Planning Quote of the Day

looking so candified

Q. What do you think of the practice of restoring run-down urban neighborhoods as condominiums and shops?

A. Considering the agony of the neighborhoods, I find the brick sidewalks, the cafes, the boutiques and the whole gentrification process a bit ridiculous. Yet I can understand it as a desire to pull people downtown. I just think most of those areas come out looking so candified. They used to be for loading and manufacturing and drinking and fighting and a real tough life. ...

-- from interview of noted architectural historian Vincent Scully by New York Times reporter Eleanor Charles (February 7, 1988)

definition: arabbers

"On the streets of Baltimore, it is getting harder and harder to hear the holler of arabbers. These street vendors, peddling produce and seafood on horse-drawn carriages, have been a part of Baltimore life for decades. But with less than a dozen arabbers on the street today, along with new city regulations on their horses and the potential loss of the stables they use, the cries of the arabber may be a thing of the past."

-- from The Wanderers' Songs: The Last of Baltimore's Arabbers -- Horse-and-Cart Vendors -- Are Fading Away (Preservation Online; Nov. 2, 2007)

the Zippin Pippin

"The Zippin Pippin has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places."

-- posted on The Gates of Memphis blog (Nov. 26, 2007)

Note: OK, I admit it's not a great planning quote -- but how could I pass up on something called the Zippin Pippin! A sign posted at the coaster's entrance reads: "The Zippin Pippin was Elvis Presley's favorite ride. The "King" rented Libertyland August 8, 1977 from 1:15 am to 7 am. to entertain a group of about 10 guests. Decked in a blue jumpsuit with black leather belt, huge belt buckle with turquoise studs and gold chains, the "King" rode the Zippin Pippin repeatedly during a two-hour period. He lost his belt buckle on the ride that morning, and it was found and returned the next day. Elvis's Libertyland rental became his last public appearance. He died August 16." For more on the history of the Zippin Pippin and for some photos.

like an anchor store for downtown

"Once renovated, the theatre would be like an anchor store for downtown Carbondale."

-- Carbondale, Illinois, Chris Wissmann, commenting on the just-announced donation of the vacant Varsity Theater to the City.

Note: For more on this story and the benefits of theater restorations -- as well as Carbondale Mayor Cole's announcement about the theater in his November 13 State of the City Address -- see the related post on our PCJ +plus web blog.