Nearly three years after site-clearing began vertical construction has kicked off for a project that's continuing a residential influx along Memorial Drive.  Decatur-based Valor Tower Real Estate Developments demolished houses modern-style townhome venture in DeKalb County’s Belvedere Park neighborhood.  Then progress—until recently—came to a halt.  The 44-unit project is called Grand Terraza at Memorial Drive (alternately “Gran Terraza”), according to site plans A VIP list for potential buyers has recently launched, and interior renderings are now posted on the project’s website An inquiry to the development team for a construction update this week wasn’t returned.  Foundational work for the townhomes claimed a sloped block just east of Atlanta city limits and East Lake in the 3200 block of Memorial Drive in Decatur on the south side of the six-lane thoroughfare Grand Terraza’s site plan calls for seven separate buildings surrounding an internal park with several greenspaces dotted throughout.  initial plans were altered after Belvedere Park neighbors complained of a lack of visitor parking created by the townhomes along Julian Street Plans for internal streets were expanded to allow for 23 parking spaces for townhome visitors on special occasions and Valor Tower also widened Julian Street to 24 feet for more space The addition of denser housing is part of DeKalb County’s broader plan to revitalize Memorial Drive a vital commuting corridor linking Stone Mountain to downtown Atlanta find more context and renderings illustrating what Grand Terraza is planned to eventually be.  Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram   • Belvedere Park news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)  When Layla George took the helm of the Olmsted Parks Conservancy seven years ago she set out to learn what she could about the nonprofit’s namesake "I read all the books on him that I could find," she said Olmsted was a prolific landscape architect credited with renowned designs from New York City’s Central Park to the U.S The system of parks and parkways he designed in Louisville remains one of only four systems in the country built to completion Bringing it to fruition took decades and continuous funding across multiple mayoral administrations “If you go back and read Olmsted," George said "the role that he thought parks played was to foster democracy." At the end of January, Layla George stepped down from her role as president and CEO of the Olmsted Parks Conservancy. In her next role, she will serve as a project executive for the redesign of the Belvedere a public space jutting out of downtown and overlooking the Ohio River and Mayor Craig Greenberg wants to turn it into "an iconic world-class destination that will serve as Louisville’s front yard and connector." "Layla is a proven leader and visionary," Greenberg said in a statement "with a passion for creating and preserving great public spaces for the people of Louisville." Some of Olmsted's philosophy of public spaces has rubbed off on George and those ideas seem likely to drive her work on the Belvedere and neighbors feel “a sense of ownership” over them such spaces can serve as load-bearing pieces of civic infrastructure — bridging divides in communities at a time when divisions are increasingly evident “You do kind of wonder if people can come together around nonpolitical things where you see everybody in all walks of life,” George said “It’d be great if parks could foster some of that helping people recognize the humanity of their community and their neighbors.” George is proud of Olmsted’s growth in recent years powered by more than a dozen staff and hundreds of volunteers and what she described as "more ambitious" and "more well known" work by the conservancy operating revenue more than tripled and operating expenses more than doubled with millions of dollars poured into historic Louisville parks “We’ve been able to grow our donor base and increase our funding,” George said on a sunny February day in Elliott Park “It’s been tremendous how much has happened in these seven years.” George said she is sometimes recognized by residents in Olmsted parks, who offer ideas and feedback about possible improvements. In Elliott Park comprising about one block at 28th and Magazine streets in the Russell neighborhood she greeted staff tending to the landscape and checked her watch to see when a local bike group might be stopping by The park was designed by the Olmsted firm in 1906 walking paths and sprayground,” according to the conservancy Funding for the project came from local and federal coffers in addition to $725,000 raised by Olmsted from local donors Olmsted has not been alone in standing up for green space and public parks. The Parks Alliance of Louisville champions equitable access to green spaces across the city and Waterfront Park and the Parklands of Floyds Fork are also stewarded by private entities The conservancy also recently acquired the 25-acre Beargrass Preserve near Cherokee Park marking the first expansion of the Olmsted system in more than a century The acquisition averted "imminent" development on the land funding and implementing the Beargrass Preserve expansion will take several years the conservancy wants someone prepared to see it through — and with it "fulfill Frederick Law Olmsted's vision for Louisville's park system." More: ‘Science is a verb’: Meet the woman leading work on Olmsted Parks' natural areas Connor Giffin is an environmental reporter for The Courier Journal. Reach him directly at cgiffin@gannett.com or on X @byconnorgiffin Pearlstone Partners broke ground on The Belvedere on March 25 Sarah is a features reporter for the San Marcos/Buda/Kyle and Southwest Austin editions of Community Impact She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in journalism in May 2023 She worked for the school's student-run newspaper for three years in roles such as life and arts reporter Sarah was a health reporting intern for Texas Community Health News at Texas Public Radio in San Antonio listening to music and spending time with her family stands proud at downtown Louisville’s Belvedere park which he led an army down during the war effort The river today gives charm to the Belvedere a plaza dedicated more than 50 years ago that spans over six acres and was previously the site of the Juneteenth Festival before this year The large space stretches across multiple levels of elevation with trees lining some sections and areas covered with grass It attracts the occasional tourists like Cameron and Collin Woods “I thought it might be a part of the [Galt House] hotel but [I’m] definitely pleasantly surprised,” Collin said “You get to learn the history of the Ohio River But the Woods brothers found the area by accident more toward the edge where you can see out to the river At least some city leaders agree that changes are needed The Louisville Downtown Partnership released a plan earlier this year suggesting how to improve the central business district and described the Belvedere as “undervalued.” “While still hosting major events and offering unparalleled views of the Ohio River leaving the vast space underutilized,” the plan states Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg has asked state lawmakers and Metro Council members for funding to transform the space though public details for the site have yet to be released the Kentucky Legislature authorized $100 million for six Louisville projects in and near downtown Metro Council members approved the upcoming city budget which includes $10 million for the redesign said that details for the project were still being worked out and declined to make Greenberg available for an interview But he said the city would start looking for community feedback on the Belvedere “in the coming weeks.” Trager added that the exact amount of state funding is not yet known because the city is working to finalize an agreement with the commonwealth The project has also caught the attention of Deborah Bilitski the president and executive director of the Waterfront Development Corporation Her organization has worked on building Waterfront Park along Louisville’s side of the Ohio River, including an ongoing expansion project to the west and Bilitski said the Belvedere has been a valuable way to get people to the green space “Over the years as we have developed Waterfront Park just given the geographic constraints that we have with [Interstate 64] it isn't necessarily easy for people to get to the waterfront,” she said Bilitski said her