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Weighing Futures In The Central Northeast
Urbanism

Weighing Futures In The Central Northeast

Reversing car dependency, creating pedestrian scale on Cottman Avenue, increasing density and mixed-uses, and preserving Midcentury Modern commercial architecture are key features of the plan as it head toward its final form. Sandy Smith reports

With Both Expanding, Can Recreational And Industrial Uses Coexist On The Delaware?
Urbanism

With Both Expanding, Can Recreational And Industrial Uses Coexist On The Delaware?

Sandy Smith thinks through the issues as recreation and port activities come face to face along–and in–the Delaware

As Central Northeast District Plan Moves Forward, Cottman Avenue Becomes Focus
Urbanism

As Central Northeast District Plan Moves Forward, Cottman Avenue Becomes Focus

The Planning Commission’s Central Northeast District Plan should be ready for action in the spring, but in the meantime they’re engaging Northeast residents with meetings and workshops to guide their direction. Sandy Smith reports on last week’s which focused on Cottman Avenue, Northeast’s downtown

As The Zoning Code Turns One, A Reminder That Planning Is Political
Urbanism

As The Zoning Code Turns One, A Reminder That Planning Is Political

The first in our assessment of the new zoning code on its first anniversary, Sandy Smith explores the rewards and dangers of an inherently political process

On The Book Of Bacon: A Q&A With Greg Heller
Urbanism

On The Book Of Bacon: A Q&A With Greg Heller

Greg Heller’s biography of Ed Bacon—the first of its kind on the famous city planner—officially launches on Thursday with a reading and signing at the Center For Architecture. Sandy Smith sits down with Heller to discuss Bacon, his life, and his influence

The Green Grass Of The Middle Class
Urbanism

The Green Grass Of The Middle Class

Philadelphia, like all cities, is experiencing a decline of the middle class, which is why, argues Sandy Smith, we need to pay careful attention to the Northeast

The Schizophrenia Of Chestnut Street
Development

The Schizophrenia Of Chestnut Street

Ever since the Transitway tried its best to kill Chestnut Street, it’s been struggling with an identity crisis. Sandy Smith takes a look at some recent developments there and how they fit in with neighbors already there

Can We Undo 1954?
Urbanism

Can We Undo 1954?

As the Northeast’s car-centered suburban form wasn’t inevitable–it didn’t start out that way–Sandy Smith wonders if it can now be reversed. Upcoming work on the Central Northeast District Plan might be a place to start


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