Well, well, well. Seems one city in the midwest has some vision. Why do we have to let Chicago trump us everywhere? Thanks for the article. Maybe now some skeptics will believe.brickandmortar wrote:Chicago tests sidewalk made of recycled tires
Associated Press
CHICAGO - Rubber tires that once hit the road are now part of the road on Chicago's West Side as part of two environmentally friendly pilot programs.
Under one program unveiled Wednesday, city officials replaced 550 feet of concrete sidewalk with panels made from recycled rubber tires. Officials say they want to see how the material withstands Chicago's harsh weather extremes and heavy foot traffic.
The rubber sidewalk costs two to three times more than concrete but is made of 100 percent recycled tires, doesn't crack and shift the way concrete does and can be easily repaired and removed, officials said.
Rubbersidewalks Inc., a California company, makes the 2-by-2 1/2 foot tiles. If the pilot program is successful, tire recycling could be brought to Chicago, said Cheri Heramb, acting commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation.
The first rubber sidewalk is in the Garfield Park neighborhood, near the Chicago Center for Green Technology.
Officials also rolled out the first solar-powered bus shelter Wednesday. Officials plan to erect 100 of the shelters in 2007, Heramb said.
The structures will be powered by solar panels placed on their tops and will save about $200 per year per shelter in electrical costs, she said.
link to story
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Chicago has been on the upswing as a DT for a long time now. We are just coming up (Thanks to people who love AND live (in) the city and some politicians who have a backbone). I think we will have some good things happenning soon.
I, for one, have high hopes of STL becoming a major "investment" centre and attraction for top talent from a research perspective. Once the economy of this region gets a boost, I think DT will become a vibrant hub and will have programs and $ to be more inventive.
Yes...... I am an optimist.
I, for one, have high hopes of STL becoming a major "investment" centre and attraction for top talent from a research perspective. Once the economy of this region gets a boost, I think DT will become a vibrant hub and will have programs and $ to be more inventive.
Yes...... I am an optimist.
And I was taking a tangent to buck us up.
You mentioned why Chicago was trumping us everywhere. My post was indicating that I am an optimist that we will grow to be much bigger than we are now.
Sidewalks? We will have gold sidewalks instead of rubber mate
You mentioned why Chicago was trumping us everywhere. My post was indicating that I am an optimist that we will grow to be much bigger than we are now.
Sidewalks? We will have gold sidewalks instead of rubber mate
Rubber sidewalks aren't sexy. Mosaics are.
http://www.drostle.com/innkeeper.html
http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/arts/nbhd/downtown.htm
...we already claim the largest mosaic collection in the world at the Cathedral (although I must say that St. Mark's in Vanice certainly looked to have more to my eyes), and the utility boxes along South Grand are gorgeous. Perhaps we can bring a common European decoration here and gain some attention, as well as beauty by incorporating long-lived art into Downtown's sidewalks.
I'm sure they could be done with rubber tiles, too.
http://www.drostle.com/innkeeper.html
http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/arts/nbhd/downtown.htm
...we already claim the largest mosaic collection in the world at the Cathedral (although I must say that St. Mark's in Vanice certainly looked to have more to my eyes), and the utility boxes along South Grand are gorgeous. Perhaps we can bring a common European decoration here and gain some attention, as well as beauty by incorporating long-lived art into Downtown's sidewalks.
I'm sure they could be done with rubber tiles, too.
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driving down Washington past Tucker and stuck in traffic I noticed SEVERAL of the center concrete sections were broken and crumbling.
One of them was even filled in with asphalt. the bricks seems to be sinking in spots and somewhat uneven.
I also have noticed the light standard reflectors are always tilted in a wierd way.
They dont seem to be consistant. They should all look the same. (and replace the bad bulbs please).
Someone please tell me there was maintanence and upkeep included in the funds for this streetscape project.
Is it time to call the alderman (person) and have someone address this?
Pic to follow
One of them was even filled in with asphalt. the bricks seems to be sinking in spots and somewhat uneven.
I also have noticed the light standard reflectors are always tilted in a wierd way.
They dont seem to be consistant. They should all look the same. (and replace the bad bulbs please).
Someone please tell me there was maintanence and upkeep included in the funds for this streetscape project.
Is it time to call the alderman (person) and have someone address this?
Pic to follow
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citywatcher wrote:driving down Washington past Tucker and stuck in traffic I noticed SEVERAL of the center concrete sections were broken and crumbling.