organization used to manage events at the Belvedere before it was taken over by Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation But she noted that they stay in “close communication” with the department over the site and were invited to a stakeholder meeting in the past year about the project “I would love to see the Belvedere serve as a center point that connects downtown to the river and the various ends of Waterfront Park from east to west,” Bilitski said who represents District 15 on Metro Council she has questioned the lack of information during the city’s budget process She said earlier this month that she thinks renovating the Belvedere is necessary And especially right there on our waterfront Chappell said she wasn’t comfortable approving funding for the project — which at the time was a $15 million request — without a total cost estimate or public plans But the council unanimously passed it as part of the city’s capital budget and specific line items can’t be voted separately on “It's not that I want to nitpick the design or whoever wants to claim responsibility for this project really needs to dangle that carrot and say and this is what we're working towards,’” Chappell said Metro Council’s decision to reduce funding to $10 million for the Belvedere redesign also removed renovations to 4th Street in downtown Louisville as part of that allocation Louisville Public Media depends on donations from members – generous people like you – for the majority of our funding You can help make the next story possible with a donation of $10 or $20 We'll put your gift to work providing news and music for our diverse community the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) and LifeBridge Health's Center for Hope announced that three Safe Streets sites have achieved over 365 days with no homicides in the site's catchment zone Belvedere and Park Heights have continued to be homicide-free while the Franklin Square site had 373 days without a homicide from June 26 An event marking the milestone for the Belvedere site was held this afternoon outside the physical site location at 5320 Park Heights Avenue The Park Heights site's celebration is scheduled for Friday on the corner of Park Heights and Shirley Avenues from 3:00-6:00 p.m An event celebrating the Franklin Square site's achievement will be held later this month "Having three sites go over 365 days without a homicide in their catchment area is no small feat and it is a testament to the hard work and relationships needed to effectively mediate conflicts and make our neighborhoods safer," said Mayor Brandon M "The progress we are making as a City addressing violence in our communities would not be possible without our community violence intervention ecosystem of which our Safe Streets teams are a critical part Their dedication to the work of preventing potentially violent conflicts before they spiral out of control is necessary and critically important." Safe Streets Belvedere last recorded a homicide on June 28 and the Park Heights site's last homicide date was July 30 As of this morning the Belvedere site has gone 436 days and the Park Heights site has gone 404 days since there was a homicide in their catchment zones Across the city homicides are down 29.3 percent and nonfatal shootings are down 36.5 percent so far in 2024 compared to 2023 "From engaging their communities to conducting mediations Safe Streets staff show up for Baltimore and work to build safer communities every single day," said MONSE Director Stefanie Mavronis "The fact that these sites were able to produce extended periods of time without a homicide in their catchment zone is no coincidence we are demonstrating the immense value of treating violence as a public health issue in ways that go beyond policing and prosecution." Safe Streets employees have mediated over 946 potentially violent conflicts this calendar year There are ten Safe Streets Baltimore sites located across Baltimore in neighborhoods with historically high levels of gun violence The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) is responsible for oversight of the Safe Streets Baltimore program and contracts with community-based organizations - Associated Catholic Charities and Lifebridge Health Center for Hope - to serve as site administrators Catholic Charities operates the Penn North site as well as the Sandtown-Winchester LifeBridge Health's Center for Hope serves as the operator for the Belvedere "Thanks to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the Center for Hope's community violence intervention teams along with our invaluable community partners we've reached this monumental milestone," said Adam Rosenberg Executive Director of the Center for Hope and Vice President of Violence Intervention & Prevention at LifeBridge Health steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities where resilience runs deep and hope shines bright we're not just noting a milestone; we're setting a precedent for what's possible when we stand together." As outlined in the Mayor's Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan the Scott Administration has committed to supporting and strengthening Safe Streets The program serves as the flagship gun violence intervention program associated with Baltimore's Community Violence Intervention ecosystem alongside Hospital Violence Intervention Programs and other community-based violence intervention organizations Firearm injury admissions at LifeBridge Health's Sinai Hospital's emergency department a Hospital Violence Intervention Program partner thanks in part to the collaborative efforts with neighboring Safe Streets sites which have been instrumental in violence prevention and community outreach Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health published a report last year that found that Safe Streets has reduced homicides and nonfatal shootings in neighborhoods where it is present MONSE publishes regular reports on Safe Streets on the agency's website, where residents can learn more about this work: Reports and Resources | Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (baltimorecity.gov) Safe Streets sites regularly hold events and partner with other community-based organizations to grow relationships with residents foster a stronger sense of community in site catchment zones and distribute resources that help address the root causes of violence Safe Streets is staffed by carefully selected individuals who have the ability to: Scott announced that in the month of April there were 5 homicides in the City of Baltimore - the fewest ever recorded in a single month Scott attended the 37th Annual Tuerk Conference on Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Scott and Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Veronica P McBeth announced that the Inner Harbor Intersection Improvement Project along Pratt Street will begin in mid-May Two years after demolition and site-clearing work began a modern-style townhome project that had promised to keep the march of new Memorial Drive housing going beyond Atlanta city limits has stalled leaving some neighbors wondering what’s going on.  and installed infrastructure—including new streets—for a sizable townhome venture in DeKalb County’s Belvedere Park neighborhood progress appears to have come to a halt.  