survival of nearly one out of every three imperiled species, according to the first study ever to quantify the impact of sprawling development on wildlife nationally. In at least three dozen rapidly growing counties found mostly in the South and West, open space on non-federal lands is being lost so quickly that essential wildlife habitat will be mostly gone within the next two decades, unless development patterns are altered.

According to the report Endangered By Sprawl: How Runaway Development Threatens America’s Wildlife, produced by the National Wildlife Federation, Smart Growth America, and NatureServe, the rapid conversion of once-natural areas and farmland into subdivisions, shopping centers, roads and parking lots has become a leading threat to America’s native plants and animals.

The report recommends ways to stem the tide of habitat loss by changing local land use patterns and improving state and federal natural resource and transportation policies.

Endangered by Sprawl integrates widely accepted measures of development density and projections of population growth with a new analysis of the comprehensive data on rare and endangered species that is compiled by the NatureServe network of state natural heritage programs. It shows that imperiled plants and animals are not found only in remote wildernesses; their habitat is often intertwined with where most people live. Although the nation’s 35 fastest-growing large metropolitan areas (those with more than one million people in 2000) comprise just eight percent of the land area of the lower 48 states, they are home to nearly one-third (29 percent) of the imperiled species analyzed—nearly 1,200 species in all. And remarkably, 553 of these species (13 percent) are found only in the fast-growing large metro areas. At current rates of sprawl, by 2025 these Endangered by Sprawl rapidly spreading metro areas will convert an area equivalent to the size of West Virginia (about 22,000 square miles) from natural habitat to development.

Because each metro area typically comprises several counties, when the results are broken down by
county they tell an even more alarming story. Under existing patterns of development, 18 counties are on track to use up all their non-federal farmland and habitat to accommodate projected growth by or before 2025.

Examples include Cobb, Gwinnett, and DeKalb counties in the Atlanta area, Dallas and Tarrant counties in the Dallas area, Harris County in the Houston area, and Broward County in the Miami area. Another 19 counties will consume more than half of their open land in the same timeframe.

Many large counties where the greatest amounts of land are being lost are also home to high numbers of rare animals and plants. The problem is especially acute in California, home to more imperiled species than any other state. Within the 35 fast-growing large metro areas, eight of the top ten counties for imperiled species are in the Golden State. They include San Diego County with 99 species, Los Angeles County with 94 species, and San Bernardino County with 85. Other notable places where rapid growth threatens large numbers of imperiled plants and animals include the Las Vegas area (Clark County, 97 species), Phoenix (Maricopa County, 22 species), and Florida (the Miami, Orlando, and Tampa-St. Petersburg areas). The seeming anomaly in the group is Shelby County, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham that is currently home to 27 imperiled species, and is the fastest-growing county in the state.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.13.05 @ 17:12PST

Sunday, January 9th

Urban Reader, Volume 1-- Now Available!
Many of our readers have asked if there was a paper version of The New Colonist available. While we did experiment with producing one newsletter and may issue another, we have provided a more permanent version of the articles and essays you enjoy reading here.

Now with the Urban Reader from The New Colonist you can take some of our site with you as you go about your day. We think the final product provides an interesting collection of some of the essays which have lit the pixels of your computer screen during the past half-decade or so in an attractive paper binding. We also think the volume, nice enough to keep on your shelf-- is priced affordably.

We hope you enjoy this and future volumes of The Urban Reader.

Eric

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.09.05 @ 14:34PST

Friday, January 7th

My momentary confusion

If you've ever moved from one city to another, you'll know the feeling of waking up and thinking that you're in the place where you used to live. Readers know that I lived in San Francisco for quite a few years. I still wake up sometimes and think I am in San Francisco. Sometimes the city cooperates in my confusion, and sometimes there's a cold--some literal, some not, reminder that I am not in San Francisco.

Today the city, or at least a photo in the real estate listings, cooperated with the confusion and allowed my illusion to continue for a few moments. The reality is I am in a city that's changing, and I'd like to think, in some good ways this city is on its way to being a little more like San Francisco.

I'm not the first one to see the similarities in the landscape. If you are a west-coaster, the landscape here makes Pittsburgh a cross between Portland (because of the rivers) and San Francisco (because of the buildings built on the hillsides.)

The picture shows a pink house on Troy Hill. It's viewed through other buildings. These places remain largely unknown by the newcomers who instead head to Shadyside or Squirrel Hill. There are even homes without access provided for vehicles--similar to Telegraph Hill in San Francisco. Anyway, one up Pittsburgh has is the price. $200,000, $100,000, $50,000 and less--these are not seen on many properties in San Francisco.

If you don't know, I've gotten a real estate license now and if you're looking for a home in Pittsburgh I would be more than happy to give you a tour.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.07.05 @ 11:48PST

Wednesday, January 5th

Even executives need toilet paper
I read it today. Could it be? That would be such an asset to downtown living in Pittsburgh. If you live where you can't shop, downtown can be viewed a miserable suburb without parking. Ya can't buy toilet paper at Lord and Taylor. Until now we've been trying to make downtown a shopping destination on one hand and an extended-stay part-time living space for executives on the other. Let's make it a place to live... a living place! Nancy Hart, interim executive director of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, I hope these rumors you speak of are correct. Even executives need toilet paper.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.05.05 @ 20:01PST

Monday, January 3rd

Mean Streets
The Surface Transportation Policy Project (STPP)’s Mean Streets 2004 study issued recently reveals that walking remains the most dangerous mode of transportation, and some areas of the country are becoming markedly more dangerous.