One of them was even filled in with asphalt. the bricks seems to be sinking in spots and somewhat uneven.
I also have noticed the light standard reflectors are always tilted in a wierd way.
They dont seem to be consistant. They should all look the same. (and replace the bad bulbs please).
Someone please tell me there was maintanence and upkeep included in the funds for this streetscape project.
Is it time to call the alderman (person) and have someone address this?
Pic to follow
Since this was a federally funded enhancement project, then yes the City is required to maintain this. Your best bet would be to contact the alderman.
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here is a pic of the slab (I am not sure if it is a stone or just concrete).
It is cracked all the way through, and there is no repairing it, as mentioned before one spot was filled in with asphalt.
My fear is when some wacko subcontractor comes in and starts digging in the street that the condition of the bricks and other features will never get put back right.
The whole stretch needs to be maintained,
and it doesnt seem like it has been lately.
It is cracked all the way through, and there is no repairing it, as mentioned before one spot was filled in with asphalt.
My fear is when some wacko subcontractor comes in and starts digging in the street that the condition of the bricks and other features will never get put back right.
The whole stretch needs to be maintained,
and it doesnt seem like it has been lately.
Several of those stones have been replaced in the past. It seems like they wait till there is a bunch of them and go out once a year and do them all in one shot. I would prefer that they be replaced as they break, and maybe the underlying base needs to be properly repaired as well.
Not replacing them right away is projecting the idea that no one cares about all the work that was done, and gives a bad impression to visitors.
Not replacing them right away is projecting the idea that no one cares about all the work that was done, and gives a bad impression to visitors.
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Thanks for emailing Alderwoman Phyllis Young
To: Phyllis Young
Subject: WASHINGTON AVE STREETSCAPE
Comment: Hello I am a contributer to URBANSTL.COM forums and I have a comment and question concerning Washington Ave streetscape and maintenance of the bricks and center stones. Several of these center stones are broken and crumbling. They are in need of replacement.. to see my comments and a picture of the decline in the streetscape please see this link:
http://www.urbanstl.com/viewtopic.php?t=3240&start=60
look for citywatcher's comment and pic.. please address this as it looks very bad to tourists and residents alike and it is becoming an unsafe problem. a prompt reply is appreciated thanks Pat Forster
Your Name: xxxxxxxxxxx
Your Address: xxxxxxxxxx
Your City/State/Zip: xxxxxxxxx
Your AreaCode/Phone: (314) xxxxxxxx
Your Email: xxxxxxxxx
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back to ward page
To: Phyllis Young
Subject: WASHINGTON AVE STREETSCAPE
Comment: Hello I am a contributer to URBANSTL.COM forums and I have a comment and question concerning Washington Ave streetscape and maintenance of the bricks and center stones. Several of these center stones are broken and crumbling. They are in need of replacement.. to see my comments and a picture of the decline in the streetscape please see this link:
http://www.urbanstl.com/viewtopic.php?t=3240&start=60
look for citywatcher's comment and pic.. please address this as it looks very bad to tourists and residents alike and it is becoming an unsafe problem. a prompt reply is appreciated thanks Pat Forster
Your Name: xxxxxxxxxxx
Your Address: xxxxxxxxxx
Your City/State/Zip: xxxxxxxxx
Your AreaCode/Phone: (314) xxxxxxxx
Your Email: xxxxxxxxx
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back to ward page
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MattnSTL wrote:Several of those stones have been replaced in the past. It seems like they wait till there is a bunch of them and go out once a year and do them all in one shot. I would prefer that they be replaced as they break, and maybe the underlying base needs to be properly repaired as well.
Not replacing them right away is projecting the idea that no one cares about all the work that was done, and gives a bad impression to visitors.
2 reasons why I wouldn't want them to replace the stones as they break:
- It would be exponentially more expensive to send repair crews out every time one breaks
-Do we really want the repair crews out all the time shutting down the street.
Obviously the stones need to be repaired. I just drove down washington yesterday afternnon and honesly I don't think most visitors even notice it. There are too many beautiful buildings to look at. I think if they did repairs 2X per year that would more than suffice. What kind of warranty does the contractor provide for fixing those tiles. Seems to me that base was not compacted correctly. I'm guessing they don't provide and warranty, but if that was my driveway i'd be livid. (I guess it partially is my driveway) Let's get these babies fixed and make sure they sure up the sinking base. Who knows, there might be a broken pipe under there... ie pine st.