Its foundational work has claimed a sloped block just east of East Lake in the 3200 block of Memorial Drive in Decatur Multiple inquiries for updates to developers and the project’s builder—Norcross-based APC Contractors—have not been returned this month The project’s promotional Facebook page hasn’t been updated since 2020 Sources in the area report being in the dark about the project as well with several greenspaces dotted throughout Should it move forward as planned, the addition of denser housing would be part of DeKalb County’s broader plan to revitalize Memorial Drive Find more context and renderings illustrating what Grand Terraza is—or was—planned to be in the gallery above A cove of residential buildings off Memorial Drive that was once in such desperate shape DeKalb County leaders were determined to bulldoze it has been given a second chance at life Following extensive, ongoing renovations, a garden-style apartment community rechristened Canopy has begun leasing efforts at 3106 Memorial Drive located between East Lake and Interstate 285 in the Belvedere Park neighborhood south of downtown Decatur Spread across more than a dozen low-rise buildings the gated complex is being marketed as a charming and self-contained neighborhood where rentals ranging from studios to three-bedroom units “offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.” That’s a stark contrast from what the complex—formerly called Sky Blue Condominiums—used to be In 2010, DeKalb County government leaders singled out the vacant 146-unit condo community as a victim of mortgage fraud that had devolved into a haven for squatters and the drug trade It was part of a DeKalb initiative to remove blight and slums with funding from the federal government’s Great Recession-era Neighborhood Stabilization Program but plans to raze the complex never materialized The 11-acre property came up for sale a couple of years ago the pet-friendly Canopy rentals might not technically qualify as affordable housing But they’d allow renters to save a few hundred bucks per month off many new apartments of similar sizes in highly amenitized buildings in places like Midtown and Old Fourth Ward The smallest Canopy rental options—studios with 420 square feet—start at $1,350 per month two-bathroom offerings listed to date start at $2,100 monthly for 1,185 square feet In-unit perks include stainless steel appliances and “wood-style flooring,” according to marketing materials and shopping and dining along the Memorial Drive corridor is also cited as a plus Head up to the gallery for Canopy context and images June 20: Regarding the companies behind this project Stryant Construction officials reach out to say they purchased the Memorial Drive property from DeKalb County and sold to Atlanta developer Braden Fellman Group two years ago The full property is also larger than previously advertised onsite and reported here.]  Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram   • Belvedere Park news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)  WEST PALM BEACH — More than five years after a shooting that killed two teens at a West Palm Beach-area park authorities have arrested a 27-year-old man in connection to the crime Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies booked Jabari Scott into the jail on Monday killings of 17-year-old Moltere Charles Jr and 16-year-old Frederick Rosemond at Lake Belvedere Estates Park A grand jury in June formally indicted Scott on two counts of first-degree murder with a firearm in the Lake Belvedere Estates Park shootings He is also facing five additional counts of attempted second-degree murder On the order of Circuit Judge Scott Suskauer state officials transferred Scott from the custody of the Florida Department of Corrections where he is serving a 10-year prison sentence at Lancaster Correctional Institution in a separate attempted murder case Circuit Judge Donald Hafele assigned Scott a public defender and ordered that he be held without bail the county Public Defender's Office does not comment on open cases 14-year-old faces murder charge: Teen to be tried adult in fatal shooting at reputed Lake Worth-area brothel Sheriff's investigators said Charles and Rosemond were shot and killed as they and a group of friends hung out listening to music in the park Family members of Charles and Rosemond told The Palm Beach Post the teens had come from a Sweet 16 birthday held at a banquet hall about two miles to the east the teens and a group of friends were standing near or resting in vehicles on the north side of the park when at least one person approached and indiscriminately began firing shots at them Investigators obtained surveillance camera video from a neighboring residence which showed one person armed with a handgun and another armed with a rifle The sheriff's firearms lab determined that shell casings and projectiles recovered from the homicide matched casings recovered nearby from separate shootings in December West Palm murder: Shooting near Palm Beach International Airport left teen dead. How a 21-year-old will pay. Through ballistics analysis and surveillance footage investigators identified Scott as a suspect in the December 2018 shootings After being taken into custody on a probation violation he admitted to being involved in the December shootings but denied having any involvement in the Lake Belvedere Estates homicides He told investigators he was near Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard investigators obtained a recording of a phone call Scott made to a friend shortly after his interview with detectives Scott described being questioned about the double homicide and instructed his friend to go to Scott's home retrieve clothing that Scott was wearing on the night in question and burn it Boca double homicide: Suspect caught in Georgia told fiancee he left town on business trip He also instructed his friend to delete social media posts of him particularly those showing clothing he was wearing at the time of the homicides Investigators determined that the information disseminated by Scott during the recorded phone calls was inconsistent with the information he provided to detectives A review of cellphone data placed a mobile device belonging to Scott in the area of the homicide scene that night They also determined that Scott used his mobile device to research how to change or alter evidence connected to an AK-47 Draco-style pistol Forensic analysts linked some of the shell casings to that type of pistol and investigators found evidence that Scott had one in possession in the days surrounding the shootings Each of this year’s concerts will be at a different park in Admiral Tonight’s series-opening show is a double bill Troy Aylesworth (who’s up first) and The Potholes Get here before 8 pm if you’re not here already – bring a chair and/or blanket and/or picnic 7:17 PM: A bit of Troy Aylesworth’s music (more video when we get back to HQ): He is wrapping up his set now – classic Seattle-style sound (you won’t be surprised to hear he’s part of a Stone Temple Pilots tribute band) the crowd has grown – lots of young families some kids romping around even some bubbles if you look closely at this view: 7:26 PM: While The Potholes set up, ANA president Joanie Jacobs is talking about next week – at California Place Park, next to Admiral Church (which she says is providing power and restroom access for the concert – bring donations for the church food drive if you can) Next week’s music is another double bill – Michael Pearsall and Westside Pretenders 8:22 PM: The Potholes concluded their set with the Hendrix classic “Fire,” and that’s it for the first Admiral Music in the Parks show See you at California Place Park (we’re the series media sponsor) next Thursday (July 25) 11:50 PM: Added two more photos and two more videos Please enter your username or e-mail address You will receive a new password via e-mail and stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West Help the Central Park Conservancy keep the Park beautiful and vibrant by making a gift today This project is made possible by philanthropic support. For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Abigail Healy at [email protected] or 212.310.6624 it was enclosed with windows and doors to serve as a station of the U.S The weather station moved out of the facility in the early 1960s and two decades of deterioration and vandalism followed the Conservancy renovated and reopened Belvedere Castle as a visitor center and gift shop Deterioration in the thirty-five years since has been exacerbated by insufficient drainage View with described video the Conservancy completed a comprehensive core and shell restoration of the Belvedere including the expansion and modernization of mechanical systems and supporting utilities The Conservancy’s restoration of the Belvedere included: Our conservation work on the bronze King Jagiello monument focused on making necessary repairs to the statue’s internal mounting system and restoring the statue’s protective coating The Ramble is the most well-known of the Park’s three woodland landscapes which offer visitors an experience of the woods in the center of New York Get your free Spring Guide with hidden gems and must-do activities Serving up an ace for Belvedere Park Tennis Club The Australian Open might be over but there’s always time for tennis at Seaford now that Belvedere Park Tennis Club has lights on five of its nine courts.  The LED lighting upgrade was completed thanks to a $130,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund – Community Sports Lighting Scheme which was matched by Council with another $130,000.  The upgrade means the club has been able to extend the use of the courts and offer night tennis opportunities.  