House across the street last night.

4 Big Green Cans, 8 empty recycling bins.

Deliciously passive aggressive, within the letter of the guidelines, and totally ridiculous.

But mostly deliciously passive aggressive

Re: Dharma, I remember saying something similar about 1300 Southend Tavern a good long while ago, and it's still ticking along. Dharma has only just opened, it might take some time to find their footing.

Don't give anybody ideas. Next thing you know there will be a white van cruising around snatching up empty blue and green bins and selling them for $10 each on craigslist; FREE delivery in Providence with a minimum $40 purchase!

Behind the 7 Eleven on Atwells, across the street from the old GE plant, where the aluminum shelter with the graffiti American Flag on the side used to be. What is going on there?

...or money

Guess I haven't driven by there in a while. I'm guessing you're referring to what used to be the locations of a number of clubs and Curry's video. I'm not sure what was there originally. I think when I moved to NWA it was occupied by a number of clubs. But as I said earlier I haven't driven on that section of College Ave in a while to see if there's some remodeling being done. The only other thing I can think of is the remodeling of Ozark Natural Foods but that's a bit away from Maple St.

I noticed on a trip to Lowe's this past weekend that the corner space, which used to have an "Outdoor Living Center" sign on it had that sign replaced with a generic "Lowe's" sign. You could see the outline of the old sign on the building, even though it never got used. Also, the windows were plastered with Lowe's signs (similar to the way the windows at the Metropolitan's unoccupied spaced are).

This is probably a question for Conformity - Is Lowe's still planning on using this space or did they decide to keep everything in the main store? Will it be for lease as a separate retail store?

Redevelop all these damn plazas into a transit village with dense housing, office, and retail... sigh. What could be if their were any vision for it.

Maybe this has been discussed on here, but whats going on with the large building on College north of Maple Ave? Im guessing it use to be some type of large store because its a very large building.

We did get a sticker on our trash cans a few weeks ago that told of the upcoming program. But today there were letters stuck to almost every trash can on my street, and hardly any trash got picked up.

I've been aware of the community garden concept for a long time, but never gave it much thought until I heard a recent NPR segment on the topic. What caught my attention was the notion that churches often have some of the largest green spaces in urban areas. Also of interest to me in this report were the variety of approaches different people were taking to the operation of community gardens in these spaces.

As a council member of my local church, it struck me that we have a bunch of open space at our church that would be ideal for a large garden. Furthermore, there seem to be several ways we could approach a community garden:

1. We simply make garden space available to neighbors (probably not effective since our neighbors have adequate space and their economic need is not great enough).
2. We install the garden, church members perform all the necessary duties and we then arrange to provide the crops to local food banks or shelters (the "we do it all ourselves" option).
3. We install a garden and have our church elementary school students use it as both a curriculum opportunity and a community service experience ("we do it all ourselves" with an educational benefit).
4. We provide our space to a local organization who has experience with this kind of thing and who has the distribution infrastructure in place to achieve maximum efficacy (we provide the space and let "professionals" do it better than we can ourselves).

Or... maybe the answer is some sort of mix of the above?

I'd be very interested in any direct experiences or knowledge others can share on this subject. I think our congregation could be very interested in pursuing this concept but I also know that we could expend a ton of energy and fall way short of its potential if our execution is flawed from the start. There seem to be a lot of potential pitfalls if we don't do our homework: What crops are most needed by the demographic in need? Are there health department issues? How would the distribution model work? Are there any liability issues? And as a former Planning Commissioner, I have to wonder about zoning issues? and... what if we end up pursuing this in a way that nobody has ever done before in this area? I'd hate for an effort like this to fall prey to unforeseen resistance or bureaucratic complexity...

Eager to hear everyone's thoughts... and would love to find an "expert" or two who might be willing to explore this with us.
Thanks in advance!

Basically what I had done on the wiki.. there was one page called development summary, or something like that.. which is kinda what you have here (the main page for Nashville).. except with thumbnail images for each project listed, one on each line along with the floors, status, etc.