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I'd like to see all the delivery trucks start using the alleys behind the businesses instead of stopping in the middle of washington to unload.
That might also help the wear and tear on the streetscape as well as be better for the traffic flow.
That might also help the wear and tear on the streetscape as well as be better for the traffic flow.
I don't know if St. Louis maybe lacks managing some rules of the road. Traffic shouldn't be such an issue in downtown and neither should delivery trucks not using alleys. Intersections all over the city are unmarked/unsigned, streets aren't stripped, signals aren't timed, etc...
A huge innovation occurred only recently on Gravois...they painted lines on the curving intersections so you know where the hell you're now driving. Prior, you just relied on your St. Louis intuition.
A huge innovation occurred only recently on Gravois...they painted lines on the curving intersections so you know where the hell you're now driving. Prior, you just relied on your St. Louis intuition.
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I see the comment. What's the question?
Someone please tell me there was maintanence and upkeep included in the funds for this streetscape project.
Is it time to call the alderman (person) and have someone address this?
Did I need to post a direct question?
My point by the pics is to show the condition
of several of the center stones.
I can understand repairs as needed, and as I pointed out and others have noticed IT IS NEEDED.
we have 10,000 visitors this in town this week.
anymore delay and it becomes a safety issue..
thanks PE
^ If I had a nickel for every road in St. Louis that had a crack in it, I'd be rich. I'm not saying this is because of neglect, but roads do degrade over time...
I think this should be addressed, along with other road issues, but just wondering how this is a safety issue. Those cracks don't look like the Grand Canyon or anything.
I think this should be addressed, along with other road issues, but just wondering how this is a safety issue. Those cracks don't look like the Grand Canyon or anything.
Hello I am a contributer to URBANSTL.COM forums and I have a comment and question concerning Washington Ave streetscape and maintenance of the bricks and center stones. Several of these center stones are broken and crumbling. They are in need of replacement.. to see my comments and a picture of the decline in the streetscape please see this link:
You suggested that other readers on this forum send this message. The message says that it contains a comment and a question. What's the question?
Just a friendly edit, not a critical comment.
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^
what you see above is what I sent to the alderman.
NIX the word QUESTION I guess, as this is actually a STATEMENT, pointing out streetscape issues
It wasnt a suggestion for other forum members.
It was just posted to advise I had sent an email.
I was hoping the alder** is forum friendly and would follow the link to the topic and pic.
and again it was simply a prod for the city to get its act together and repair some of the obvious issues with the streetscape.
stones
lighting
bricks
light standards
etc...
what you see above is what I sent to the alderman.
NIX the word QUESTION I guess, as this is actually a STATEMENT, pointing out streetscape issues
It wasnt a suggestion for other forum members.
It was just posted to advise I had sent an email.
I was hoping the alder** is forum friendly and would follow the link to the topic and pic.
and again it was simply a prod for the city to get its act together and repair some of the obvious issues with the streetscape.
stones
lighting
bricks
light standards
etc...
In order to improve the street scape I think we need hotdog vendors on every other corner.
I think we need hotdog vendors on every other corner.
That was certainly the case last weekend in New Orleans. Those Lucky Dog carts were all over the Quarter -- and the airport.
I've noticed that the buses on Washington tend to drive right over the stones instead of in the traffic lanes. I would think this is likely a large contributing factor to the broken stones.
I've always thought maintenance issues would arise with the street. Hopefully, they'll do something before it falls into further problems.
I think they should have just focused on decorative (four corner) crosswalks from the Eads bridge west, sidewalks, lighting, decorative trash recepticles, benches, planters and street signage. The brick and stone was a good idea, but maintenance is proving to be a b****.
The center street runway lights could have been implemented still, but the street itself should have been paved as normal. It's easier to maintain.
I think they should have just focused on decorative (four corner) crosswalks from the Eads bridge west, sidewalks, lighting, decorative trash recepticles, benches, planters and street signage. The brick and stone was a good idea, but maintenance is proving to be a b****.
The center street runway lights could have been implemented still, but the street itself should have been paved as normal. It's easier to maintain.
I wonder how so many cities in Europe manage to maintain those cool stone streets for generations, even with countless tour-busses driving on them all the time? Maybe we could learn something from them.
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Framer wrote:I wonder how so many cities in Europe manage to maintain those cool stone streets for generations, even with countless tour-busses driving on them all the time? Maybe we could learn something from them.
Romans.