Critic Blair Kamin speaks out against Mayor Emmanuel's decision to allow advertising on Chicago's iconic bridges to make up a budget shortfall. Kamin calls the move "the uglification of the City Beautiful."
The Wabash Avenue Bridge, a stately bridge built early in the 20th century, currently features banners advertising Bank of America.
Kamin opines:
"Yes, these are tough times and Chicago is desperate for cash. "We want to find innovative ways to bring new revenues into the city to protect critical city services," said Kathleen Strand, a city spokeswoman.
But the public instinctively understands that marring civic icons in the name of balancing the books is a self-destructive act, one that sacrifices Chicago's matchless architectural identity. As of Monday evening, more than 96 percent of those responding to an online Tribune poll gave the bridge ads a thumbs-down."
FULL STORY: New ads on the Wabash Avenue Bridge: Avert your eyes; at least they'll be gone in a month
Artists Find Alternate Uses for Billboards in Los Angeles
With a surplus of unsold billboard spaces dotting Los Angeles, artists are using the empty spaces as canvasses for new forms of public art.
Miami Beach's Floating Billboards: A Nuisance on Water
The picturesque ocean front of Miami Beach is being sullied by digital billboards now floating off shore on boats, outside the reach of the city's authority.
Chicago to Use 'Municipal Marketing' to Help Close Budget Gap, But at What Cost?
Chicago is planning to join the list of cities monetizing their public spaces and facilities by selling ad space on city property. Past efforts by the city to launch so-called “municipal marketing” efforts have been beset by delays and missteps.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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