The Metamorphosis Continues

[happybuddha]

Originally Posted by raj kapoor

it is very doable from both a power and maintenance perspective.

Google maps shows this tunnel is a part of Jefferson county. Anyone know who's paying for the bulbs and the power bill for this ?

[raj kapoor]

Originally Posted by happybuddha

Google maps shows this tunnel is a part of Jefferson county. Anyone know who's paying for the bulbs and the power bill for this ?

Not that kind of bulbs. This is an civic art groups project of much larger scope. Like most things now, it is a public/private endeavor. You can google it and get the details. It seems the initial news announcement would answer your query.

It is in the city of Birmingham.......so the implication of your question about Jefferson County is moot.

Jurisdiction is not totally defining any longer fortunately. There are projects that are being funded by separate cities and even from different counties now. Some wisdom seeping in.

No one was or will be hurt to enhance our urban/suburban environment.

Unfortunately however, a lot of people will be hurt every time they 'FLUSH IT'.

raj

[astroia 34567]

Yes, just be careful what you wish for. This seems needed for Birmingham to give its downtown a boost. However, I live in NYC in a gentrifying neighborhood. The new bars the expanded museums and hotels in my area are nice but then rents and home prices rise, and with more bars and restaurants comes more litter and more chances that you may hear a drunken argument at night if you live nearby.

Our local politicians have encouraged the renewal of nightlife but are strict on - 1) noise from people outside of bars at night and 2) raffiti and any rises in drug dealing. Unfortunately if development is not planned well you will get litter, noise, and possibly drug dealing as it comes with the honky-tonk Las Vegas thing.

So be vigilant the development is informed by the community and attends to quality of life issues throughout. A little noise and periodic crowds on Thursday and Friday eve or Saturday afternoon is fine - but I doubt you want Times Square size crowds roaming all over the place until 2 am from Thursday thru Sun.

Congrats again though and looks like I will pay a visit to Birmingham soon to check out the neat art and a few cafes.

[Tourian]

You're right. We should be careful. Adding a couple of lights to a previously unfrequented area and the next thing you know we'll be like New York City.

[wardamnbham]

Originally Posted by raj kapoor

I read that. I believe they plan some other installations. With the new technology in lighting, it is very doable from both a power and maintenance perspective.

We just have to be careful and not do so much that we look like HONKYTONKVEGAS.

raj

ps if you haven't been, don't plan to just drive through. There is a program and it last at least fifteen minutes so you could miss the impact thinking you can stop for a moment. We were down Sat. night and there were lots of people and it was the first time in my life I felt safe in one of those tunnels, especially at night.

This place is changing. Join us or get out of the way.

Correct. 18th Street is the proof of concept. The idea is to encourage nearby businesses to "sponsor" other light installations in the remaining underpasses (14th, 19th, 20th). Eventually, the plan is to create a comprehensive lighting scheme that includes tunnels, landmarks, and buildings. It will be modeled on Philadelphia's successful Center City lighting project. Which, I must say, is quite stunning.

[raj kapoor]

Originally Posted by wardamnbham

Correct. 18th Street is the proof of concept. The idea is to encourage nearby businesses to "sponsor" other light installations in the remaining underpasses (14th, 19th, 20th). Eventually, the plan is to create a comprehensive lighting scheme that includes tunnels, landmarks, and buildings. It will be modeled on Philadelphia's successful Center City lighting project. Which, I must say, is quite stunning.

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

raj

[wardamnbham]

Indeed. Welcome.