Latest news with #DowntownRevitalization
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Windsor wants your input on Downtown Revitalization
The City of Windsor is looking for your feedback on the Downtown Revitalization plan. Residents, business owners, service providers, and visitors alike are asked to fill out a survey, offering their opinion. This is for the city to see the impact of the first year of implementation. The survey will be available from Aug. 8 until Sept. 4. It will have the same questions that were used in the original consultation process from 2023, measuring the changes in public sentiment, engagement, perceptions of safety, and overall impression. Here is what the city has done so far in the downtown core: Added 12 new police officers dedicated to the downtown core and increased Windsor police presence in the City Centre Patrol Team Extended hours and services at the Homelessness and Housing Help Hub Expanded mental health support offered by Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Various downtown events and initiatives to attract residents and visitors Launched the Glutton street sweeper and installed lockable garbage bins and other waste bins to improve cleanliness Held the grand opening of Legacy Beacon and City Hall Square Hired a dedicated By-Law Property Standards Enforcement Lead for the downtown core Launched the Vacant Home Tax Program, looking to increase housing supply and reduce vacancy rates Installed decorative lighting on Ouellette Avenue Made enhancements to the Pelissier Street Parking Garage, like themed levels and a mural, which will be unveiled next month Launched the Housing Solutions Made for Windsor Expressions of Interest for the Pelissier Street parking lot and Caron Avenue parking lot Opened several downtown businesses If you would like to participate in the survey, it is available here. All responses will be anonymous and you are encouraged to be honest with your feedback.
Forbes
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Initial Public Art Commissions Announced For Pittsburgh's New Arts Landing
Arts Landing Pittsburgh, Aerial View. Rendering by Field Operations courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Pittsburgh Cultural Trust More than a half million people are expected to descend upon Pittsburgh April 23-25, 2026, for the National Football League Draft, its annual selection of new players from the college ranks. A new public park for Pittsburgh will also be debuting next April to greet the huge crowds. Arts Landing is a four-acre, outdoor civic space envisioned by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust centered in the city's Cultural District, a 14-block area in the heart of downtown. The $31 million park plays a key role in Pittsburgh's Downtown Revitalization Vision announced last year. That is a joint effort between city, county, state, private, and non-profit interests committing more than $600 million over the next 10 years to rejuvenate downtown. Arts Landing's signature feature will be a one-acre Great Lawn and band shell facing the Allegheny River with sweeping views of two of the Three Sisters Bridges. Arts Landing will feature a Garden Walk, converting one block of 8th Street between Fort Duquesne Boulevard and Penn Avenue from car traffic to a tree-lined pedestrian walkway. It will create the first playground downtown along with a multi-use recreation area. The footprint previously housed the city's red-light district and prior to groundbreaking in April of 2025 was parking lots. It is being designed by Field Operations, the landscape architecture firm best known for its work on New York's High Line, arguably America's most influential and transformative public outdoor redevelopment project of the last half century. Arts Landing will be free and open to the public. There will be public restrooms. Festivals and performances. And, of course, art. Public art. 'What we're introducing in Arts Landing with this public art program is something that Pittsburgh hasn't had before,' Anastasia James, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Director of Galleries & Public Art, told 'It is a rotating, multi-year, public art platform on a civic scale. This isn't a one-time installation, this isn't a standalone commission, it's a sustained, evolving platform that will bring new works into public life, and as such, fills a gap in our region's cultural infrastructure.' Art For Pittsburgh, By Pittsburgh Today, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announced the first wave of public art projects which will be debuting at Arts Landing along with the park itself during the 2026 NFL Draft. The inaugural exhibition will foreground artists of global renown with strong ties to the region. 'Very early on, it became apparent to me that it was important that the inaugural presentation feature artists with strong ties to our region and to the city of Pittsburgh, artists who understand the city and whose practices reflect the complexities of our region,' James said. 'I came up through the Pittsburgh arts ecosystem myself, so I know firsthand the extraordinary talent that exists within our city. We always mention Andy Warhol as that genius who came from Pittsburgh, but there are so many more people that deserve to be spoken about with that kind of reverence.' Yes, Andy Warhol–Andrew Warhola, Jr.