Old Plank Trail

http://oprt.org/

Many years ago we developed a plan to create a bikepath across the southern portion of the Chicago metropolitan region.  The path was on the abandoned Penn Central Railroad Right of Way.


We knew we needed a better more marketable name if we were to build public support for the trail.  The right of way had originally been acquired to construct a plank road toll road. Railroad technology was rapidly developing the the right of way was developed as a railroad. So we named the path the "Old Plank Road Trail."


A small group of activists led by Carl Glassford made it their mission to build support for the trail. Their efforts were instrumental in building support for the trail.


There were numerous opponents to the trail. They were convinced that it would be a conduit for bad people to invade their developments. It took 17 long years from the time the plan was first written until you could ride a bike on the trail.


Of course the trail became a great amenity for the region. Developers incorporated the lineal park into their plans.  The first and nicest new homes were built adjacent to the trail.


It is interesting to see how many businesses have incorporated the name into their business name.

1. Old Plank Road Trail - Illinois Rail Trail

   oprt.org/

   Below The Old Plank Road Trail in downtown Frankfort, Illinois. Frankfort, Illinois • fall 2011 • Briedert Green. Beavers chew a tree, Frankfort Breidert Green Park ...

   You visited this page.

2. Homepage: Home | Old Plank Trail Community Bank

   www.oldplanktrailbank.com/

   Old Plank Trail Community Bank contributed a substantial monetary donation to theFrankfort Township Food Pantry to support their mission of providing ...
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   1. Old Plank Road Trail - Illinois Rail Trail

      oprt.org/

      Below The Old Plank Road Trail in downtown Frankfort, Illinois. Frankfort, Illinois • fall 2011 • Briedert Green. Beavers chew a tree, Frankfort Breidert Green Park ...

      You visited this page.

   4. Old Plank Road Trail Bike Path - Village of Frankfort

      www.villageoffrankfort.com › Home › Play

      432 W. Nebraska, Frankfort, IL 815-469-2177 The official site for the village ofFrankfort, Illinois.

   5. Old Plank Trail Tavern - Frankfort, IL, 60423 - Citysearch

      chicago.citysearch.com › Frankfort › Bars & Clubs

      Oct 15, 2011 – Old Plank Trail Tavern in Frankfort. Come to Citysearch® to get information, directions, and reviews on Old Plank Trail Tavern and other Bars ...
      

      
      
      

      Show map of 113 Kansas St # 1, Frankfort, IL 60423-1587

   6. Old Plank Tr Elsner Road, Frankfort IL - Trulia

      www.trulia.com/.../3023328824--Old-Plank-Tr-Elsner-Rd-Frankfort-...

      Photos, maps, description for Old Plank Tr Elsner Road, Frankfort IL. Search homes for sale, get school district and neighborhood info for Frankfort, ...

   7. Preserves & Trails | Old Plank Road Trail

      www.reconnectwithnature.org/preserves-trails/Old-Plank-Road-Trail

      Old Plank Road Trail extends 21.5 miles from Western Avenue in Park Forest west through Frankfort, Mokena, and New Lenox to Washington Street in Joliet. ...

   8. Plank Road Cyclery, Frankfort, Ill - Giant - Cannondale

      plankroadcyclery.com/

      We're a full service bike shop located on the Old Plank Road Trail in Frankfort, Ill. Call us at 815-469-3594 for info on bicycles, accessories, or repairs.
       
4. www.villageoffrankfort.com › Home › Play

   432 W. Nebraska, Frankfort, IL 815-469-2177 The official site for the village ofFrankfort, Illinois.

5. Old Plank Tr Elsner Road, Frankfort IL - Trulia

   www.trulia.com/.../3023328824--Old-Plank-Tr-Elsner-Rd-Frankfort-...

   Photos, maps, description for Old Plank Tr Elsner Road, Frankfort IL. Search homes for sale, get school district and neighborhood info for Frankfort, ...

