Posts about Alabama

Municipalities face bankruptcy too: Jefferson County, AL, is nearing bankruptcy largely due to debt incurred over rebuilding its sewers. Meanwhile, bankrupt Central Falls, RI, is cutting pension payments by as much as 50%. (NYT) (Comment)

Congressman discovers life without a car: Freshman Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) takes Metro "quite frequently" and didn't buy a car, since it's expensive to pay for parking (at his home, presumably, since it's free at the Capitol). (Left In Alabama, Nolan) (Comment)

Parking rules too tough to enforce? Just try anarchy: After years of spotty enforcement of the two-hour time restriction for free parking, Fairhope, Alabama decided to remove the time restriction rather than charge for parking. Local shopkeepers expect other shopkeepers to park all day in front of their businesses. Did I mention there's free all-day garage parking nearby? (PT's Parking Blog, Michael P) (Comment)

Public Spaces

Weekend walking roundup

by David Alpert • May 27, 2008 8:56 am

Walking: so crazy it's almost illegal: A group of Alabama students is responding to high gas prices by walking to school. Their courage is even more notable because parade rules almost made their actions illegal and their town lacks sidewalks.

Oops, we forgot the pedestrian entrance: Fairfax's Metro stations were all designed exclusively for drivers, and they're regretting it. The West Falls Church station is totally inaccessible to pedestrians today. There's a walkable back entrance to the West Falls Church Metro station, but it's only open to employees. Now local officials want to allow walking, reports the Post.

Keeping Conn. Ave. safe for anthropophobes: The ANC Commissioner who forced Comet Ping Pong Pizza to remove their sidewalk table has struck another blow for streets devoid of life, this time eliminating unpermitted but popular benches and tables outside the local grocery. (Marc Fisher)