Latest news with #urbanrevitalization
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Vancouver city council to vote on a car-free future for Granville Street
If Vancouver city council gives the go-ahead on Wednesday, Granville Street could one day resemble a mix of car-free Las Ramblas in Barcelona, with the live music of Nashville's Broadway, plus a touch of the bright lights of Tokyo's Shibuya pedestrian crossing. That is the 20-year vision for a striking new plan to revitalize the city's once-neon-lit grand old dame of a street, which has fallen on hard times. The plan, which envisions all of Granville eventually being car-free from the bridge over False Creek to Waterfront Station, could cost up to $140 million in 2025 dollars, according preliminary estimates in the report, which was two years in the making. 'Currently, the area faces challenges with vacant storefronts, lack of daytime activity, and rising health, safety and street-disorder concerns, contributing to a negative perception of the Granville Entertainment District,' the report states. The plan keys on three areas: The city centre (between Georgia and Smithe streets) with mixed-use residential developments including some of the city's tallest towers; the entertainment core (between Smithe and Davie streets), a hub of live music, theatres and restaurants; and the bridgehead (between Davie and Drake Streets) with a quieter mix of residential, local shops and cultural spaces. If approved, the plan eventually envisions the creation of a 'world-class destination public space gradually working toward a year-round shore-to-shore pedestrian zone.' Built around the time the city was founded, Granville soon became known as Theatre Row, and welcomed trolleys heading up and down. By the 1950s, it glowed with endless neon signs, and today is still home to icons such as the Orpheum Theatre and Commodore Ballroom. The plan's goal is to transform Granville into an arts, entertainment and cultural destination, with more restaurants and patios. That includes improving safety, live music, expanded hotel space, mixed-use residential (including tall towers 200 and 400 feet high, taller than previously allowed, near the Canada Line Station at Georgia), and single-room occupancy social housing. There are eight single-room accommodation buildings on Granville, the report states, containing about 600 rooms, many of them privately owned, which the city plans to replace with self-contained social housing. The preliminary estimated cost is between $90 million and $140 million. There is a proposed new plaza at Granville and Robson streets, which would be home giant digital billboards, like Manhattan's Times Square or Piccadilly Circus in London's West End, showing visual art and live-event screenings along with advertisements. At the moment, about 1,100 TransLink buses ply the corridor daily, carrying 21,000 passengers. Those would be shifted to adjacent Seymour and Howe streets, after those roads are upgraded. 'Granville Street, part of Vancouver's historic streetcar network, remains a busy transit corridor connecting key areas,' the report reads. 'The 2010 Winter Olympics marked a peak of activity, with significant changes including the introduction of the Canada Line and public realm improvements,' it says. 'Despite (today's) challenges, Granville Street has significant opportunities. 'The Granville Street plan will enhance the area's future for businesses, venues, visitors, and residents. The plan's vision aligns efforts across city departments, private property owners, and business and venue operators to transform Granville into a dynamic destination for culture, performance, and entertainment.' There will be regular reviews and updates to ensure the plan adapts to changing contexts, the report says. Before presenting the plan to council, the city held a dozen public workshops, held youth roundtables and public walking tours, received 5,700 completed surveys and heard 11,000 comments. The city also met with business and hospitality associations, arts and cultural organizations, social service providers, and public agencies such as B.C. Housing and TransLink. After the final round of engagement this past February, support for the vision was 76 per cent, the report says. gordmcintyre@ Farce in legislature as B.C. Conservatives seek a provincial election over a blurred Zoom call Vancouver teacher suspended after pup fetish identity, adult content discovered online If Vancouver city council gives the go-ahead on Wednesday, Granville Street could one day resemble a mix of car-free Las Ramblas in Barcelona, with the live music of Nashville's Broadway, plus a touch of the bright lights of Tokyo's Shibuya pedestrian crossing. That is the 20-year vision for a striking new plan to revitalize the city's once-neon-lit grand old dame of a street, which has fallen on hard times. The plan, which envisions all of Granville eventually being car-free from the bridge over False Creek to Waterfront Station, could cost up to $140 million in 2025 dollars, according preliminary estimates in the report, which was two years in the making. 