New Horizons’ Post

For the first and only time it’s April Fool’s Day, 2024, and here’s a quick break from the pranks with all the good news… 🛠️ Oregon just passed a right-to-repair law which forces manufacturers to make parts, tools, and repair manuals publicly available, and also bans something called “parts pairing” where replacements only worked if approved by the software, which will massively reduce waste and give people more control. (The Verge) ⛪️ 508 years after opening in 1515, The King's College Chapel in Cambridge just majorly leveled-up their energy system by installing 438 rooftop solar panels made highly visible to inspire other historic buildings to also make tasteful upgrades. (Bloomberg) 🌆 100,000 fewer cars will enter the heart of Manhattan every day starting this summer since the MTA just approved the congestion pricing plan to clear up the most crowded area in the country together with lowering rates of cardiovascular disease. (NBC NY) 🦇 Flying foxes are real, which is already good news because what a cool animal, but also they’ve had a relatively stable population since 2012 according to new research thanks to their nomadic lifestyle and ability to adapt. (Ecowatch)   🔗 Weekly sources & thousands more stories right here: https://lnkd.in/eZtbydkX

An interesting article that highlights the hurdle that housing development faces when dealing with utility providers, this tension will be worth watching as developers are increasingly pushed toward 100% electrification directed by city and building code and how developments are at the mercy of utility providers. What’s interesting to me as a for profit developer was reading about affordable projects and how they face similar challenges and how there is a lack of accountability from utilities

When one thinks of thriving communities, they often don't contain abundant and hyper-accessible parking. In Cleveland, many people would tell you that Ohio City, Tremont, Detroit Shoreway, University Circle, Little Italy, and Downtown are desirable places to live, work, and play. Cities abroad are beloved for their walkability, historic character, and thriving recreation and amenities. These places have all deprioritized car dependence. Excessive access to parking has plagued American cities for decades. As this article clearly lays out, the argument for reducing car dependence is multi-faceted and is strengthened by the day. I am excited to see how Cleveland can prosper, one less car at a time. S/O to all the colleagues and advocates who contributed to this article and work to create safer and more robust communities every day!

Today I joined New York State Department of Transportation for an event before the next Reimagine I-787 Open House this evening (October 23) from 4-7 PM at the Capital Center Some will question why the state is engaging in this effort, which is a valid point that deserves some background. The reality is that over the next decade or so much of this 1970's built structure will need to be repaired or replaced and the cost can run into the billions of dollars. With that as a reality, it is wise to see how we can secure federal funding in the future to modernize economic opportunity. In the 1970's the river was a repository of sewage. Today river cities all over the country are rediscovering their waterfronts and we should look for opportunities for the Capital Region. I fully support the Cities of Watervliet, Rensselaer, and Albany realizing their full potential and a reimagined I-787 can work to do that. As the Assemblymember for the Hudson River cities, I recognize the potential impacts on those who drive into the City of Albany daily. That is why I have said from the beginning that public input is critical. By listening to all the impacted communities, we have the opportunity to move forward with a plan where all the River cities realize their maximum potential.

Fun Fire Fact Friday! This week we thought educating people on how most of the streets work in New Hope and Crystal would be beneficial. When it comes to getting to the right place when there is an emergency call, us firefighters have to always know where we are going. Yes, we have technology that guides us to the location, but once in a blue moon it is incorrect. With every page given to us, we are given an address and cross streets. In New Hope and Crystal, street and house numbers are in ascending order going from East to West and going from South to North. Crystal Cub starts out at the 5300 block, hence why Crystal Cub is 5301. The Holiday Gas station in New Hope on Medicine Lake is on the 9400 block, hence why Holiday is 9456. Now keep in mind that is just for going East to West. If we look at going South to North, streets and house numbers are ascending. Let's take Fat Nat's for example. They are South of 36th, the 3600 block, hence they are 3530. Aldi's Crystal is just North of 56th, the 5600 block, hence they are 5620. Whether your location is considered running South to North or East to West, your location should always have an address and a street name. Street names can be a number or a name. Examples include 40th, 28th, 60th, Winnetka, Bass Lake, and Boone. The more you know 🚒🔥🧑🚒

Check out my recent article on how #buskers are livening up one of #Sydney's dreariest tunnels. https://lnkd.in/gfAEHHe7

When road design and traffic congestion impede first responders, its time to make a change. Better road design to include multi-modal, diversified transportation to include walkability, bikeability, and pubic transportation have to be part of Pinellas County's transportation infrastructure. Your life depends on it.

Living in a passive-designed home isn't just about sustainability but resilience. As extreme weather events become more common, the importance of resilient design is undeniable. 🌧🌪️🔥 #Resiliency #PassiveDesign #Sustainability #ExtremeWeather #GreenBuilding #NetZero