How about the city-wide map of projects? Wasn't there already something like this on UP?

I would never say "I'm going downtown" then head to Five Points. It is it's own unique destination to me. Plus, it is separated from downtown by residential streets, and so isn't contiguous. Perhaps for those who live in NE or Irmo, Five Points would be "downtown".

Rick Green changed his tune pretty quickly. My link I'm looking forward to hearing some feedback from those who attended last night.

I wonder how long it took someone with photoshop to come up with this previously unannounced "project" for Tower Investments....

Yeah, I never got the impression that Jordan was a big supporter of the trails even though they are a very green asset for the city and a lot of the work is done with grant money.

One of Jordan's pending accomplishments is land use planning to support light rail. This should be fascinating when it is presented. Land use planning to support light rail should include features such as increased density in the central part of town close to the existing rail corridor and discouraging sprawl out at the edges of town. That will mean infill and redevelopment in the central part of town, which Jordan and many of his supporters seem deadset against (it might block the view of Old Main and be seen above the horizon- both big no-no's in their books). So, with no growth in the central part of town and growth being discouraged out at the greenfield edges of town Fayetteville will be in for a no growth period and it's economy will suffer the consequences.

Sign out front of the Arkansas Capital Commerce Center announcing the replacement for the Vermillion. The owner is relocating her longtime restaurant/bar from Benton.

Well... they didn't.

It could have been such an iconic moment as well.. A brilliant spectacle towering over the playing field, with a national audience, illuminating the night sky. Could have happened with the singing of the National Anthem; the first Panther score; oe even during a halftime light show "Sponsored by Duke Energy"...

Alas, another blown opportunity by one of our esteemed Fortune 500 giants.

Anyone heard about "Project Cardinal?"

I was scouring through some NCDOT agendas and came across that one. It says it is an existing industrial company that is looking at doing a $148M expansion in Charlotte that will bring in an additional 190 employees initially (up to 650 within 5 years). It was on the NCDOT agenda because they will need additional rail access.

I think what he meant is that this project is central to both the Uptown and south Charlotte areas.

Virginia Beach extension FIRST!

Then Naval Station.

I wonder if they will turn the lights on Thursday night for the Panthers game. That would be a cool pre-game event if they had a count down for it right before kick off.

Here's an interesting fact from a local newspaper article-from January through October local real estate agents sold 4,703 homes valued at $764.14 million. This compared to 4,649 home sales worth $849.37 million in the same period last year. For the month of October sales were up 27% from a year ago.
These figures cover both Washington and Benton counties and don't include sales made without an agent. Granted some of that was the stimulus credit for first time home buyers but it is still positive news. Since the credit has been extended and expanded more sales growth should follow.

Forever 21 does have flagship stores called Forever XXI. I've been to one in NYC that was more like an H&M in atmosphere (granted, it was NYC). They are actually opening one in the old Virgin Megastore in Times Square. Maybe that's what this could be instead of the run-of-the-mill Forever 21? I don't know if the clothing quality is any better and have no idea whether this will be a Forever 21 or Forever XXI, but just thought I'd throw that out there.

I decided to venture to the other side of the mall on my lunch today and noticed that Geox is gone. Appears to be an art gallery now.

Ha! AT&T could double its 3G coverage and still be far behind Verizon. The country still is a sea of Verizon red with little slivers of blue here and there.

Virginia Beach extension FIRST!

Then Naval Station.

Thats exactly what I thought.

Art in Store Fronts has recently turned "empty" storefronts in the Tenderloin and central Market Street (5th to 8th) into temporary art establishments...

I love your photos about art of other people. The color and composition of your photos is art itself.

The first photograph of this post, with the homeless man wearing a green bandana, is masterful, in its composition, and meaningful content.

Take that Verizon.

Forever 21 at SouthPark? I hope not. I don't think they're a good fit for that market.

Poindexter & South Boulevard is over two miles from "The Square." I wouldn't call that "Uptown," but it is within the urban core of what I'd call "Central Charlotte."

...and if the WSJ is to be believed, Corporations are sitting on a great deal of cash these days; and investing in long term savings on overhead costs while the opportunity is at hand. is just smart business...

http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/midwest-electronics-retailer-leases-space-hampton-roads

HHGregg is opening a store in VA Beach in an old Linens and Things on VA Beach Blvd.

Still Norfolk is without a major electronics store.

The new brick knee walls are being removed. They were not installed per HPC guidelines - note the projection of the knee walls past the existing brick pilasters. This brick infill, if properly installed would have been recessed a few inches and been a lot less obnoxious. The knee walls were installed this way because the masons allegedly did not want (or said it was not possible) to cut a few bricks in the corner to avoid a sprinkler riser (which the building did not even require). So they ended up projecting the walls to avoid the riser in one isolated location and then the decision was made in the field to do all the walls this way.

I believe the plan is to remove the brick and replace it with an panelized system of wood or wood-like substance which will be painted.

Can you elaborate please? I'm not sure I fully understand.

We already have this actually. You can add a map in the More Info block for a project by following the instructions on embedding a map here:
http://www.urbanplan...ps-into-a-post/

You must've missed this part: "Block 2 - Planned 14 story office building on top of 6 stories of ground floor retail and a parking garage." 6+14=20. The entire structure will be 20 floors, Instead of the originally planned 22. This change happened all the way at the beginning of the year. That is a 2 story reduction and is hardly the end of days. There has been no reduction to aloft and there won't be considering they have already received financing for the building as is. As a matter of fact, The building on that lot was originally planned to be 6-stories. A little context and research would be a good idea before making such blanket statements...

OK I understand that part. But fill me in about the 6 story retail on ground floor.. I think there can only be one ground floor..lol.. Maybe 6 story retail ontop of a 14 story office tower which makes it qual at 20 stories.. but you cant have 6 story ground retail.. not sure if that is gonna look right. Is there any updated pictures of this tower.. and is it still going to be the gateway bank tower or B&M tower?. Bank and Market since its on the corner of Bank and Market Streets.. I surely Hope its the same exact rendering as before.. its a beautiful building for sure

The good thing about this development is that it's almost in the middle of uptown and south Charlotte where a lot of these people may work.

Interesting. I think it's good to know that this is a viable parcel for development (with the willingness of the owners to sell). I wonder if this actually will be related at all to Riverplace in the end? Nonetheless, it's a prime plot of land for a mixed-use midrise!

Browsing their awesome site. Looks like there's an awesome** contest to give away several multi-month memberships.

**I don't talk like that, but they do. Hey, a new drinking game!

Goes to show you the stark differences between the ACC and A10. That said, Charlotte will be lucky to make the NCAA tournament come year's end unless something changes on that front.

Will removing the viaduct have a major impact on the economy or quality of life in Hartford? I would have to say no. But it does need to be replaced, so it be should done in a thoughtful way. But as far as having any real effect on the city, no one has made that case, most effects will be minimal.

I have no problem with rigid expectation. However, if it remains unfulfilled, then excuses are no longer acceptable. Satisfaction typically requires that you must either demand change or lower your expectation.

welp, its gone. i got to watch them take it down, kinda cool.

i do hope this means something will happen sooner than later. i pass by here every day and its getting silly to look at half a grid with on-street parking in the middle of this giant field.

Hughes controls that entire block (River,Rhett, Camperdown)apparently.

The Wachovia brand will be phased out for Wells Fargo as they go through their merger. That has been well documented. North Carolina will likely be among the last to change over.

A couple posts up

An extension towards the naval base first does make sense, but I fear that if we don't pursue the beach line now we'll lose a lot of the momentum that's been gained over the past year. We need to do it now while there is still public support for transit at the beach. Public support, particularly in Va. Beach, can be a fickle thing.

They will have to be at a reasonable price point to succeed.

Anyone remember this one?
The Metropolitan

Well, instead of a failed condo project it's now going to be a power substation.

First, this is great (and surprising) news. I do hope this (and all other South End residential projects) succeed.

