THIS WEEK: Banning BRT; Union Square Main Streets

[Conwell, Lucas J.]

Hi all,

(1) First off, be sure to join us this Wednesday, 2/10, at 12pm in Eaton 202 for Banning Bus Rapid Transit with former Nashville mayor Karl Dean.  He’ll share his experiences working to build the “Amp" bus rapid transit line, which even procured $75 million in federal funding before the Tennessee state legislature effectively killed the project. The politics of this standoff are fascinating, because this is exactly the kind of fight between local and state governments happening across the country.  Bring your questions!

(2) Also, at our weekly meeting on Tuesday at 9pm at 72 Pro Row, we’ll be hosting Esther Hanig, executive director of Union Square Main Streets, who will discuss economic development in Union Square and how they’re planning for the Green Line Extension and the accompanying gentrification.  A great networking opportunity and also a chance to hear a different angle on the whole gentrification debate.

(3) Spring research trip: if you’re interested in going on the research trip to Toronto or Denver (TBD), please plan to stay for around 15 minutes after this week’s meeting to discuss more specifics.  For those of you who weren’t there last week, it’ll be a long weekend in the chosen city, and we’ll apply for grants from Tufts to fund individual research projects related to urban planning in some way.  Each person will be responsible for organizing their own project, but we’ll all be there to help each other and suggest ideas, so don’t let that intimidate you.  Come to the meeting to learn more!

 

(4) Providence excursion this weekend! Take advantage of the long weekend and join us for a day trip to check out Providence's revitalized downtown and waterfront on Monday (2/15).  More details to follow!