The only way to get real action?

http://www.metroplanning.org/articleDetail.asp?objectID=4101%20

In the city of Delft in the Netherlands, a group of neighbors were fed up with cars speeding down their street so one evening, under the cover of darkness, they dragged old couches and tables into the middle of the street. They arranged the furniture in a way that did not block the traffic but did force it to slow down as drivers had to negotiate their way around these objects. Shortly, the police arrived and, while noting that this action was clearly illegal, also admitted it was a really good idea. Soon, the municipal government was creating their own more permanent version of the neighbors’ old furniture—and the idea of traffic calming was born. It is now used all over the world to make streets safer for everyone by helping drivers slow down and recognize that the street is not just for cars.

Placemaking / Architectural Competition for a New Urban Design; Through SeeClickFix?

An interesting use of this nonemergency issue reporting and community empowerment technology to do a "placemaking" project, on building a new pedestrian connection through the heart of a downtown area, can be found here:

New Street Needed, from George to Chapel, to promote City Tax Revenue and Walkability
http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/8577

With its incredible overabundance of parking lots, Buffalo would be ripe for these types of projects.

SeeClickFix seems well suited for informal placemaking projects given its ability to combine public comments, Jane Jacobs-style community and citizen "watch areas," and many new media capabilities.

Tragic Death of Sylvia Bingham, Yale Graduate, in Cleveland Bicycle Crash

News today of a horrible loss in Cleveland, at the hands of a hit-and-run driver (who was later caught). These tragedies always seem to happen to those least deserving.

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/09/yale_grad_sylvia_bingham_kille.html

The 22-year-old Yale University graduate was killed Tuesday as she rode her bicycle to work at the Hard Hatted Women office, where she helped tradeswomen become mentors.

"She rode her bike to work from Ohio City to promote being green and encouraged others to do the same," said Terri Burgess Sandu, executive director of Hard Hatted Women in Cleveland. "I only knew her for a short time, but she was everything -- the shining example of what is best in American adults."

Her friends and co-workers talked about the young woman's energy and self-sacrifice, which she expressed most of her life.

"I am passionate about eliminating urban poverty, particularly by creating job opportunities in the skilled trades," Bingham described herself, on her LinkedIn page.

A New Haven urban planner wrote:

I was lucky to meet Sylvia, and witness the blooming growth of a person of exceptional intelligence and a good heart. She was taking a course with Doug Rae, and contacted me when scouting for a local development project to research. She chose Dixwell Plaza. In addition to reading about the history and architecture of New Haven's redevelopment period, she interviewed store owners and customers about their use of the place. She had great talent for field work because she could put herself in other people's shoes. She was destined to do great work in the world. Her death is a tragic loss.

Also see coverage by the Yale Daily News:

http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/university-news/2009/09/16/bingham-09-dies-accident-accident/

http://www.yaledailynews.com/crosscampus/2009/09/16/bingham-09-dies-bike-accident/

Bingham, who just moved to Cleveland for a job at organization that helps impoverished women, was a vivacious and dedicated woman - an inspiration to all who crossed paths with her. Effervescent, vivacious, and compassionate, Bingham lived her ideals, striving to improve the world while always taking the time to care for her friendships.