This week's cold weather brings back fond memories of a trip I made to Mexico City last month to get an up-close look at Bus Rapid Transit. Riding BRT is a surreal experience: You're traveling through congested city streets, but it feels like you're on a train. Traffic is a nonissue because the bus has its own dedicated lane and gets priority at intersections. And because you pay before you get on, there's no endless idling at crowded stops while riders pay.
There's more to BRT than a nice ride. While the Mexico City system is relatively new, early analysis shows that it has already led to reductions in driving, congestion, accidents, and significant improvements in air quality. BRT works well and has a big impact in the dense urban core of Mexico City, but what would it mean for urban centers like Springfield and Worcester? To help answer this question, we should to take a hard look at Cleveland, where there's been significant reinvestment in depopulated neighborhoods along a new BRT corridor.
But for me, the most immediate takeaway from Mexico City had less to do with the infrastructure itself and more to do with the talent behind it. Our guides from ITDP and the community leaders to whom we were introduced radiated energy for new ways of thinking about urban mobility. Gateway Cities concerned with placemaking generally and reinventing transit in particular need to find residents with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for transportation and empower them. There are two openings right on the horizon: the RTA service planning efforts getting underway, as required by last summer's transportation revenue legislation, and the new Active Streets grant program, which is funded in the transportation bond bill making its way through the legislature. Gateway Cities should make the most of these opportunities to kindle the fire of passionate transportation advocates.
- Ben Forman
HOUSING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The New York Times reports on the Federal Reserve Bank's Working Cities Challenge and the growing recognition that midsize cities are crucial to the nation's long term growth. MassINC blogs on political takeaways from the Working Cities Challenge on Blue Mass Group.
Fall River becomes the latest Gateway City to receive DHCD approval from for a housing development zone. Projects that fall within housing development zones are eligible for the market-rate housing HDIP tax credit. While at least 8 Gateway Cities have established such zones, data show just two projects have received approval for funding. These two awards represent a small fraction of the state's $5 million annual allotment for market-rate housing.
In Fall River, the City Council hears two proposals on the redevelopment of Wixon Elementary School into a mixed-use property to create jobs for the community while maintaining its historic architecture.
In the wake of the fire that burned the Merrimac Paper Co. to the ground last week, Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera speaks to the economic potential of old mill buildings throughout the city.
EDUCATION
Gov. Patrick announces plans for youth summer jobs, including a $2 million increase to the YouthWorks program, bringing its total to $12 million, in his FY 15 budget recommendations.
Teach for America announces plans for an April Gateway Cities Summit in Lawrence.
At a school in Revere, Gov. Patrick signed an executive order creating a task force on school safety, the Item reports.
The Worcester Polytechnic Institute names former NASA Administrator Laurie Leshin as its 16th president. Leshin is the first woman president in WPI's 150-year history.
Schools in Chicopee are using new technology to engage students and provide instant feedback to both teachers and students.
Barnstable schools confront the problem of mental health issues that hinder children's ability to cope in group settings.
CREATIVE PLACEMAKING
In a piece titled "The Real-Estate Artist", the New Yorker profiles Theaster Gates, a leading creative placemaker out of Chicago. The article speaks to the passion creative placemakers bring to reinventing cities. If you're looking for an inspirational read, it doesn't get much better than this one.
MassCreative issues a call to action after the Governor's budget reduces support for the Massachusetts Cultural Council: "25 years ago, the state invested $27 million in the creative community; 10 years ago that investment was $19 million. Today, it stands at $11.1 million. Join us as we urge lawmakers to increase the current Massachusetts Cultural Council budget by $5 million to bring it to $16.1 million."
Springfield celebrates a new state-designated cultural district.
The Women's Fund in New Bedford is spotlighting local artists with a program focused on "art, community, music, and giving."
The Worcester Arts Council awards grants to 40 local artists, organizations, and educational institutions focused on community and economic development.
TRANSPORTATION
The CharlieCard is coming to Pittsfield. The Berkshire Regional Transportation Authority is rolling out the electronic ticketing system used by the MBTA starting January 27.
In Worcester, the old Route 9 bridge over Lake Quinsigamond will be demolished as part of a project to add a third lane to Route 9.
The EPA releases a critique of the Army Corps of Engineers report on South Coast Rail, saying there are still questions about the environmental impact before the agency can sign off on the project.
FROM ACADEMIA
Urban Education explores the "vexing paradoxes that characterize the recent fervor for school turnaround." Economic Development Quarterly looks at how to make tax incentive zones an effective tool for reducing unemployment in distressed neighborhoods.
ON BEACON HILL
The Joint Committee on Housing holds a public hearing next Tuesday featuring Senator Chandler's bill (S. 592) to promote innovation in public housing. The legislation would give up to ten local housing authorities relief from regulatory requirements to modernize and improve the operation of their facilities.