–was born and raised in Pittsburgh. Now, however, is the time for other Pittsburghers, like international contemporary art superstar vanessa german, who moved to Pittsburgh in 2000, to shine. People like Pittsburgh-based painter, sculptor, and illustrator Darian Johnson. People like the Pittsburgh-based duo Lenka Clayton and Phillip Andrew Lewis who have collaborated on major public commissions nationally. Multimedia artist, filmmaker, engineer, and Fulbright Scholar Mikael Owunna, who also serves as President of the City of Pittsburgh's Public Art & Civic Design Commission. Pittsburgh-based multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker Shikeith. Pittsburgh-based multidisciplinary artist John Peña. A partial list of artists selected for Arts Landing's first round of commissions. Collectively, these projects will ensure that Arts Landing is not only a landmark for public art in Pittsburgh, but also a platform for advancing the careers of artists with deep regional connections, amplifying their work on the global stage. 'People will be excited to see their own represented on a scale like this and in a civic space. I'm hopeful that it's not only for locals, though, that it's for people traveling to the city,' James said. 'Maybe it becomes a destination where people visit the park, and maybe they've seen vanessa german's work in New York, or they've seen Thaddeus Mosley's work, and they learn this person was from Pittsburgh, they have a deeper understanding of how their work can resonate because of its connection to place.' As divergent as the newly commissioned artworks are in scale and medium and subject, they are connected by place. By Pittsburgh. 'One thing that emerged as I've been working with (the artists), was this collective impulse to honor history, to honor the past while imagining a new future. It's because each of them has this deep relationship –whether it's personal or whether it's professional–to the region, their works really do reflect that, both materially, but also conceptually,' James explained. 'Together, the works speak of the city's ongoing evolution and the diverse communities that continue to shape it. Not one of them has an identical story of how they are tied to Pittsburgh, but there's this collective passion about engaging with the city that that I found exciting.' Thaddeus Mosley Thaddeus Mosley, 'Gate III,' 2022. Bronze. Presented by Public Art Fund as a part of 'Thaddeus Mosley: Touching the Earth' at City Hall Park, New York City, June 3, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025. Nicholas Knight, courtesy of Public Art Fund, NY. Arts Landing will additionally highlight works by Pittsburgh's greatest living artist, Thaddeus Mosley, in celebration of his 100th birthday in July 2026. 'Thaddeus Mosley is Pittsburgh,' James said. 'I don't think you could define a more Pittsburgh artist. Both his life and work embody the resourcefulness that I feel defines Pittsburgh.' For more than six decades, Mosely's work has revolved around carving sculptures from fallen trees in the region. 'When you look into his biography, he, like our city, has weathered transformation after transformation, but he's remained deeply rooted. His commitment to staying in Pittsburgh has become a powerful counter narrative, especially for artists who have left, and offers this invitation for people to come back,' James explained. 'He also represents this Rust Belt Modernism that's helped define Pittsburgh's artistic identity, again, not through just what he's made, but also how he's made it. He's one of the most humble and appreciative artists I've ever worked with and I think that carries into the way that he treats his material and his respect for his hometown.' Rust Belt Modernism. That's a cool moniker. What does James mean by that? 'When I'm thinking about Mosely's work, (Rust Belt Modernism) really ties into the story of his practice over the decades, his resilience, his dedication to material and to craft, but also bringing that urban edge to it,' she explained. 'One of the most amazing things about the sculptures that we're showing at Arts Landing is that while Moseley is known for these monumental wood sculptures, the sculptures we're presenting with Public Art Fund are all bronze, but they're so realistic, they almost feel like wood. It's transforming this natural material into this industrial material, which I think brings another exciting aspect to his work and another layer for people to engage with.' Like coal into steel, the industrial material derived from a natural material that gives Pittsburgh–the Steel City–its globally recognized nickname. Everyone in Pittsburgh gets that. 'We exhibited a number of his bronzes last year and I always like to see how the public engages with the work. One day some steel workers walked by, and they were fascinated by the material,' James remembers. 'We had this amazing conversation about how the works were actually created. It was amazing to me that people could connect with these (sculptures) on a material level, that is very much connected to the way that they work with their hands and the way that they've experienced the industrial (legacy) of our city.' Mosely exhibits a lasting commitment to honoring both material and place. Installed outdoors at Arts Landing, Touching the Earth invites viewers to encounter Mosley's work in direct relationship to the city and landscape that has long inspired him. 