Andy Hylton, LEED AP’s Post

"It will make you cry." - Stephanie Barber Geter. I was honored to meet and interview Stephanie Barber-Geter for my film "Buffalo: America's Best Designed City." (see an excerpt below) Mrs. Barber-Geter (1954-2024) was a "community pillar" for Buffalo - an original opponent of the destruction of Humboldt Parkway, and a tireless champion for restoring it. Eleven years ago, we released the film in which she appears, which now has 1.2+ million views. The film reminds Buffalo that it was once "the best-planned city in the world," and recounts how it later squandered that legacy in a series of tragic decisions: Buffalo rammed freeways through its one-of-a-kind world-class Olmsted parks; and for good measure, the city added a freeway all along the entire waterfront, cutting off downtown and historic neighborhoods from access to the Niagara River and Lake Erie. There really is only one path forward for Buffalo. It's especially obvious now that even the economic development experts (after so many failed silver bullet projects) have realized that the best economic development is actually #placemaking. Buffalo can easily reclaim its title as America's best-designed city - and it does not require some insanely expensive expenditure or innovative invention. The money and technology to fix it exist right now. It is eminently doable. It simply requires removing the freeways. This is not even a radical proposal anymore. #FreewayRemoval has been done in cities all across America and around the world, and it has worked every time. Milwaukee, Seoul, San Francisco, Rochester, the list goes on. Stephanie Barber Geter spoke the truth. Hopefully, other civic leaders will finally rise up and call for the removal of freeways, the reconnection to the waterfront, and complete restoration of Olmsted's parks and parkways.

The latest proposed changes for the Bridge of Lions downtown intersection

It’s no secret that real estate development has long been dominated by a particular demographic, but despite undeniable talent, women and people of color remain underrepresented. The REDI program is a great first step toward building a more inclusive and equitable industry. The mentorship component of the program is invaluable. Our participants had the opportunity to learn directly from seasoned real estate professionals, gaining insight into the challenges and opportunities unique to our local community.  However, the core reason there is so little diversity in the real estate development industry can’t be ignored: access to equity and the ability to guarantee a loan. Municipalities, corporations, and banks need to come together to establish first-in catalytic funding commitments as well as pre-development funding sources.  Microsoft, Facebook, Google, Amazon, and Apple have all dedicated funds specifically to address housing. United Healthcare, Humana, and Blue Cross Blue Shield have dedicated funds to housing. Bank of America and Wells Fargo have dedicated grant funding as well as low-interest patient funds to support minority developers.  We, here in Northwest Arkansas, need to find local partners willing to do the same.

Highlighting Metroparks Toledo new Glass City Metropark

After City of Rochester , Ville de Paris 🧐😉 How remove an inner loop like a « périphérique » ? "When we were talking about this project a decade ago, it was in economic terms, pure benefit cost: Remove this highway, generate investment, benefits outweigh the costs by more than 2-to-1." Now, the conversation is "much more socially oriented. What impacts have these highways had on communities? What can be done to reverse that? How do we heal wounds and restore trust?" On top of a $75 million, 90,000-square-foot museum expansion completed last summer, 238 apartments, over 100 of which are for people making between 60% to 80% area median income, and 126-room Hampton Inn by Hilton hotel. Konar Properties Indus hospitality Anne Hidalgo Emmanuelle COSSE Jean-Philippe Dugoin-Clément Valérie Pécresse L'Institut Paris Region Région Île-de-France AORIF - L'Union sociale pour l'habitat d'Ile-de-France FPI IDF - Fédération des promoteurs immobiliers d'Île-de-France Pierre Bibet Julien PEMEZEC 🌲🌍 Bloomberg Bloomberg CityLab Bloomberg News LinkedIn Actualités Guillaume Voisard Vincent Lourier Yves-Marie Rolland Eric Tréguier L'Union des Architectes (Unsfa) Villes Vivantes Olivier Duparc Frédéric Ragueneau #architecture #urbanisme