This project was identified in Council’s Frankston City Tennis Action Plan which provides recommendations to ensure a sustainable balance of tennis facilities within the municipality.  The Belvedere Park Tennis Club is a member-based community club and has been operating for almost 60 years. Find out more: Clubspark / Belvedere Park Tennis Club / Belvedere Park Tennis Club If you need assistance or are having trouble with the website, please Contact Us      Imagine Frankston Engage Frankston! Frankston Arts Centre Frankston City Libraries Frankston Youth Services PARC - Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre Transparency Hub Frankston City Council respectfully acknowledges the traditional owners We pay respect to all Aboriginal community Elders who have resided in the area and have been an integral part of the history of the region               Frankston City Council is a member of the Welcoming Cities network a group of more than 80 Councils who are committed to an Australia where everyone can belong and participate in social One of the questions we often get asked is "What's the best playground in Marin?" We looked to social media and our website statistics to find out what playgrounds are the most popular with our audience here are the 5 favorite playgrounds in Marin Millennium Playground is located in San Anselmo's Memorial Park and comes in first this year in our in our readers' picks Millennium Park has long been a favorite with Marin County families and features a tot lot with a train theme and an awesome play castle and dinosaur for imaginative playground adventures This wonderful playground was built by a small army of volunteers in the amazing time span of just two days Location: 1000 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard Pioneer Park has newly refurbished multiple playgrounds designed for accessibility and inclusive play and a historic pioneer cemetery to explore on the hill adjacent to the park Located in the heart of Central Marin, Piper Park is a 2.2-acre oasis of fun for the whole family lovely wooded setting along Corte Madera Creek it's the perfect place to spend the day playing and relaxing It's also a popular spot with local families for kids' birthday parties Hal Brown Park is located right across the street from MarinHealth and is home to a fantastic play area and even more amazing views of Mt Both the tot lot and older kids' playground have naturalistic designs that harmonize with the park's site along Corte Madera Creek The large red climbing structure is a favorite with our kids as well as a a marsh overlook with benches and shade Nestled against a hill, Blackie's Playground has two sections: one for tots and the other for older kids The playground is adjacent to an expansive grassy meadow perfect for kite flying and games of all kinds and the waters of Richardson Bay are right nearby and ready to explore so bring the bikes and strollers and make a day of it Location: Tiburon Boulevard and Reed Ranch Road we had a lot of great suggestions for favorite parks We thought we'd also list the five runners-up The runners up for favorite Marin County park are:  SponsorsPromote your business here Memorial Drive’s homebuilding tsunami is continuing its eastward push beyond City of Atlanta limits Decatur-based Valor Tower Real Estate Developments has demolished houses and installed infrastructure for a sizable townhome venture in DeKalb County’s Belvedere Park neighborhood The sloped site is located just east of East Lake in the 3200 block of Memorial Drive in Decatur Grand Terraza will consist of seven separate buildings surrounding an internal park Internal streets were expanded for 23 parking spaces for townhome visitors on special occasions We’ve reached out this month to Valor Tower for information on a construction timeline and townhome pricing Norcross-based APC Contractors is building the project The addition of denser housing types is part of DeKalb County’s overarching plan to revitalize Memorial Drive find the latest Grand Terraza renderings and photo updates from the block-sized site taken last week Great solutions often start with a simple idea For Georgia Tech industrial engineering professor Pascal Van Hentenryck it started four years ago: an idea to tackle one of the biggest challenges for America’s eight largest rapid transit systems “One of the big issues is connecting to and from the system So, during the pandemic, Van Hentenryck decided to contact MARTA officials directly, and, with his team of student researchers at Georgia Tech, he developed a system to make MARTA more efficient and able to better serve communities that have a vital need for reliable transit “We were contacted by Pascal in late 2020 about the possibility of an on-demand network,” said MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood Van Hentenryck describes MARTA Reach as an on-demand multimodal transportation solution — smartphones and shuttles outfitted with tablets connected to an app that helps riders find a quick route to their nearest MARTA station Think ridesharing platforms like Lyft or Uber — except this ride is a flat MARTA says this program is meant to work with the city of Atlanta’s existing transportation services and will help minimize waiting and walking eliminating the inconvenience of users having to walk a mile or more to their nearest MARTA station “Public transit is the most cost-effective way to move people,” said Van Hentenryck, A. Russell Chandler III Chair and Professor in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering some people may face challenges getting to the MARTA station.” Thanks to this new pilot program they can download the smartphone app and request a ride MARTA and Georgia Tech will begin pilot testing this program in three strategic neighborhoods: West Atlanta Van Hentenryck says there’s never been a piloted on-demand public transit system like this in a major U.S The chosen neighborhoods were selected not only because they are lacking in transportation options but because of the different communities they serve Fort Gillem is an area with a high number of distribution centers with employees who could use more efficient transportation with roads often too narrow for MARTA’s full-sized buses And Belvedere Park is a mixed-use neighborhood that combines business and residential zoning folks in these areas can use the MARTA Reach app to call for a shuttle to pick them up and take them to the nearest MARTA transportation hub their requests will be routed through a server at Georgia Tech that connects to the drivers on MARTA’s new fleet of Reach vehicles “We developed the cloud computing platform and we’re making sure the whole system is synchronized,” said Van Hentenryck “We couldn’t be happier they are willing to study our ridership to see what the needs are and tailor a solution,” said Greenwood “We’ve been thinking about transportation for years It connects people to everything from jobs and education to groceries,” explained Van Hentenryck “It’s amazing that a large agency like MARTA would allow us to come in and test this.” The pilot has been funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation “Georgia Tech’s mission calls us to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. To use our research and expertise to improve lives and livelihoods. That’s why we’re here," said Georgia Tech president Ángel Cabrera.  "We’re grateful for the opportunity for the support of MARTA and the National Science Foundation and for the great work by Professor Van Hentenryck’s team." MARTA officials will be looking to see how many users take advantage of this new first-and-last-mile option Georgia Tech’s researchers will be watching closely analyzing data including how long it takes to fulfill riders’ requests MARTA officials say if the data shows positive impacts the pilot could expand to other parts of the city Georgia Tech researchers say this on-demand project could also serve as a model for more major metropolitan areas to follow “We can take on projects that are not just technologically cool and exciting but at the same time they also have a big impact on society,”   said Van Hentenryck Learn more about the MARTA Reach program and download the app here. is a comprehensive sports-based youth development program that uses the power of sport to provide critical resources and services to communities experiencing social injustices LADF aims to significantly increase youth’s social and emotional skills which promote positive mental health and buffer against mental health risks while also providing opportunities to build relationships with peers and positive role models Understanding that low-income communities also have immediate needs in health and education LADF works with partners to deliver wraparound services that connect youth with resources and provide access to basic necessities that promote healthier life outcomes The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) works in partnership with 17 Affiliate Partners to deliver sports-based programming and wraparound services for 15,000 youth and to support communities and families across the city Olmsted and Vaux designed the Belvedere as a folly—not a functional building but a playful open-air structure from which visitors could view the Park landscape They named the folly—a decorative structure with no functional use—the Belvedere Italian for “beautiful view,” the Belvedere’s purpose was to offer just that It replaced an old bell tower used by the reservoir—a structure so ugly that Clarence Cook an influential art critic and columnist for the New York Herald Tribune Central Park is New York City’s backyard—and it needs all who visit to get involved in its care. Find out how you can help keep it a vital public treasure and thriving habitat View with audio description When construction on the Belvedere began in 1867, Olmsted and Vaux transformed that eyesore into what they described as “a picturesque structure,” adding that it would be “the focal point of the view from the Mall and the Terrace.” From that distance, the Castle’s fantastical design would draw visitors to the site, where they would then be rewarded by the beautiful views. Perched atop Vista Rock the Belvedere was a sight to look at—and look out from View with audio description When the Belvedere opened in the early 1870s Guidebooks and postcards lauded the stunning views directing tourists to visit: “From here the Park may be seen spread like a panorama at your feet.” The eye was sore no more the Belvedere was featured in guidebooks and on postcards This postcard refers to it as “The Observatory” because of its use as a place to view the Park With no one inside Belvedere Castle and limited funds for Park management the structure fell prey to vandalism in the 1970s Belvedere Castle will reopen this month after a 15-month comprehensive restoration Over 150 years, the landscape surrounding the Belvedere has changed—glass skyscrapers now dot the skyline and a lush green lawn replaced the old Receiving Reservoir—but the folly that Olmsted and Vaux designed “to afford a prominent place of look–out over the whole extent of the Park” continues to offer visitors breathtaking views Rustic architecture has been an instrumental part of the Park’s design since its creation in 1858 and that tradition continues today through our Conservancy staff The Central Park Conservancy is here to uncover obscure facts and forgotten stories that even seasoned New Yorkers might not know about Central Park The COVID pandemic spurred newfound appreciation for New York City’s parks and the myriad ways they can benefit our health A deep connection to seasonal patterns in nature is imperative to the work of the Central Park Conservancy But what happens when these cycles become less dependable After a 15-month comprehensive restoration project of one of the most beloved destinations in Central Park the historic Belvedere Castle site will reopen on June 28 President & CEO of the Central Park Conservancy To learn more about the Conservancy’s restoration of the Belvedere and view a timeline, video, and before-and-after photos, visit our restoration page View more photos here. Get your free Spring Guide with hidden gems and must-do activities! Dive in to experience the season’s best. Print Kids from East Los Angeles who dream of becoming the next Michael Phelps or Missy Franklin will now be able to train in their own community Los Angeles County officials are set to celebrate the grand opening Saturday of a new aquatic center at East L.A.’s Belvedere Park with diving and synchronized swimming demonstrations by youth enrolled in county park programs The $14.8-million center features the only Olympic-sized pool open to the public on Los Angeles County’s Eastside and who provided county money for the project said in a statement she hopes the investment “will help level the playing field so Eastside kids can have a fair shot at Olympic gold.” was demolished last year to make way for the new facility As well as the 12,750-square-foot Olympic pool the center will hold a 2,550-square-foot pool for lessons and swimming laps a children’s splash pool and a 1,100-square-foot leisure pool Follow Abby Sewell on Twitter at @sewella for more Los Angeles County news. Politics California Climate & Environment Subscribe for unlimited accessSite Map NEV — Here's an update to an Ask Joe story we've been following since April The city of Reno has now given the all-clear for the second time to the parking garage at the Belvedere Tower condominium in downtown Reno City officials say the red tags have been pulled and the immediate safety concerns have been addressed This story first came to light in April when News 4 uncovered issues including water leaks and cracking concrete pillars in the parking garage The city condemned the parking garage and swim deck on April 13th.In May the city informed News 4 the problems had been addressed and the investigation was closed the city reported that no permits were ever pulled or approved for the repair work that was done.As a result the building remained red-tagged and the investigation was not closed the city announced it had approved permits and the repairs had been checked by city staff.At that time the city pulled the red tags from the parking garage and determined the shoring work that was done was sufficient and the parking garage is safe to occupy All of this came about because a viewer alerted News 4 to structural concerns inside the garage including water leaks and cracked concrete if you have questions or concerns reach out to me at jhart@mynews4.com A woman dances beneath Sabrina Barrios's "HoloDeity," one of seven light art installatons that were part of  Illumination NYC's Spring Showcase in Belvedere Plaza For five nights this month, Battery Park City’s Belvedere Plaza was a free glow-in-the-dark playground, brought vibrantly to life by the works of seven light artists, stilt walkers, jugglers, acrobats, DJ-spun music, and splashes of LED color everywhere. The May 6 final event, (featured in photos here), drew an estimated 2,000 participants who interacted with the light art installations and danced to music from Quiet Events DJs glowing headphones adding to the luminescence of the evening.  a “May the Fourth Be With You” Star Wars-themed event and on May 5—Cinco de Mayo—DJs played Mexican pop music hits The result, she added, was better than she’d imagined. “People came from all over. It definitely looked like New York City and it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever gotten to do.” Ron Fisher, Illumination NYC founder and executive director, said that by the final evening, people were bringing light-up wings and toys and hand-made creations from home, and “tapping into their creativity and adding to the event with their own participation.” “Everyone was just having a good time,” he said, “and embracing their love of light.” Go to Home PageSubscribeAdvertiser disclosureSearch The Points Guy contemporary design that's actually comfortable makes the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere special.Spacious suites including free minibar nonalcoholic snacks and beverages will win you over.Excellent value — whether you're using points or cash.High marks for Globalist recognition.There was a lot riding on my decision to book the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere for my family's summertime reunion It would be the first time some of my nieces and nephews visited another country It would be the first time in a few years that my cousins would all be together it would probably be the last time all of us could get together at the same time — with the kids getting older and going their own ways (as they should) I wanted to pamper my family but also get some value from our stay Booking and paying for rooms for 14 people in Europe isn't insignificant these days and I didn't want to regret my decision on any level The Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere proved to be an excellent choice for our Austrian getaway to one of the best suites my husband and I have ever stayed in — this hotel and its staff delivered and made our family trip that much more special Previous slideNext slide1 of 3E-motorbikes for rent. ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY012What is the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere?The lobby "living room" at the Andaz Vienna ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUYIn April 2019 the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere threw its doors open and it still feels incredibly fresh and new You'll find one of Vienna's most beautiful rooftop bars world-renowned architect Renzo Piano and interior designers Claudio Carbone and Gabriel Kacerovsky took inspiration from the life of Prince Eugene of Savoy the 18th-century nobleman and visionary behind the building of Vienna's splendid the hotel blends open spaces with works from artists such as Elisabeth Penker Previous slideNext slide1 of 3Andaz Vienna lobby artwork the Andaz feels like both a breath of fresh air and an ode to the past in a city whose other high-end hotels tend to veer fusty and grand Related: The most amazing Andaz hotels in the world you can book rooms here starting at 9,000 points (off-peak) 12,000 points on standard dates and 15,000 points during peak periods of the year can be booked for 17,000,-23,000 points per night Premium suites at the Andaz include the Andaz Deluxe Suite If you don't have enough Hyatt points in your account to book, you could transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt instantly at a 1:1 ratio, and Bilt Rewards points transfer at a 1:1 rate as well If you're not a World of Hyatt Globalist elite who receives free breakfast with bookings, look into reserving your room via a Hyatt Prive travel agent You'll receive all your World of Hyatt perks plus benefits including free breakfast a one-category room upgrade when available late checkout (when available) and a food and beverage credit (We received a $75 food and beverage credit per room booked via Hyatt Prive.) Related: 8 reasons frequent travelers love Hyatt Globalist elite status These are similar benefits as you'll receive when booking a room via a high-end credit card travel portal such as American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts. Note that the Andaz Vienna isn't part of that program but sister hotel Park Hyatt Vienna is If you arrive by plane at Vienna International Airport (VIE) you can board a train and disembark at the city's central train station (Wien Hauptbahnhof) It's less than a 10-minute walk or 4-minute taxi ride to the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere (Arsenalstrasse 10) I was already in the city staying at the Park Hyatt Vienna so it was a quick $15 Uber ride between the two properties Other family members flying to Vienna decided to book transportation through the Andaz and it cost 55 euros ($59) for an SUV (for up to 3 passengers and luggage) and 80 euros ($86) for a minivan You can also easily grab a taxi upon arrival at the airport and expect fares to be around $40 While the Andaz isn't within Vienna's famed Ringstasse a 3.3-mile "ring" road around the historic Innere Stadt area of the city it is within walking distance (12 minutes) to the Belvedere Palace and the complex also includes several gardens and museums (Hyatt's Lindner Hotel Vienna Am Belvedere You can also take a metro line or tram to the historic part of Vienna But Ubers and taxis are relatively inexpensive so we relied on those as our method of transport There are a few restaurants within walking distance of the hotel this is more of a business district so it's quite sleepy in the evenings If you love to walk out your hotel door and be in the middle of everything if you're looking for a fabulous hotel that's just a 20-minute commute to all the attractions you wish to visit Note: If you're traveling to Vienna for the Christmas markets stay at the Park Hyatt Vienna in the old city The Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere has 303 guest rooms and 44 suites The high number of suites may partially explain why Globalists love this property: The chance of an upgrade is quite good depending on your dates of stay and the capacity of the hotel All rooms have elegant fishbone-style parquet floors and are equipped with 55-inch flat-screen TVs, hair dryers, plush robes and slippers, blackout curtains, Illy coffee makers and electric kettles, irons and ironing boards and — a brand standard — complimentary minibar with local treats The free drinks included water and Austrian Almdudler soda crafted from alpine herbs and beet sugar giving all rooms and suites a very Bohemian but upscale vibe Guests may request daily newspaper delivery cribs and rollaway beds (in certain rooms) City view entry-level rooms are 322 square feet and contain either a king bed or two twins These rooms include an armchair and ottoman plus a small desk and one chair You can see the Belvedere Palace from these rooms The next category up includes neighborhood view king- and twin-bedded rooms that are also 322 square feet but have the addition of soaring floor-to-ceiling windows pony up a few extra dollars for the Skyline View King Bed High Floor or 2 Twin Beds High Floor accommodations The rooms are still just 322 square feet but they are on the 10th to 15th floors with enormous windows and have gorgeous views of Quartier Belvedere Those wishing for a bit more space should book the 355-square-foot King Bed Deluxe that adds a freestanding tub and separate walk-in shower into the mix which is actually two connecting rooms: one has a double bed and the other two twin beds Most parents will agree that having the extra room and two bathrooms can make or break a vacation with the kids If you've ever wanted to splurge on a suite or use your points (or points plus cash) to book a standard or premium suite Globalists can lock in an Andaz Suite by applying a Suite Night Award (SNA) to their reservation sometimes Hyatt elites get bumped up to a suite here based on inventory Suites have the same look and feel as the hotel's rooms but have the added benefit of an upgraded Hyatt Grand king bed As Globalists booked on a Hyatt Prive rate we received a welcome amenity that included some fun chocolates on an artist's palette There are a few layouts for the Skyline View Andaz Suites two chairs and coffee table and desk with one chair Andaz Deluxe Suites have park views and are 678 to 699 square feet That extra space affords you a bathroom with double vanity tub and separate rain shower; a half bath; plus a three-person sofa and a bigger desk This premium suite can be booked to connect to a king room The hotel added a rollaway bed to the living room so my three nieces could share an Andaz Deluxe Suite Previous slideNext slide1 of 6Andaz Deluxe Suite living room ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY012345My husband and I selected the 1,162-square-foot Executive Suite with Park View (These premium suites are found on the 13th and 14th floors of the hotel.) We loved the corner room with views in three directions from those floor-to-ceiling windows We could watch people boarding the tram lines look out at the Belvedere Palace and its gardens see the Prater amusement park's Ferris wheel and attractions in the distance as well as the old city and St The dining and living areas were combined so we could comfortably assemble our group of 14 for drinks and even a full dinner plus two additional chairs and a desk and 65-inch flat-screen TV Previous slideNext slide1 of 3Plenty of room for friends in the Executive Suite ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY012A tufted bench by the door — across from a clothes valet — was the perfect place to drop off jackets and handbags which was its own little haven with a chair Previous slideNext slide1 of 2The Andaz Executive Suite bedroom ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY01An armchair and low table placed right by the free-standing bathtub gave the bathroom a particularly decadent feel The separate shower was so big there was never a chance of bumping your elbows on the wall or glass door while washing your hair Previous slideNext slide1 of 3Room walk-in shower. ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY012Now, my colleague Tanner Saunders, senior hotel reporter, will think what I'm about to say is blasphemy but ... I could have done without the fancy Japanese Toto toilet in the master bath I just don't need all those bells and whistles (The half-bath had a standard-style toilet.) Related story: Here's why my favorite hotel amenity is a heated toilet won us over — especially a golden bunny that held court on the credenza against the sofa (Pro tip: You can buy the same bunny sculpture in gold and a variety of other colors at the Albertina Museum in the old city.) The room was also stocked with dozens of books ranging from quirky picture books to art books to travel guides even if it were just the two of us traveling The Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere has one sit-down restaurant called Eugen21 & Terrace Eugen21 & Terrace is the main restaurant serving breakfast daily and dinner Monday-Saturday It's closed on Sundays (the one detail I had not anticipated or checked and its closure did bite into our plans a bit) Let's start with the most fun way to spend time at Eugen21: the complimentary (for guests) 4-6 p.m The timing was perfect for our group on a few days when we were getting back from sightseeing to change for dinner just as the Andaz was setting out its spread A red and white wine were served daily along with water The snack selection could have been better the same thing was served: a berry crumble cake I had seen other travelers' photos of pretzels and sausages and was hoping for more of that it's a nice way to spend some time with friends Seating is comfortable and most afternoons Breakfast is included for World of Hyatt Globalists or those booking an eligible rate (such as through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or Hyatt Prive) The buffet was solid and cost 31 euros ($33) per person if not included in your rate Previous slideNext slide1 of 11Breakfast buffet ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY012345678910I had just come from a stay at the Park Hyatt Vienna which puts out one of Europe's most impressive breakfast spreads so it was tough for me not to compare the Andaz to that I preferred the Park Hyatt's breakfast with all the exquisite cheeses and sausages and veggies and pastries and chive toast but I still found plenty to enjoy at the Andaz you can order off the a la carte menu: fresh bread and butter or croissants (5.5 euros/$5.89); scrambled eggs (7 euros/$7.49 or 7.50 euros/$8.03 with bacon); omelets avocado toast or waffles (9 euros/$9.63) or breakfast bowls (9-9.5 euros/about $10) my husband and I dined here thinking it would be a quick "pick-me-up." It was one of the best meals we had on the trip We asked to be seated in one of the cozy green velvet banquettes and our server was absolutely lovely The right balance of attentiveness and friendliness Previous slideNext slide1 of 4Watermelon gazpacho ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY0123For appetizers I chose a delicious watermelon gazpacho accented with a hint of wasabi and basil (10 euros/$10.70) It was served with a delectable fennel bread My husband went with the beef tartare with fresh chanterelles and crispy capers tucked into a creamy tarragon mayonnaise (19 euros/$20.34) I enjoyed the most flavorful grilled Iberico pork with pan-roasted green beans and potatoes with piquillo pepper pesto and watercress (29 euros/$31.04) My husband had the guinea fowl with artichoke preserved lemon and new potatoes (25 euros/$26.90) We truly enjoyed the meal and wished we'd had room for dessert iced dark chocolate and pickled rhubarb (all 10 euros/$10.70) as well as Austria's famous kaiserschmarrn pancake dessert with plum sauce for two (28 euros/$29.97) and an aged raw milk cheese plate (10 euros/$10.70) Eugen21 charges a per-person cover charge (4.5 euros/$4.82) We didn't dine at the hotel's Cyclist Cafe but we did walk through to see the funky decor inspired by — you guessed it — bicycles Previous slideNext slide1 of 2Bike seat art ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY01There is an entrance from inside the hotel (through Eugen21) and from the outside through the building's side terrace there are egg dishes like omelets and eggs Benedict pastries and avocado toast (items ranged from 7-9 euros/$7.49–$9.63) salads and sandwiches (9-13 euros/$9.63-$13.91) but also offered Wiener schnitzel (29 euros/$31.04) pappardelle (22 euros/$23.55) and a few other hearty dishes The Andaz's lobby is colloquially referred to as "the living room" and the Lobby Bar Lounge is toward the back of the living room we were able to flag down help from servers at Eugen21 There is also a coffee machine in the lobby where you can get a complimentary drink 24/7 and there were often cookies set out as well The spot you really want to stake out for an evening is on the 16th floor at Aurora Rooftop Bar the atmosphere is cozy and relaxed with seating looking out over the city Tree stumps serve as cocktail tables and there's even a firepit on the terrace We'd made reservations for outdoor seating at sunset You can make timed reservations for outdoor seating and you really do need to book in advance since locals and tourists alike visit due to the exquisite panoramas There is also indoor seating and we did not need reservations to pop by for a drink or two before bedtime The indoor vibe is darker and more moody and there's an enclosed fireplace as a focal point cocktails are 16 euros ($17.13) and "bartender's choice" is 18 euros ($19.27) A few members of my family visited the 24-hour 4th-floor fitness center and spoke highly of the quality of the Technogym equipment and nice ambience with windows looking out over the Schweizergarten Previous slideNext slide1 of 5ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY01234The spa steam bath with ice fountain and relaxation room but options included all the usual suspects cost 125 euros ($134) for 50 minutes or 180 euros ($193) for 75 minutes Hot stone massages were more at 220 euros ($235) for 75 minutes and 250 euros ($269) for 90 minutes The Andaz Vienna has six accessible rooms with wide doorways and roll-in showers that are ideal for those in a wheelchair or using other assistive mobility devices. Those rooms also have alarms to signal for help if the guest requires it. Vienna visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to hotels. You can find dozens of excellent properties ranging from budget to luxury ends of the spectrum. Here are some other options to check out: Would I return to the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere? Yes, absolutely. While we had an issue with room service one evening, that was the only service blip (which the hotel made right) on an otherwise excellent trip — and that's across eight rooms and 14 people during the incredibly busy summer season. The value at the Andaz Vienna — using either points or cash — can't be denied. It's one of the best deals in the city. We loved the suites and even the base-level rooms were spacious and beautiful. Our group, which included a museum curator, especially appreciated the art in the lobby, in the hotel's hallways and in our accommodations. But, most importantly, the staff was truly lovely. Everyone at the front desk went out of their way to greet my family members upon arrival and make them feel at home. They offered tips and advice throughout our journey and were never low on smiles. Beyond the wonderful accommodations and delicious meals, that's what truly set this stay apart. The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach That’s why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality As an immense demolition site of churned red earth and stacked timbers is proving, Memorial Drive’s homebuilding craze is hardly limited to Atlanta city limits Decatur-based Valor Tower Real Estate Developments has demolished houses and cleared numerous trees for a block-sized townhome venture in DeKalb County’s Belvedere Park neighborhood The hilly site is located in the 3200 block of Memorial Drive in Decatur According to site plans and renderings, the 44-unit project is called Grand Terraza at Memorial Drive (alternately “Gran Terraza,” per renderings) It’ll consist of seven separate buildings surrounding an internal park and Valor Tower is also widening Julian Street to 24 feet for more space The addition of denser housing types is part of DeKalb County’s overarching plan to revitalize Memorial Drive an important commuting corridor linking Stone Mountain to downtown Atlanta We’ve asked the development team for info on townhome sizes and estimated pricing and we’ll update this story should further details come find more context and design plans in the gallery above • Near East Lake Golf Club, mixed-use Ella project debuts (Urbanize Atlanta)  It’s never easy figuring out how to spend $630 million