'Currently, the area faces challenges with vacant storefronts, lack of daytime activity, and rising health, safety and street-disorder concerns, contributing to a negative perception of the Granville Entertainment District,' the report states. The plan keys on three areas: The city centre (between Georgia and Smithe streets) with mixed-use residential developments including some of the city's tallest towers; the entertainment core (between Smithe and Davie streets), a hub of live music, theatres and restaurants; and the bridgehead (between Davie and Drake Streets) with a quieter mix of residential, local shops and cultural spaces. If approved, the plan eventually envisions the creation of a 'world-class destination public space gradually working toward a year-round shore-to-shore pedestrian zone.' Built around the time the city was founded, Granville soon became known as Theatre Row, and welcomed trolleys heading up and down. By the 1950s, it glowed with endless neon signs, and today is still home to icons such as the Orpheum Theatre and Commodore Ballroom. The plan's goal is to transform Granville into an arts, entertainment and cultural destination, with more restaurants and patios. That includes improving safety, live music, expanded hotel space, mixed-use residential (including tall towers 200 and 400 feet high, taller than previously allowed, near the Canada Line Station at Georgia), and single-room occupancy social housing. There are eight single-room accommodation buildings on Granville, the report states, containing about 600 rooms, many of them privately owned, which the city plans to replace with self-contained social housing. The preliminary estimated cost is between $90 million and $140 million. There is a proposed new plaza at Granville and Robson streets, which would be home giant digital billboards, like Manhattan's Times Square or Piccadilly Circus in London's West End, showing visual art and live-event screenings along with advertisements. At the moment, about 1,100 TransLink buses ply the corridor daily, carrying 21,000 passengers. Those would be shifted to adjacent Seymour and Howe streets, after those roads are upgraded. 'Granville Street, part of Vancouver's historic streetcar network, remains a busy transit corridor connecting key areas,' the report reads. 'The 2010 Winter Olympics marked a peak of activity, with significant changes including the introduction of the Canada Line and public realm improvements,' it says. 'Despite (today's) challenges, Granville Street has significant opportunities. 'The Granville Street plan will enhance the area's future for businesses, venues, visitors, and residents. The plan's vision aligns efforts across city departments, private property owners, and business and venue operators to transform Granville into a dynamic destination for culture, performance, and entertainment.' There will be regular reviews and updates to ensure the plan adapts to changing contexts, the report says. Before presenting the plan to council, the city held a dozen public workshops, held youth roundtables and public walking tours, received 5,700 completed surveys and heard 11,000 comments. The city also met with business and hospitality associations, arts and cultural organizations, social service providers, and public agencies such as B.C. Housing and TransLink. After the final round of engagement this past February, support for the vision was 76 per cent, the report says.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Mark Cuban, Wyclef Jean to headline Global Citizen's first Detroit summit on the future of cities
Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban, Grammy-winning musician Wyclef Jean of the Fugees and James Beard Award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson will headline Global Citizen's summer conference on urban revitalization in Detroit, the international anti-poverty nonprofit announced Thursday. Global Citizen is bringing its conference series to a U.S. location outside New York for the first time — and, with Detroit as its host, to a place not-so-long-ago considered the poster child for urban blight as the auto industry's decline pushed the midwestern city toward bankruptcy. The July 10 summit promises to drive commitments to sustainable development amid population shifts and technological advancements that are disrupting cities worldwide. "That's such an important priority for me and for the organization because that's a place that's analyzing the future of cities. And what do cities mean and how do we invest in cities?" Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans told the Associated Press last month. "So, Global Citizen NOW: Detroit is going to be a huge part of our strategy." The nonprofit aims to spotlight Detroit as an example of how investments in young adults spur economic prosperity, accessible infrastructure and food security. Presenting the conference is Bedrock, a real estate firm at the forefront of Detroit's redevelopment that's been buying up properties downtown and renovating many of them for years. With its blend of media personalities, athletes and artists, this edition resembles previous lineups that sought to rally audiences against poverty through recognizable cultural figures. It's also key to Evans' goal of growing the movement to 50 million "global citizens" taking the platform's recommended actions by 2029. Global Citizen is expanding its footprint this year with additional sessions scheduled in Brazil, Spain and South Africa. Before the conference, Global Citizen plans a July 8 community service event around food access and youth empowerment as well as a free block party promoting Detroit nonprofits. The week's programming will end with live music at Jack White's Third Man Records, intended to celebrate what Global Citizen called "Detroit's rich musical legacy and the power of culture to drive social change." The city's contributions include the mainstream success of Motown Records, techno music, rap artists such as Eminem and a garage rock scene that birthed the White Stripes. Jean noted the city's pulse is "unmatched when it comes to music." "This ain't just about shining a light, it's about walking hand in hand with each other to get out the dark times," Jean said in a statement. "Real issues, real voices, real change."