The study, released by STPP in conjunction with AARP, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, American Planning Association, American Public Health Association (APHA), American Society of Landscape Architects, prominent local and state policymakers who are leaders on pedestrian safety and numerous state and local transportation advocates, assesses the data and recommends specific actions that governments can take to increase pedestrian safety.

Mean Streets’ findings include:

* In 2003, 4,827 Americans (11.3 percent of all traffic fatalities) died while crossing the street, walking to school or work, going to a bus stop, or strolling to the grocery, among other daily activities. Over the ten-year period 1994-2003, 51,989 pedestrians have died on U.S. streets.
* Senior citizens, African-American and Latino pedestrians suffer a fatality rate well in excess of the population at large.
* Despite a decline in the total number of pedestrian fatalities over the decade and even though walking as a share of total trips declined even faster, more than half of the nation’s 50 largest metropolitan areas grew more dangerous.

The Orlando (FL) metropolitan area, which has seen an increase in pedestrian death rate of more than 117 percent in the last ten years, ranks as the area with the meanest streets today, as well as the streets that have worsened the most over the last decade. Other metropolitan areas with worsening pedestrian death rates over the last ten years included Richmond (VA) with a more than 70 percent increase in deaths and Memphis (TN) with a rate of 42.6 percent.

“The Mean Streets 2004 report provides a useful yardstick for elected officials and transportation leaders to measure progress, or lack thereof, in making pedestrians and their communities safer,” said Anne Canby, president of STPP. “Nearly 52,000 pedestrian deaths over the last ten years is a staggering figure that demands that we do much more to make walking a safer travel option.”

Turning from trends to a snapshot of pedestrian safety today, Mean Streets 2004 found that the most dangerous streets in America are clustered in Florida: Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, and Miami-Ft. Lauderdale are the top four, while Jacksonville ranks eighth. Other cities in the top ten are Memphis (TN), Atlanta (GA), Greensboro (NC), Phoenix (AZ), and Houston (TX).

The news is not all bleak. The Salt Lake City (UT) area cut its pedestrian death rate by nearly half over the last decade, Portland (OR) reduced pedestrian deaths by one-third, and Austin (TX), New Orleans (LA), and Los Angeles (CA) saw their death rates drop by nearly 20 percent.

“America’s mean streets are meanest to our youngest and oldest citizens, and to African-American and Latino pedestrians,” said Judith E. Espinosa, chair of the STPP Board of Directors. “We need to find out why this is happening and take the necessary steps to correct it.”

Mean Streets 2004 recommends upgrading sidewalks, signals, streets and other pedestrian infrastructure already in place to improve the pedestrian environment, putting more emphasis on pedestrian safety in the decision-making process for future transportation plans, slowing down traffic through traffic-calming and enforcement, and promoting walking as a transportation alternative. The report also recommends that states allocate a higher share of federal transportation dollars to pedestrian safety. It finds that in four of the top ten metropolitan areas showing the greatest decline in pedestrian safety, state spending of federal dollars available to pedestrian safety actually declined, and that many states actually elected not to spend federal funds specifically available to pedestrian and bicycle safety projects.

Mean Streets notes some simple improvements such as crosswalks and speed limit enforcement that can make a difference. Only one-tenth of pedestrian deaths in 2002-2003 occurred inside a crosswalk, and a recent federal study shows a 95 percent survivability rate for pedestrians struck by a vehicle traveling 20 miles per hour while those struck at 40 mph survived just 15 percent of the time.

"This study is an important wake-up call that documents the preventable suffering that those of us who have worked in emergency departments have seen individually," said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, executive director of the American Public Health Association and board member of Advocates for Highway Safety. "Pedestrian deaths are traumatic and, in too many circumstances, avoidable tragedies. By making walking and biking safe, we not only improve transportation options, but the exercise can also improve our health.”

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.03.05 @ 17:34PST

Saturday, January 1st

The First Night

Penn Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh was alive and well during the first hours of 2005. The organizers did such a good job I was asked several times "where is Penn Avenue?," each time responding "this is Penn Avenue." The colorful costumes, laser lights, fire cans and lighted facades on the building were quite a show, especially for those who make it downtown once a year.

I noticed several new restaurants on Penn Avenue, plus a curious new violin shop for sales and repair. Many of the buildings have been converted to hotel or apartment use and the once neglected part of the center city is becoming its beating heart. Though empty storefronts certainly exist, for the evening they were filled with bands, displays and performances. These usually empty spaces are becoming fewer by the day, however as one of the premier arts districts in the country emerges.

A walk away from the Penn-Liberty corridor and most eateries were closed by the time I arrived around 6:30. The empty Lazarus-Macy's building was depressing, as was the Middle-Eastern restaurant, now dressing room at Penn and Seventh I had been excited to see, and then disappointed to try.

If things down there are measured by the Starbuck's Scale, that store seemed to be in it for the long-haul and kept hours at least until I left around nine. I can't imagine too many of these First-Night events are better than the one held each year in Pittsburgh.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 01.01.05 @ 11:13PST