Obstruction or Opportunity? Environmentalists Sue to Stop Roads
Editor’s Note: Mark wrote this article a few years ago, however, it has relevance today as SACOG moves toward adoption of the new MTP for the Sacramento Region. Environmentalists recently filed suit to stop some of Sacramento’s federally funded highway projects. The precedent for this was a case that brought Atlanta’s federally funded road construction to a halt because the...
Read MoreShocking Health Statistics Call For Better City Planning
I read a lot of different reports and articles on walkability. I’ve seen lots of presentations from fantastic speakers on the connections between the obesity epidemic and our built environment, including by Richard Jackson, the former California Health Officer. I’ve seen him speak before, and I love how he just lays everything on the line and does not hold back for political...
Read MoreWhy High Density Housing Doesn’t Work (But Could)
When Sacramento’s new General Plan proposed an increase of high-density housing in the county, many real estate brokers and developers howled in protest. Apartment and condominium construction is virtually impossible to finance now. Also, developers are reluctant to take on the NIMBY protests about such projects. On the other hand, infrastructure and transportation costs—both...
Read MoreWhat is a Walkable Neighborhood: The Epiphany
When Eric invited me to become part of the Walkable Neighborhood network, I was honored, and when he asked me to write some articles, I was, again, honored. Then I sat down at the computer and … nothing. I was haunted by the same question, “what is a walkable neighborhood?� Of course there are the “rules� that determine a walkable neighborhood. However, living in...
Read MoreLoving Life in a Loft: A Valentine’s Day Tribute
Even as my four month anniversary approaches with my studio loft in downtown Sacramento, my honeymoon period is still well in tact as my love for all 547 square feet of it continues to grow each day. Like all relationships though, there is that list of daily annoyances that oddly seems to bring a smile to my face when I share these stories with friends and family. Despite the charm and suave...
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