Second, Why? Vacancies in the submarket appear to be astronomical (based on the number of lights on). There is little visual evidence of absorption. A substantial overhang of (unexpected) rental space looms uptown. And there appears to be little possibility of entry level job growth from the bank(s). Given all that, who do they plan to rent to? And how would they convince a lender that this is a sensible risk?

I don't mean to be a recreationally pessimistic, I am just asking what I am missing.

It looks awful - I can't believe that this will be the finished product.

Haven't seen it mentioned here yet, but a new Jimmy John's looks just about ready to open on Monroe in the Brassworks building (north side of the building - ground floor). Seems a bit close to the one on Monroe Center, but I suppose that there are a lot of people that will find that location more convenient than dealing with the downtown spot. I think it will be a nice addition to the North Monroe area for sure.

On a personal note, I look out my office window directly at the new site, and it just makes me constantly want a #5 with banana peppers.

Good idea Hopefully this will get more user involvement, heh.

A few things i'd like to see, if possible..
* create/assign categories for different areas of a city, to better organize projects (downtown, midtown, etc)

* attach 'thumbnail images' that are shown on the main page for a city (in the list of all projects for that city)

* map intergration - ability to insert a map into a project page, and also create a city map that has clickable links to project pages within it

On Wednesday the planning organization reviewed a still-evolving computer model developed by a Virginia

Department of Transportation consultant to evaluate and rate projects. VDOT is paying the consultant, Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc., $150,000 for the work.

The model, based on similar models used in other states, ranks projects on criteria that include congestion, safety, cost-effectiveness, land-use compatibility, road condition, economic vitality and project viability.

A test was run using 43 projects. Separate rankings were developed for highway projects, bridge and tunnel projects, and transit projects. Expanding light rail to Norfolk Naval Station came out on top among transit projects, with a Virginia Beach light-rail extension second.

So why not expect that to start now?

Wow, so the Block 2 building where the Virginian Pilot building is, They downgraded from 24 stories to 22 stories to 20 to 14 stories. So long for the va beach skyline.. a 14 story Office tower?.. what the hell.. I wonder if the Aloft Hotel/Apartments will still be at 15 stories. or is that down grading to 5 stories..LOL.. I understand the downturn in the economy. but what are they thinking.. 14 story office tower.

I'm sure most of you are aware that the daytime TV soap show 'As The World Turns' recently shot a few scenes in Greenville. Below is a video of a portion of an episode with the Greenville-Pickens Speedway (0:38) and Falls Park on the Reedy (5:20). A large poster of a recent G Magazine cover also made an appearance in the show (3:37).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyEn6cMgAwY

but why do we need a tunnel?

tunnels are dark, and dark places scare me. what can happen?

The mayor isn't any better. He needs to grow a pair too.

The likelihood of Simon acquiring what is pretty much the third or fourth most popular mall in the Triad is low, but not out of the question. There are still three relatively strong anchors at this point, and a decent amount of typical mall stores. The greater likelihood is a repurchase by Koury to shore up their investment in the Sheraton Four Seasons.

About the actual apartments, it will be 335 units on about 4.8 acres. Their will be a curb cut to access the wrapped parking deck from both South, and either Poindexter or the new driveway that Pepsi is building. I'm 99% certain there is no retail.

So....I assume what is going on based on the extensive grading, is that both projects (Poindexter extension and the apartments) will be starting in the next couple of months.

Hope that helps

Frankly, it would be as simple as changing the zoning so that parking was no longer a conforming use downtown, or instituting a tax on it. However, that will never happen because Joey P owns most of the lots. Let me tell you a story about him.

A few years ago, when he bought the Cranston Street trolley barn, a friend of mine had her letter to the editor of the Providence Journal published in the paper, where she talked about his pattern of knocking down buildings for temporary parking which becomes permanent, and how the trolley barn would fall soon if nothing was done to stop it. Shortly after that, she got a phone call from him at 6:30 A.M. on a Saturday, during which he said that "if she doesn't like it, then she should get the governor to get his ass down here, and move the state police barracks into my building", and hung up. It came down, predictably, after suffering a period of neglect.