I've read through this and these are the key points: City of Yes for Housing Opportunity 'A little more housing in every neighborhood' *Universal Affordability Preference (allows buildings to add 20% more housing if the units are affordable)* *Office to Residential Conversions initiative aims to revitalize office districts by transforming outdated commercial buildings into residential spaces, addressing both business needs and the housing crisis.* *Town Center Zoning will boost affordable housing by allowing new residences above businesses on commercial streets, enhancing accessibility to local shops, and fostering vibrant, mixed-use communities.* *Accessory Dwelling Units like backyard cottages, garage conversions, and basement apartments can create income for homeowners while maintaining the neighborhood's character. ADUs can also offer extra space for extended families.* *Transit-Oriented Development advocates for adding housing near public transit to enhance convenience, reduce car dependence, lower traffic congestion, and support environmental goals. It aims to legalize modest 3-5 story apartment buildings, particularly in areas well-served by public transit, such as on larger lots, wide streets, or corner locations. This approach addresses the current prohibitive regulations and aims to shorten commutes, thereby alleviating traffic and environmental issues.* *The City of Yes initiative proposes to streamline regulations, making it easier for campuses with unused space to construct new buildings. This development would not only provide housing solutions but also generate funds for campus repairs and new facilities, revitalizing community institutions and contributing to addressing the housing crisis.*

What We Could and Should Do with One Port Street...? Watch my short video here: https://lnkd.in/dgGGD_8N. One Port Street has the potential to become a spectacular waterfront retail and entertainment facility. Owned by Canada Lands, a federal government entity, this property could be transformed into Mississauga's number one attraction, drawing inspiration from successful developments like Granville Island in Vancouver or South Street Seaport in New York City. Imagine One Port Street as a bustling hub of activity, featuring a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It could host an event space for concerts, festivals, and community gatherings, along with a year-round farmers market showcasing local produce and artisanal goods. The waterfront location offers the perfect backdrop for outdoor dining, recreational activities, and scenic walking paths. So, what's holding us back? Why aren't we embracing big ideas for Mississauga's future? We need to challenge the status quo and prioritize ambitious, forward-thinking projects that reflect our city's potential. Let's adopt a bold vision for One Port Street and turn it into a landmark destination that everyone can enjoy and be proud of. It's time for Mississauga to dream big and deliver on those dreams. Vote for a BETTER Mississauga that thrives with creativity and innovation. Vote for a future where One Port Street becomes a symbol of our city's commitment to excellence and community spirit.

From our humble beginnings in my home two years ago to recently securing a new location around Millwork Commons and the NEW NORTH MAKERHOOD, our growth story is a testament to resilience, invaluable mentorship, and a robust support system. Thank you to Jeanette Weber for all of your assistance and the philanthropists and investors supporting the rehabilitation of the area. Entry Envy is overjoyed to be a part of it. The video below is a 2 minute time lapse of our renovated space. It's still a bit of a work in process, but I am darn proud of what we accomplished on a shoestring budget! I chose to do the project myself for the following reasons: 1) We’re still a “scrappy startup,” and investing in advertising and operations takes precedence over hiring contractors. 2) Because I can. 3) Engaging in construction projects offers me priceless productive mind time — space for creative and strategic thought. IYKYK. 4) There's an undeniable pleasure in the immediate satisfaction from accomplishing tangible projects. So much of our daily business operations span weeks and months to yield measurable results. Hand me a gallon of paint and a brush, and voilà! Muhammed Ali said, "If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough." I'm terrified everyday and at the same time, and I can't wait. Cheers to two years, new spaces, big dreams, and the next chapter! https://lnkd.in/gN6gdnNv

No matter your own personal family heritage, China Towns and similar cultural districts have been integral parts of the crazy quilt of America, beloved for the rich and colorful traditions, the amazing foods, and the beautiful art, architecture, and aesthetics passed down through generations of artistry, craftsmanship, and traditional cultural practices. These places are important to the beauty and diversity of our cities, and they deserve to be supported, celebrated, and preserved. They are American places and landscapes, American cultural groups and people, and a part of our collective American heritage. Please consider adding your name in support of preservation efforts. The link to the petition is within the following post and supporting article.

What's next for Yorkshire? We recently joined Place North to understand the plans for this region. Read our summary here