Reviewed by Carolyn Caywood
Local journalist Swift has traced the evolution of American roads over a century of change. He celebrates the achievements of Thomas MacDonald head of the Bureau of Public Roads from1919 to 1953, and his protege, Frank Turner, who retired from the Federal Highway Administration in 1972. Whatever the unintended consequences, these men led the greatest public works project in history.
In the 19th century, long distance travel was by train because roads were unmarked, unpaved, rutted mud wallows where they even existed. The first advocates for better roads were bicycling enthusiasts, some of whom also became early adopters of motor cars, and airplanes. The first national road was the Lincoln Highway, vestiges of which remain as route 30. As private road organizations gave way to government highway departments, the role of federal coordination was debated. Today’s numbered grid was worked out in the 1930s cooperatively with the states. The famous route 66 got its designation in an argument with Kentucky.
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By Carolyn Caywood
Senior Fellow – HRCCE
Envision Virginia Beach 2040, a citizens group appointed by the City Council, met Friday, July 22, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Westin, Town Center. The meeting was open to the public. John W. Martin, CEO of SIR and the Boomer Project, presented a customized speech “Communities of the Future: Major Trends and Key Drivers Shaping How and Where We Will Live, Play and Work” utilizing the top 5 demographic trends and 5 societal/cultural trends shaping communities today. The presentation was videotaped and will eventually be available at www.VBgov.com/envisionvb2040. These are notes of what I heard and may not have captured everything.
Mayor Sessoms introduced John Martin, mentioning in passing what involved citizens Virginia Beach has.
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Envision Virginia Beach 2040, a citizens group appointed by the City Council, will meet Friday, July 22, from 8:30 to11:30 a.m. at the Westin, Town Center.
The City Council appointed Envision Virginia Beach 2040 to research trends and to visualize where the city will be in 30 years. John Malbon and Gary McCollum are co-chairmen.
John W. Martin, CEO of SIR and the Boomer Project, will be the speaker and will present a customized speech “Communities of the Future: Major Trends and Key Drivers Shaping How and Where We Will Live, Play and Work” utilizing the top 5 demographic trends and 5 societal/cultural trends shaping communities today. Such as population, transportation, health care, etc. Information will be based on a national level with emphases on the Hampton Roads Region/Virginia Beach. Break-out sessions will allow groups to discuss one or two of the trends and potential impact on Virginia Beach.
The presentation is open to the public by rsvping to: skumar@vbgov.com
For more information on Envision Virginia Beach 2040, visit www.VBGOV.COM/envisionvb2040, or contact Barry Frankenfield at (757) 385-2900 or bfranken@vbgov.com, or Charleen Cooper at (757) 385-2900 or ccooper@vbgov.com.
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Ensuring that Virginia’s Coastal Communities are Prepared for Sea Level Rise
Listening Sessions are a chance to discuss, share, and be heard.
Is the sea level rising? Should we plan for it… or run for the hills? What do you think?
Did you know that most insurance companies are no longer insuring high-risk coastal properties and businesses in Hampton Roads, and policies that are available come at a high cost?
How should Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads react to sea level rise and plan for a more sustainable, resilient, and economically successful future?
LET’S START TALKING ABOUT IT!
You are invited to a Sea Level Rise Listening Session for Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads Region. Registration is requested for general planning purposes. Details on location will be posted as available.
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City officials and representatives from every city department – including City Manager James K. Spore and city budget director Catheryn Whitesell – will be available to answer questions and discuss the city’s proposed 2011-12 operating and capital improvement budgets at an open house on April 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St.