Zoning will never change because Joey will put a hit out on every member of city council, or at least ruin every one of their careers personally (that is, if they're not already in on it themselves). It sounds like a cartoonish and antiquated story, but it's the truth, and I certainly don't blame a single one of them for being scared of him. Until someone's willing to take a bullet, we'll just have to wait around until he and his thugs are gone by attrition. They're the ones who are really running the city, not the mayor.

On the issue of pedestrian connectivity -- the on-and-off ramps at 44th & 96 have been being worked on. They seem to be finished, and I discovered that there are NO crosswalks -at all-, nor any pedestrian signals. I had to cross a 3/4 lane onramp using the traffic lights as a guide and hope that the light remained red long enough for me to get across.

Beaten trails in the grass leading up to the overpass showed a demand for pedestrian access, but it is not provided. I then had to walk on a 3-foot shoulder along this realistically 50mph road over the bridge because no sidewalk is provided anywhere, and then cross another lane of traffic with no crosswalk or signal.

Other non-motorized trips are difficult to measure due to
lack of data. People are walking and biking but who are they? Where are people going
and what is the purpose of their trips? Related to that, are there amenities available to
serve those who prefer to walk? If not, would the availability of amenities encourage
more walking trips?
These questions are tough to answer except through anecdotal evidence. Within the
Grand Valley Metro Council Transportation Planning Process, comments are received
addressing the need for non-motorized facilities in busy commercial and residential areas.
The provision of connected non-motorized facilities or an integrated network of facilities
has also been cited as a priority in transportation surveys distributed by the Metro
Council.

Haven't you heard of the infamous evil plot to takeover the world starting with small pocket parks in medium sized cities? It's all over the Internets...

Joe

Ok.......it took a bit of digging but I have the complete answer for you.

In October, Pepsi sold the parcel just to the north of the Colonial apartment site to Colonial Properties. Colonial then subdivided the parcel, and sold the land back to Pepsi minus the portion that will be required for the Poindexter St extension (which Colonial Properties will build and then turn the street over to the city). Pepsi then granted Colonial Properties an easement for construction staging and utilites on that parcel.

The easement is valid assuming construction commences on the Poindexter extension and the Colonial South End apartment project by April 5, 2010.

In case you are wondering why Pepsi bought back the portion NORTH of the future Poindexter extenion which is disconnected from their bottling plant, the plan is for there to be a driveway connecting them that will go between the LRT tracks and future apartments. The parcel north of Poindexter will be used for Pepsi truck parking.

About the actual apartments, it will be 335 units on about 4.8 acres. Their will be a curb cut to access the wrapped parking deck from both South, and either Poindexter or the new driveway that Pepsi is building. I'm 99% certain there is no retail.

So....I assume what is going on based on the extensive grading, is that both projects (Poindexter extension and the apartments) will be starting in the next couple of months.

Hope that helps

Work continues at the South and Remount location. Anyone have news as to what's going on? Is Silos back on? Is it Colonial that's moving forward?

What do you guys think of the new exterior? It's kinda cool with the old painted ads on the brick, but I'm not sure on the mis-matched new brick so much. I thought they'd do something to tie them together a bit more.

When someone knows for a fact that Apple is coming to Greenville, please let us know.

That was more like a nightmare. I didn't expect to win, but I wasn't expecting a humiliating crushing defeat either. I figured it'd be something in the neighborhood of a 15-20 point loss.

I don't think Jordan has done a single thing with the trail system. Coody pushed for it and since Jordan's election I'm pretty sure all the hard work that's been put into it since has been the Trail Coordinator, Matt Mihalevich. He's the one who has to deal with the property owners. He's the one who has to apply for the grant money. He's also the one who helps design the new trails being put in. I could be wrong but I don't think Jordan has any effect whatsoever on the trail system. So I don't he's being 'distracted' by the trail system.

That would make sense that they did a soft launch. I can't imagine them dealing with the crush that is sure to happen this coming weekend.

Anyone planning to attend the input session tonight? I wish I could go to present my plan , but I won't be getting out of work in time.