I was happy to read an article in the NY Times last night that reported people are driving less. And that young people are leading the charge. (For all you young whipper-snappers out there who are tired of those old timers saying "What is *with* the kids these days?": keep this one handy in your back pocket. It's a darn good contribution to a society that often can't and won't get out of its cars.) [...]

Earlier this year, we told you about a proposal for a new apartment building at 759 Park Avenue. It is currently a parcel of land near the intersection of Park & Culver Road that is occupied by a parking lot. It is nestled between the Talmudic Institute at 759 Park and Somerton Plaza at 745 Park. The original plan was for 48 units. And after the developers held their first meeting with neighbors to discuss the design, the big issues most had with the initial proposal was that it was too big (too dense/too many apartments), would create more parking issues and would disrupt traffic patterns (see our post from February for more details.) The positive feedback was that it would contribute to a more walkable neighborhood, bring more people to the local businesses there and that the developers did a good job on the initial design concept to pay attention to other materials used in the neighborhood. [...]

Rochester Roots is a NFP organization dedicated to the advancement of several of Rocville’s favorite interests and ambitions: organic and sustainable food production, developing entrepreneurial skills, advancing sustainable food knowledge, making a positive impact on city schools and improving the attractiveness of city living. [...]

The topic of preservation and progress has been a frequent discussion point around here lately. And it's not just the two of us sitting around the dinner table; it's been popping up when we are out with friends (those that live in the city and suburbs), when we see family and when we run into neighbors. Our neighbors have been talking about the proposed development behind the Eastman House at 933 University and in the Park Avenue neighborhood at Brunswick and Park. Our friends in Pittsford are talking about the apartment complex in the Village that has evoked some strong opinions about development. And we have many friends who are facing small changes in their own neighborhoods that make them wonder what is worth fighting for and what isn't. And if they have to take a side. [...]

Old fashioned municipal piggeries will help our food waste problem. Ok, don’t judge me! Here me out. While this may seem a little wacky at first blush, it has sound historical roots… I would like to see municipalities bring back old fashioned piggeries as a modern method of processing food waste. The use of pigs to consume garbage has an ancient history. Piggeries were used throughout America up though WWII. [...]