6. Preserves & Trails | Old Plank Road Trail

   www.reconnectwithnature.org/preserves-trails/Old-Plank-Road-Trail

   Old Plank Road Trail extends 21.5 miles from Western Avenue in Park Forest west through Frankfort, Mokena, and New Lenox to Washington Street in Joliet. ...

7. Plank Road Cyclery, Frankfort, Ill - Giant - Cannondale

   plankroadcyclery.com/

   We're a full service bike shop located on the Old Plank Road Trail in Frankfort, Ill. Call us at 815-469-3594 for info on bicycles, accessories, or repairs.
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Dilbert Cartoons

http://dilbert.com/

http://dilbert.com/animation/

http://dilbert.com/

http://dilbert.com/animation/

The Grid

"The grid is definitely worth celebrating — without it, New York might not be the great city it has become. That’s why the Museum of the City of New York and the Architectural League of New York have organized a pair of exhibitions about its past and future." 


"The first of these exhibitions, “The Greatest Grid: The Master Plan of Manhattan, 1811-2011,” curated by architectural historian Hilary Ballon, traces the creation, implementation and evolution of the plan from 1811 through the 20th century. A tour de force of historical research that constitutes the first sustained examination of this subject, “The Greatest Grid” tells the story of a young New York that is full of optimism about its future and unafraid to take on bold challenges. "

WATCH VIDEO:

Jon Meacham takes a tour of “The Greatest Grid” at the Museum of the City of New York with curator Hilary Ballon.

http://www.thirteen.org/metrofocus/culture/is-the-grid-locked-reimagining-manhattans-master-plan/

_______________________________

New York did not, of course,  invent the grid.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grid_plan

Garlow (Garage Bungalow)

Garlows (Garage Bungalow)

Interesting housing types in the old south side of Chicago.  A small home on a slab that was a combination garage bungalow (Garlow) was built on the rear of the lot, with an eventual plan to build a larger home on the front of the lot. 


Click to read the article.


Thanks to Al Linsenmeyer MPHS Jan 66 for contributing.

Corruption by Countries

The map above shows corruption by countries. A major challenge for any country is wringing out corruption. The rule of law, fair and honest enforcement, and an independent judiciary and police forces are key. It is no accident that the richest and most successful countries in the world are those that have succeeded in minimizing corruption.

Limiting corruption is not easy and takes sustained effort.  Electing honest people in fair elections is an important first step.

Click to Read More

Urban Density

"The link between urban density and aspects of sustainability remains a contested area of planning theory. Many experts on sustainable urbanism, including prominent urban designer Jan Gehl, argue that low-density, dispersed cities are unsustainable as they are automobile dependent. Others, like Randy O'Toole author of Gridlock and a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, counter that raising densities results in more expensive real estate, greater road congestion and more air pollution."


Click to read the full article

Awards For Smart Growth

The 2011 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement recognized communities in five categories:

Overall Excellence
Old North St. Louis Revitalization Initiative, St. Louis, Missouri
Community leaders redefined and rebuilt the historic neighborhood of Old North to attract new residents and economic growth while maintaining its distinctive character.

Smart Growth and Green Building
Silver Gardens Apartments, Albuquerque, New Mexico
This LEED Platinum-certified apartment building puts affordable homes with innovative green design near reliable transportation options, helping low-income residents save money on energy, transportation, and housing.

Programs, Policies, and Regulations
Plan El Paso 2010, El Paso, Texas
El Paso’s development plan will create new transportation options that link neighborhoods to greater economic opportunity and to one another, encouraging growth that can bring new homes and jobs.

Rural Smart Growth
Maroney Commons, Howard, South Dakota
This small town revitalized its downtown with a green building that houses training for green energy and rural health care jobs and models innovative environmental approaches that can spur economic development.

Civic Places
Uptown Normal Roundabout, Normal, Illinois.
Originally designed to manage traffic, the Uptown Normal Roundabout has evolved into a civic gathering place that increases business for local stores.

For more information on the winners, click here.

Click to read the full article: