Category Archives: Uncategorized

Fun urbanism – Spring edition

Now that it is getting Springy in Northfield, thoughts turn to flowers, getting outside, and enjoying public spaces.  Here’s a way to get it all: I’m thinking they’d look lovely in Bridge Square, along the Cannon River, scattered in parks … Continue reading

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What else fits in that parking space?

This infographic is a visualization of just how much space we devote to cars by showing what else could fit in the same space. Here’s another. My goal is not to make everyone stop driving, but to only stop and … Continue reading

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College urbanism

A college is the best thing for a community have in its backyard, noted Carleton College President Steve Poskanzer soon after his arrival in Northfield in 2010. Northfield, of course, has two. The city’s character and development pattern have certainly … Continue reading

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Interlocking directorates

I got to know the term interlocking directorates in law school, I think, along with its connotations of trust busting, big business, robber barons, and consolidating power.  Now  I’m actually interlocking a couple of directorates myself, but it’s not quite so … Continue reading

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Urban planning on the BBC

When I saw Planetizen’s tweet, I had to check to see if this was real: The Planners, a new BBC “eight-part observational documentary series following planning applications and the contentious processes behind them.”  Essentially, the show documents local opposition to … Continue reading

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With sadness and gratitude

Yesterday, I attended John Bierman’s funeral at All Saints Episcopal Church, sadly, but with much gratitude for John’s gifts to Northfield and to me. Others can tell more about how the Biermans have been part of the bedrock of the … Continue reading

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More change at MNDoT

The new MNDoT boss is a transit guy – Charlie Zelle, CEO of Jefferson Lines, was just appointed by Governor Dayton succeeding Thomas Sorel.  Too soon to say much, but I’m encouraged by MNDoT’s evolution in recent years.  Perhaps, in … Continue reading

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So what are you doing for Northfield?

What are you doing for your city? asks the right question…what’s your answer?  I ran for the Council because I didn’t think I was doing enough as a Planning Commission member.  The City Council can do less than you might think, … Continue reading

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The cost of doing business

In the “try to lure business at all costs” department: Part 1 of the New York Times’ United States of Subsidies series As Companies Seek Tax Deals, Government Pays High Price is another piece to add to my collection of anti-subsidy … Continue reading

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Condolences are premature

Winning is more fun than losing and losing by just a few votes is frustrating, but that’s what the voters said. I’m not dead: I have been getting a steady stream of thoughtful e-mails expressing sorrow that I will not … Continue reading

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