'Public Art Is Essential' Colorful buildings of Randyland art museum in Mexican War Streets district in Pittsburgh's Northside. Pennsylvania, USA getty Since 1984, the non-profit Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has worked to make the Steel City a place where the arts can flourish, focusing on the Cultural District. That Cultural District now represents a national model for how the arts can play a pivotal role in urban revitalization. The arts in conjunction with green space, public space, open space, recreation, and relaxation at Arts Landing. Shade and beautification. Somewhere to sit and something to look at. Something to think about. A place to gather, to host markets and performances, free of charge, where all are welcome, every day of the year. At a fraction of the cost of big sports stadiums or convention centers. 'The big picture objective is both simple, and ambitious. It's to create this dynamic, sustainable, evolving platform for artists to engage with the civic space in downtown, but also position Pittsburgh as a vital site for contemporary public art,' James explained of Arts Landing. 'One thing we're doing as the program evolves is beginning to establish partnerships with major public art organizations across the country, like we are with Public Art Fund for the opening of Arts Landing, which will help position Pittsburgh within this global network of cities where public art is not only supported, but it's really an essential part of civic life.' Not an amenity. Essential. Like clean air, clean water, parks, and public transportation. 'Public art is essential, perhaps now more than ever, because it has the potential, when done well, to embody the spirit of a city and to mark everyday lives with meaning when they encounter it,' James said. 'I've been thinking about monuments. What are monuments? Not only as commemorations of the past, but markers of the present. If you think about it, public art, whether it's temporary or permanent, is a kind of monument into the moment of which it was made. So, the art that we're creating now will tell future viewers what we chose to elevate, to question, to remember, and in that way, it becomes this cultural memory in the making.' The inaugural commissions James has chosen for Arts Landing elevate diversity race, gender, nationality, background, medium–while simultaneously centering Pittsburgh, exemplifying how Pittsburgh can remain authentic to itself without compromising wider, global ambitions or interest. 'In cities like Pittsburgh, in these post-industrial Rust Belt cities which are still evolving through industrial change, public art can play a crucial role in creating space for people to stop and to reflect on both the past and to think about transformation and imagine what those futures could look like,' James said. 'I think more so than architecture, more so than paintings and galleries, public art has that ability to engage with the public in a more meaningful way.' More From Forbes Forbes New Mayor Paul Young Putting Arts And Culture To Work For Memphis By Chadd Scott Forbes Hometown Hero Raymond Saunders Honored At Carnegie Museum Of Art In Pittsburgh By Chadd Scott
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City's west side marina project still in search of funding
Conversations about improvements to the west side of the city eventually mention the construction of a 'West Side Marina' on the canal near the Stevens Street bridge. Officially known as the Lockport Heritage Harbor Project, the plan to develop boat slips closer to downtown was part of a state economic development initiative in 2019. A boat launch and parking area already exists between the Genesee Street and Stevens Street bridges. Following a driveway off of West Genesee Street, along the side of Reid Petroleum, reveals the extensive graveled area where vehicles with boat trailers can easily maneuver and unload. Mark Devine, 3rd Ward alderman, said that when the city was working on the Downtown Revitalization Plan, he championed harbor development at the location, which was outside the downtown's official boundary. 'I was very, very adamant about putting in the marina down there,' he said. 'It could bring in people from Lake Erie and any of the Great Lakes. I don't know what happened. All of a sudden, that project got dropped.' The Lockport Heritage Harbor Project is officially in 'deferment,' said Jackie Schillinger, senior communications strategy manager for the New York State Canal Corp. The project was part of the state's Reimagine the Canals Initiative, Schillinger said. 'We were looking at projects across the canal system,' she said. 'The purpose was to make infrastructure more resilient to climate change, increase tourism, and provide economic development.' Devine recalled that the project was to include eight to 10 docks. 'It wasn't going to be like North Tonawanda, but it was going to be substantial enough,' he said. 'They just wanted to get something in there that they could expand on in the future. This was so that people didn't have to go through the locks, but they could hang out in Lockport. It takes a lot of time to go through the locks.' The Lockport Heritage Harbor Project entered the initial development stage with the canal corporation, and Schillinger said a scope of work was developed, 30% of the design was completed, and initial soil borings were collected. Schillinger said that preliminary work identified that 'the terminal wall of the site has significant needs,' referring to the reinforced canal bank that runs the entire length of the current parking area. Estimates made last year identified costs of at least $8 million, she said. Due to budgetary pressures, Schillinger said the canal corporation reviewed Reimagine the Canals to see which projects could be deferred, and the marina on the west side was put on hold. 'We have been working with sister agencies to identify outside sources of funding,' she said. 