Tag Archives: Next City

Atlantic City is Weird, Possibly Doomed (and I really like it)

In the beginning of this year I spent a lot of time in Atlantic City, just a short NJ Transit ride away from Philly. It’s a very bizarre little place, with a population of just under 40,000, an urban feel, … Continue reading

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Will someone please give SEPTA some money?

SEPTA’s Capital budget hearings were sparsely populated and super depressing, largely because there just isn’t that much to be done. SEPTA’s capital budget is really small: $308 million (compare with $1.7 billion for NJ Transit). The federal government no longer … Continue reading

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Bikes for all!

Earlier today Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter test rode a bike share, well, bike around Rittenhouse Square. Now we’ll see if he can actually get the $3 million he needs from City Council, where the Mayor may face a much tougher … Continue reading

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Philly Regional Rail System is Great, Nonsensical, and Inequitable

My piece for Next City on the problems, and potential, of SEPTA’s regional rail network. There’s a lot of fun history and weird bits about contemporary labor relations. And there’s no doubt that the system is more oriented towards suburban … Continue reading

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Fare Free Forever!

I love public transportation. I love being able to read, nap, or work while I’m getting where I’m going. I love people watching. And I can only imagine I would love it all the more if I never had to … Continue reading

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In the future, cars will drive you

The 1980s shock comedian Sam Kinison had a bit about drunk driving, a defense of-sorts, that went something like “But how are you going to get your car home?”  (He was later killed by a drunk driver after he himself … Continue reading

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Don’t Depend on Manufacturing Jobs

In my latest post for Next City I’ve reviewed a few policies to encourage manufacturing development. But while manufacturing in America does seem to be experiencing a resurgence, that doesn’t mean manufacturing jobs are. Bruce Springsteen is right: Those jobs … Continue reading

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Murder in Urban America

I’ve just started a regular gig blogging for Next City (formerly Next American City). Nothing major, just a couple posts a month, but I’m excited to have a regular outlet. My first post went up yesterday, and it is about … Continue reading

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