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Some of it is strong union contracts, sure. (The article mentions that, but I don't know how widespread it is.) But having states and cities writing or tweaking their own elevator codes so that there are maybe a 100 different codes across the US and Canada, that is a government regulation...

My understanding is this this unfortunately isn't correct. The rest of the world has basically converged on some European standards, but the US hasn't in a bunch of way. Here's an opinion piece about it and a few quotes. The whole piece is interesting...

Modern apartment buildings (including 5 over 1s) have many, many fire safety elements: built-in sprinkler systems; fire resistant materials (including wood); self closing doors to stop the spread of smoke and fire; and on and on. There's good evidence these save lives, and they are legally...

I really don't know how you're coming to that conclusion. All the development popping up around Alewife in the past couple decades is, like, fine. Most has been built along Cambridgepark Drive, which is relatively pedestrian friendly. Good sidewalks, one lane of traffic each direction for cars...

One other thing to consider is it is vastly better to put in the transit options before the development happens. If there aren't great transit options south of the tracks, then that development is going to be end up more car-centric by necessity. Developers will put in lots more parking than...

I went wandering through Franklin Park last weekend. My first time ever on the golf course, actually.

Anyone know what's going on with the Ruggles improvement project? Over the weekend I happened to be there, and saw a sign saying the Columbus Street entrance would be closed for two years, starting imminently.

The trains and platforms could remain open air while still enclosing the area under the new South Station Tower. That would be everything under the arches, plus the a lot of the path areas going out to Atlantic Avenue and Summer Street. Connected to the existing indoor space, that would create a...

This isn't a new building or any new construction, really, so there's no chance to add stories. This is an existing building where they're reconfiguring the ground level to add retail and dining space. (Until recently it was a non-profit office space and kids tutoring center, I think).

@stick n move , some book I was reading recently had a bunch more pictures of what you are looking for, and I'm pretty sure it's "People before Highways: Boston Activists, Urban Planners, and a New Movement for City Making" by Karilyn Crockett. (Pretty sure) Also, I totally forgot about this...

Oh, here's a couple more around Roxbury Crossing, really showing off the elevated railroad.

There are some historical markers around Roxbury Crossing Station that have a lot of old photographs. More than I've been able to find online. But pictures certainly exist. Here are some old Boston and Providence stations at what are now Roxbury Crossing and Green Street Stations. (From the...

Popping above the skyline, as seen last weekend from Toomey Park

Oh, it matters a lot if the value of a collateralized asset goes down. The loanee might still owe the 500k, but that could be effectively uncollectable. The loanee might not be able to pay, file for bankruptcy, skip town, whatever. That's kind of the whole point of the collateral, is to make...

This might work. But I wonder, really specifically, who is it lobbying against allowing new liquor licenses in Boston? Do we know? I thought a part of the problem is that people are essentially using liquor licenses as collateral with banks and landlords. It's those groups who are most resistant...

I can't remember if this has been posted here, but here's a news clip from the opening of Alewife Station in 1985. Not a representative sample, but some people thought it was beautiful at the time.

Personally, I think that'd probably be fine (without studying it that much). Certainly better than what we've got now. But it does seem like the people behind this campaign have been extremely thoughtful and careful about what they think will actually succeed at the polls. Getting rid of...

Yes, it got better. Look, I agree the city needs more and better arts spaces. In some cases those spaces have just moved to cheaper cities/neighborhoods. In some cases, we are now lacking. It's a real and complicated problem. But also, that neighborhood around Brookline and Boylston Streets...

I'll kick off this years thread with a kind of plug. (I'm not affiliated) Townies is a new photo magazine, publishing Boston-centric work. The first issue is unfortunately sold out, but I was flipping through a copy last night and it's awesome! Definitely of interest to a lot of people here...

Too bad. I'm still kind of surprised how much that area has changed. Ten years ago, that corner was surface parking and a sad, dying Best Buy. It got soooo much better. Now losing the theater, REI, and food hall in quick succession.... I hope some good stuff moves in...