Saturday, September 11, 2004
Toll Roads Cure Sprawl
Congestion leads people to move to urban fringes, which some people call sprawl. Urban-growth boundaries attempt to stop this, but they impose huge costs in the form of higher land prices and congestion. This technical paper by researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo finds that toll roads that use congestion pricing will more effectively reduce sprawl by providing people with congestion-free travel options. The paper says that "a Portland-style urban boundary . . . entails a deadweight loss almost 70 times the efficiency gains from tolls."
Toll roads yes, urban-growth boundaries no!
Toll roads yes, urban-growth boundaries no!
Obesity scare is junk science
Researchers for the National Center for Health Statistics say that claims that obesity kills 300,000 American a year are based on junk science. Just because someone is obese and they die doesn't mean that obesity killed them. Their study was published in the September issue of the American Journal of Public Health.
They also note that correlations between obesity and shortened lifespans break down after age 50 or so. In fact, some research suggests that extra body weight in older people provides a protective effect of extra nutritional reserves and may actually prolong life.
Ironically, the National Center for Health Statistics is a branch of the Centers for Disease Control, which employs some of the authors of various obesity scare reports.
They also note that correlations between obesity and shortened lifespans break down after age 50 or so. In fact, some research suggests that extra body weight in older people provides a protective effect of extra nutritional reserves and may actually prolong life.
Ironically, the National Center for Health Statistics is a branch of the Centers for Disease Control, which employs some of the authors of various obesity scare reports.
Schwartzenegger signs HOT lane bill
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed legislation allowing the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) to convert HOV lanes to HOT (high-occupancy/toll) lanes. This will make it possible for anyone to use the HOV lanes if they pay a toll. The new law requires that the tolls vary with the amount of congestion so that the HOT lanes will never be congested. High-occupancy vehicles still get to use the lanes for free.
CalTrans says that the paperwork required to make the change means that construction won't begin until 2007 and probably won't be completed until 2010. Now if only Gov. Schwarzenegger can convince the legislature to reduce red tape . . .
CalTrans says that the paperwork required to make the change means that construction won't begin until 2007 and probably won't be completed until 2010. Now if only Gov. Schwarzenegger can convince the legislature to reduce red tape . . .
Portlands residents vote with their cars
Traffic congestion index high
Portlands transportation system is touted as a model by cities around the country. Portlands residents vote with their cars.
Portland planners refuse to accept the fact that driving in a traffic is faster and more reliable than riding the bus or light rail, even during peak travel times. Commuters want door to door service not a bunch of transfers and long transit trips.
Portlands transportation system is touted as a model by cities around the country. Portlands residents vote with their cars.
Portland planners refuse to accept the fact that driving in a traffic is faster and more reliable than riding the bus or light rail, even during peak travel times. Commuters want door to door service not a bunch of transfers and long transit trips.
Portlands harbor is a Superfund site!
Portland harbor restoration hits funding snag
The city of Portland is one of the biggest polluters of the waterfront.
Every time it rains, Portlands sewers overflow into the Willamette River.
Poor planning and subsidizing new developments are increasing the problem!
The city of Portland is one of the biggest polluters of the waterfront.
Every time it rains, Portlands sewers overflow into the Willamette River.
Poor planning and subsidizing new developments are increasing the problem!
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Fairview Vetoes Wood Village Store
Three cities east of Portland signed an intergovernmental agreement in 1997 saying that none could permit a big-box store without approval of the other two. Now Kohls wants to build in Wood Village, and that's okay with Gresham, but Fairview says no. Why do officials think it is a good idea to tie their hands with such intergovernmental agreements?
Follow up: Fairview's city council changed its mind on September 8 and voted to allow the Kohls in Wood Village.
Follow up: Fairview's city council changed its mind on September 8 and voted to allow the Kohls in Wood Village.