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Mark Cuban and Wyclef Jean to headline Global Citizen's first Detroit summit on the future of cities
Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban, Grammy-winning musician Wyclef Jean of the Fugees and James Beard Award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson will headline Global Citizen 's summer conference on urban revitalization in Detroit, the international anti-poverty nonprofit announced Thursday. Global Citizen is bringing its conference series to a U.S. location outside New York for the first time — and, with Detroit as its host, to a place not-so-long-ago considered the poster child for urban blight as the auto industry's decline pushed the midwestern city toward bankruptcy. The July 10 summit promises to drive commitments to sustainable development amid population shifts and technological advancements that are disrupting cities worldwide. 'That's such an important priority for me and for the organization because that's a place that's analyzing the future of cities. And what do cities mean and how do we invest in cities?' Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans told the Associated Press last month. "So, Global Citizen NOW: Detroit is going to be a huge part of our strategy.' The nonprofit aims to spotlight Detroit as an example of how investments in young adults spur economic prosperity, accessible infrastructure and food security. Presenting the conference is Bedrock, a real estate firm at the forefront of Detroit's redevelopment that's been buying up properties downtown and renovating many of them for years. With its blend of media personalities, athletes and artists, this edition resembles previous lineups that sought to rally audiences against poverty through recognizable cultural figures. It's also key to Evans' goal of growing the movement to 50 million 'global citizens' taking the platform's recommended actions by 2029. Global Citizen is expanding its footprint this year with additional sessions scheduled in Brazil, Spain and South Africa. Before the conference, Global Citizen plans a July 8 community service event around food access and youth empowerment as well as a free block party promoting Detroit nonprofits. The week's programming will end with live music at Jack White's Third Man Records, intended to celebrate what Global Citizen called 'Detroit's rich musical legacy and the power of culture to drive social change.' The city's contributions include the mainstream success of Motown Records, techno music, rap artists such as Eminem and a garage rock scene that birthed the White Stripes. Jean noted the city's pulse is "unmatched when it comes to music.' 'This ain't just about shining a light, it's about walking hand in hand with each other to get out the dark times,' Jean said in a statement. 'Real issues, real voices, real change.' ___ Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP's philanthropy coverage, visit
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mark Cuban and Wyclef Jean to headline Global Citizen's first Detroit summit on the future of cities
NEW YORK (AP) — Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban, Grammy-winning musician Wyclef Jean of the Fugees and James Beard Award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson will headline Global Citizen's summer conference on urban revitalization in Detroit, the international anti-poverty nonprofit announced Thursday. Global Citizen is bringing its conference series to a U.S. location outside New York for the first time — and, with Detroit as its host, to a place not-so-long-ago considered the poster child for urban blight as the auto industry's decline pushed the midwestern city toward bankruptcy. The July 10 summit promises to drive commitments to sustainable development amid population shifts and technological advancements that are disrupting cities worldwide. 'That's such an important priority for me and for the organization because that's a place that's analyzing the future of cities. And what do cities mean and how do we invest in cities?' Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans told the Associated Press last month. "So, Global Citizen NOW: Detroit is going to be a huge part of our strategy.' The nonprofit aims to spotlight Detroit as an example of how investments in young adults spur economic prosperity, accessible infrastructure and food security. Presenting the conference is Bedrock, a real estate firm at the forefront of Detroit's redevelopment that's been buying up properties downtown and renovating many of them for years. With its blend of media personalities, athletes and artists, this edition resembles previous lineups that sought to rally audiences against poverty through recognizable cultural figures. It's also key to Evans' goal of growing the movement to 50 million 'global citizens' taking the platform's recommended actions by 2029. Global Citizen is expanding its footprint this year with additional sessions scheduled in Brazil, Spain and South Africa. Before the conference, Global Citizen plans a July 8 community service event around food access and youth empowerment as well as a free block party promoting Detroit nonprofits. The week's programming will end with live music at Jack White's Third Man Records, intended to celebrate what Global Citizen called 'Detroit's rich musical legacy and the power of culture to drive social change.' The city's contributions include the mainstream success of Motown Records, techno music, rap artists such as Eminem and a garage rock scene that birthed the White Stripes. Jean noted the city's pulse is "unmatched when it comes to music.' 'This ain't just about shining a light, it's about walking hand in hand with each other to get out the dark times,' Jean said in a statement. 'Real issues, real voices, real change.' ___ Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP's philanthropy coverage, visit James Pollard, The Associated Press
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Detroit's next mayor can do these 3 things to support neighborhoods beyond downtown