'As those are secured, the project will advance to additional design phases.' She said the canal corporation had explored funding for the project through New York's Department of State, Department of Conservation, Empire State Development Corp., and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Vicki Smith, director of planning and development for the Greater Lockport Development Corp., did not respond to a question about whether the GLDC was involved in seeking funds for the project. 'It's going to be a great project,' said Dave Kinyon, chairman of the Lockport Locks Heritage District. 'We just hope that it happens sooner rather than later. It's very much needed.' Kinyon said boaters have told him that Wide Waters Marina is disconnected from the city's amenities. 'The harbor project will make Lockport a much more attractive place for boaters,' he said. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
TNT Editorial Board endorsement: Tacoma City Council Position 6 (at-Large)
Tacoma's City Council has an open seat this year, and the whole city has a vote. Position 6, an at-large seat on the council, has six contenders in this primary election. The News Tribune Editorial Board sat down with them all for a group interview. With so many candidates to choose from, the board compared notes and found things to admire and critique about all of them. But one candidate managed to get all of our attention. That was Jessica Johnston, a resident of Hilltop who's active in the business community. Her involvement in revitalizing downtown would be an asset. Johnston, 44, is vice president of the Downtown Tacoma Partnership, a chair of the City of Tacoma's Events & Recognition Committee and ambassador for the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. She's also a director of Court House Square downtown, and property manager for the KSP Buildings on Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Hilltop. Johnston's focus goes beyond the basic interests of the downtown business community. She lists public safety, economic development with equity, and mental health and addiction services as her top three on a long list of issues she'd like to address. The approach combines a focus on revitalizing the city's businesses and neighborhoods with a desire to help people struggling with homelessness and other issues to stabilize their lives. She spoke credibly on specific policy ideas for improving downtown Tacoma, like bringing city employees back to the office and increased communication between Tacoma Police Department and the Downtown Tacoma Partnership safety team. It's true that Johnston's work has focused on downtown, and an at-large seat calls for a candidate who can represent the whole city's interests. Still, it's a point in her favor that she's in touch with the needs of a neighborhood that in many ways is the face of Tacoma. It's also a microcosm of the city's larger issues. Other notable contenders were Krista Perez, Latasha Palmer and Todd Briske. Perez, 39, boasts endorsements from Tacoma mayor Victoria Woodards, several sitting city council members, and Washington State house speaker Laurie Jinkins. Her experience in workforce development at the Washington State Department of Commerce is also noteworthy, giving her insight into programs that build job skills and help people earn higher wages. However, she talked about workforce development to the exclusion of other policy areas and didn't put forward a clear enough vision of what else will move the needle for housing affordability, homelessness and public safety in Tacoma. Palmer, 38, also names eye-catching endorsements, like city council member Jamika Scott, the Tacoma public school teacher's union and the Tacoma local of the grocery workers' union UFCW. She already works directly on many issues facing the people of Tacoma. Among other things, she works in community organizations to address housing access and to prevent the displacement of longtime residents as the Hilltop neighborhood sees improvements. That made it surprising that her policy ideas for these issues lacked specifics. And Briske, 45, impressed the editorial board with his passion for issues of housing affordability and road quality. While he's lacking in the experience or relationships some of the other candidates bring to the table, his genuine concern for Tacomans' quality of life was clear. He's not our pick for this city council position, but the board hopes he'll keep looking for opportunities for community involvement. Also running are Hunter Henderson and Lindsey Wills. Henderson, 36, lost the board when he said he would support mandatory services for people experiencing homelessness and addiction, a clear violation of individual rights. Wills, 37, who lists a career in local government permitting offices, focused primarily on making access to building permits easier for business and residential property owners. While it's an issue worth looking at, it's too small of a step to hang a campaign on. The News Tribune Editorial Board is: Laura Hautala, opinion editor; Stephanie Pedersen, TNT president and editor; Jim Walton, community representative; Justin Evans, community representative; Bart Hayes, community representative. Solve the daily Crossword
CTV News
25-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Sohi supports extension of downtown special tax program
Edmonton Watch Mayor Amarjeet Sohi says he supports a 10-year extension of the Downtown Community Revitalization Levy, which has funded a number of infrastructure projects over the years.
