Stephen Fesler

1 month ago | theurbanist.org | Stephen Fesler

Big box stores have become a common feature of American suburbs most everywhere. Many are still going, albeit it with lower foot traffic volumes, and others have closed. But the impacts of them on land use patterns, transportation systems, and municipal coffers are often problematic. Dave Amos of City Beautiful highlights the pros and cons of big box stores and ways that municipal governments can work to improve or transform them in this century.

1 month ago | theurbanist.org | Stephen Fesler

Development charges, fees, and taxes contribute to a significant proportion of new housing costs. In many cities in the North America, these have been increasing much faster than inflation. But why are they increasing so much, what are they use used for, and how does this affect housing? Uytae Lee of About Here dives into the thorny issue and talks about potential alternatives to the prevailing paradigm.

1 month ago | theurbanist.org | Stephen Fesler

Trams get a lot of praise and criticism among urbanists and urban transportation advocates. Opinions vary wildly on their utility in cities, but Jason Slaughter of Not Just Bikes makes an in-depth case for why he thinks trams help create better streets, mobility, and land use environments than buses and other forms of urban rail systems at the local scale. Slaughter’s argument hinges strongly on placemaking ideals for compact, walkable and bikeable urban districts.

2 months ago | theurbanist.org | Stephen Fesler

Big box retail leaves a lot to be desired. While they offer an easy means to bulk and discount buy, they are hollowing out North American cities, reinforcing sprawl and driving while destroying local businesses and being a financial drain on communities. Jason Slaughter of Not Just Bikes explains all that and more in his latest video. Stephen is a professional urban planner in Puget Sound with a passion for sustainable, livable, and diverse cities.

2 months ago | theurbanist.org | Stephen Fesler

Fares on the two-line Seattle Streetcar system could be going up this year. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) announced a fare change proposal on March 31, suggesting up to a 75-cent fare increase for regular adult fares in September. The 75-cent hike would increase regular adult fares from $2.25 to $3.00. The department is proposing to keep fares for ORCA Lift low-income riders and seniors (ages 65 and up) at $1.00.