Susan J. Demas Detroit stands at a pivotal moment. Mayor Mike Duggan is preparing to leave office after 11 years at the end of 2025. The city's next leader will inherit not only a revitalizing downtown but also neighborhoods like Belmont, Petosky-Otsego and Van Steuban that are grappling with housing instability and decades of neglect and disinvestment. My research on housing insecurity, homelessness and urban governance, along with broader scholarship on equitable development, suggests that Detroit's future depends on more than marquee developments like the Michigan Central Station Development. It depends on strengthening neighborhoods from the ground up. Here are three strategies that could help Detroit's next mayor build a just and resilient city by focusing on transitional neighborhoods: Stable housing is the foundation of thriving communities. Yet, housing instability in Detroit is both widespread and deeply entrenched. Before the pandemic, roughly 13% of Detroiters, or about 88,000 people, had been evicted or forced to move within the previous year. Families with children faced the highest risk. Many Detroiters had little choice but to remain in deteriorating housing, crowd into shared living arrangements or relocate elsewhere because of an estimated shortfall of 24,000 habitable housing units. While building more housing is essential, preventing displacement requires more than new construction. It also demands policies that preserve affordability and protect tenants. Researchers have found that household stabilization policies, such as legal representation in eviction court, rent control and property tax relief, have the most immediate impact. In Detroit, addressing the wave of expiring Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, or LIHTC, units remains an urgent priority. When units reach the end of their compliance period in this federal program, typically 15 years, owners are no longer required to maintain affordable rents and can raise prices. This 'conversion to market rate' often results in the loss of affordable housing for low-income residents. In response to a projected loss of 10,000 units by 2023, Detroit launched the Preservation Partnership that secured affordability commitments for about 4,000 units. However, it remains difficult to determine exactly how many of the at-risk units were ultimately lost, and when, due to reporting lags, inconsistencies and overlapping affordability programs. Despite the city's efforts, a 2023 analysis found that a substantial affordability gap persists, with many households unable to comfortably afford market-rate housing without spending more than 30% of their income, which is the standard set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for affordability. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority continues to support affordable housing through tax credit allocations. However, a growing number of LIHTC properties in areas experiencing redevelopment are reaching the end of their affordability periods, putting them at risk of converting to market rate. National estimates suggest that nearly 350,000 units could lose affordability by 2030 and over 1 million by 2040 without sustained local and regional preservation efforts. Stabilizing Detroit's housing market means ensuring that those who stayed during the hardest times are not pushed out as reinvestment takes hold. To achieve this, the next mayor could expand rental assistance and support tenant organizing efforts. This is particularly needed in transitional neighborhoods where renters come together to fight unfair evictions, improve housing conditions and push for more stable rents. Many view Detroit's vast tracks of vacant land, estimated in the hundreds of thousands of parcels, as blight. But they could also be seen as a public asset and a generational opportunity if brought together with the right public strategies. Land trusts can turn empty lots into valuable neighborhood spaces. A land trust is a nonprofit that holds land for the community and keeps housing affordable over the long term, a key to preventing displacement. Research also shows that greening strategies can improve community health, cohesion and equity. Cities like Philadelphia and Cleveland have launched urban greening initiatives that transform vacant lots into community gardens, small parks and tree-filled spaces. Research shows that these projects can help stabilize property values and strengthen neighborhoods by reducing blight, encouraging investment and creating safer, more attractive environments. Detroit has a land bank, a public agency that manages vacant and foreclosed properties. The city has also invested in some green infrastructure. But experts say that these efforts require stronger city leadership, teamwork across departments and real input from residents. These are areas where Detroit still has room to grow. By collaborating with residents to cocreate a land use vision, the next mayor could prioritize community ownership and ecological restoration instead of speculative redevelopment. Neighborhood strength is about more than buildings — it's about people. As the Brookings Institution notes, economic opportunity is key to long-term safety, and investing in youth is a proven violence reduction strategy. Detroit's neighborhoods have long faced a lack of investment in schools, recreation centers and social services. This leaves families vulnerable and fuels cycles of poverty and criminalization. Under these conditions, young people, especially Black and brown youth, are more likely to be policed, punished and pushed into the criminal justice system. A 2021 study found that the Detroit Public Schools Community District reported 2% of its students experienced homelessness, despite 16% of households with children reporting recent eviction or forced moves. This gap reveals major service and awareness gaps. And when families fall through those gaps, it's often children who suffer the most. Addressing these gaps requires investing in mental health services, youth development programs and violence prevention, rather than relying solely on policing or incarceration. These approaches recognize that true public safety comes from access to stable jobs, quality education and supportive services that meet people's health, housing and social needs. Some of the most effective strategies include restorative justice in schools and outreach to older adults and residents experiencing homelessness. These are not luxuries. They are essential infrastructure for neighborhood vitality. Detroit is often held up as a cautionary tale of urban decline, or more recently, as a comeback story driven by downtown revitalization. But in my opinion, its true test lies in what comes next: whether the city can translate momentum into equity for the communities that have long been left behind. The next mayor has the chance to shift the narrative by centering housing justice, reclaiming land for public good and investing in the people who make Detroit a city worth fighting for. Read more of our stories about Detroit. Deyanira Nevárez Martínez, Assistant Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, Michigan State University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