the price tag on the flood protection plans covering various Downtown resiliency projects a couple dozen New Yorkers gathered to hash out details of the North/West Battery Park City Resiliency Project around Rockefeller Park and Belvedere Plaza part of a larger effort to defend Downtown against climate change-related flooding a Supreme Court Judge rejected the Battery Park City Neighborhood Association’s bid for a temporary restraining order to block a $230 million flood protection plan around the Wagner Park area being planned by the Battery Park City Authority Locals had argued that the plan pushed by the authority was out of touch with the community and not up to best industry practices But the Judge rejected the argument and said any delays at this stage would cause the cost to skyrocket Some queries at the workshop for the North/West resiliency project revealed that the project spurred in part by the damage wrought by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 is still not fully understood by those who live in the neighborhood “How do we know these flood walls would even be effective?” one man asked when presented with design renderings in the cafeteria of Stuyvesant High School on Chambers Street overlooking the Hudson River It was the first of several public workshops during which community members are being invited to offer input on various elements of the $630 million plan which will require demolition and the erection of new infrastructure shared that the design process is expected to reach the 30% completion mark this summer Details like what materials will be used to construct a flood-mitigating wall haven’t yet been pinned down—and designs for how the wall will be integrated into the community aren’t settled on “Reach three” and “reach four” of the project centered around Rockefeller Park and Belvedere Plaza Construction of new resiliency measures in South Battery Park City began in earnest last year but ground hasn’t been broken further north That’s where the most expensive changes will be made New construction is intended to prevent severe damage from weather events like a 100-year storm which according to the Battery Park City Authority has a 1% chance of happening each year the director of design management at SCAPE a landscape and urban design company involved in the Battery Park City plan said one of the project goals is to examine “how...we weave this flood barrier system into the park.” brought general consensus on the importance of maintaining the playground’s connection with the park “We wanted the space to be continuous,” Susan Lee said when summarizing her table’s preference for a wall to be built along the street side of Rockefeller Park Playground “It needs to be something that’s inviting to the kids,” another participant said Others added that if taking down trees becomes necessary those in the park—rather than lining the street—ought to be preserved during the construction process The height of the proposed wall proved to be contentious with participants generally favoring a shorter wall farther inland rather than a taller one closer to the shoreline the wall could pose a safety hazard by cutting off people in the park from people on the street “They’re going to riot,” another woman said of residents’ response if the wall is built too close to the playground Conversation about the design for reach four revolved around the lily pond which local residents said attracts ducks—welcome inhabitants of the park sound of moving water from a small waterfall and pond ledge for children to play on are all features that participants advocated for the Battery Park City Authority to maintain or enhance Of three design options presented during the workshop one depicting a “passive berm,” or an elevated section of land passing over the future flood-mitigating wall was most appealing to the majority of community members “That will beautify the park,” one person remarked which appeared in alternate renderings that lacked the berm might require grooves in the pavement that would pose accessibility constraints for people using wheelchairs or pushing strollers Running with the berm—and possibly even extending the pond to both sides of the overpass—would give park-goers an entirely new way to interact with the land Browse the top locations to propose in Central Park. Visit our Proposals section for planning advice, and see pricing on our Proposal Package page, or book a Horse & Carriage Proposal. For inquiries please contact us for more information Pop the question at romantic Belvedere Castle Terrace overlooking panoramic views of famous Central Park landmarks Bethesda Fountain Terrace is one of the Park's most iconic locations Propose by the fountain or under the beautiful mosaic tiled ceiling of the passageway Bow Bridge has been a magnificent setting for lovers and in films such as Manhattan and Keeping the Faith Sunset creates the perfect scene to propose It's one of the most popular attractions in Central Park with an interesting history and a bit of romantic symbolism Have a seat in the shade for a moment before you get down on one knee Propose in the secluded privacy of the Dene Summerhouse rustic gazebo with a relaxed seating area for sitting and talking Gapstow Bridge offers a tranquil place to propose with one of the best views of the NYC skyline Ladies’ Pavilion offers great views of The Lake and secluded privacy for your romantic surprise Take a relaxing stroll along the winding paths of Shakespeare Garden and propose within its serene and romantic atmosphere a lesser-known body of water in the Northwest area of the Park near weeping willows and a hidden waterfall one of Central Park’s lesser-known treasures is a quaint little gazebo located on the Lake New Yorker Frederick Brosen is well known as a meticulous visual chronicler of New York City’s streets capturing through his astonishing watercolor brushwork the complex layers of the urban landscape he has turned his eye upon the great bucolic heart of the city—Manhattan’s Central Park Through a quartet of carefully observed scenes he chronicles a landscape that is both changing and seemingly timeless Cycling through Central Park across Summer and Spring—from the widest to the most intimate of vantages—these four quietly iconic paintings capture a year in some of the most historic places in this verdant urban masterpiece.    About the Artist: A native New Yorker Frederick Brosen studied at the City College of New York His work is included in museum collections across the country He has taught at several prominent art schools Lehman College and currently at the Art Students League of New York Four Seasons of Central Park: Watercolors by Frederick Brosen is made possible in part by a collective of generous individuals in celebration of Frederick Brosen’s work Readers: It's the road that parallels Palm Beach International Airport It starts a block from the Intracoastal Waterway and stretches west past State Road 7 And its intersection with South Dixie Highway is where you'll find the offices of the Palm Beach Post That makes Belvedere Road a pretty important thoroughfare But we find ourselves asking the question we have posed in the past about other roads Explore other cities: What's behind the name? From Boynton Beach to Westlake, a look at local town names Local history: Did you know Al 'Scarface' Capone owned a tomato farm in Jupiter Farms? The Belvedere Heights neighborhood sprang up in the 1950s north of the airport there already was a neighborhood called Belvedere Park It was "highly restricted" — that's code for whites only Carmichael — who twice would serve as West Palm Beach mayor — planned the $1 million project (about $15 million in 2020 dollars) which would boast a car and horse racing track But not the one you're thinking about; this was around where the Palm Beach Kennel Club now stands It was Belvedere Park that caught the eye of Debi Murray chief archivist at the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and one of our primary go-tos We went to the beginnings of the Palm Peach Post in 1916 part of the pioneer Potter family that came to what's now West Palm Beach around 1885 Along one side: the "national highway New York to Miami." That would be South Dixie Highway And along the side: "Belvedere." The date: 1911 nothing in the plat indicates whether Potter had named Belvedere Road or the name was already there And we still don't know why "Belvedere." So we still have no definitive answer.  Post Time appears in print every Thursday in Neighborhood Post.