As infrastructure constructed 50 years ago reaches the end of its useful life, cities are rethinking highways and expressways. These urgent redesign and mitigation projects offer opportunities to restore parkland and community connections severed in the name of “urban renewal.” But many communities are struggling with public proposals, concluding that, unless other options are explored, they will be victimized once again.

Buffalo, Milwaukee, Atlanta, and Detroit are all examples of Olmsted cities debating roadway redesign.

Last year in Buffalo, the Olmsted Network, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Preservation Buffalo, Niagara, and other community groups joined forces to oppose NYSDOT’s plans to “cap” the 33 Expressway, saying that it would not restore Olmsted’s historic Humboldt Parkway and simply perpetuate historic divides and inequities.

In Milwaukee, the Reimagine 175 Project offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revitalize Olmsted’s Washington Park and the neighborhoods around it. The Olmsted Network’s recent op-ed— "WIS 175 divides historic Washington Park"— serves as a plea for leaders to consider the historic fabric of the park.

These projects— and more— will serve as a backdrop to the Olmsted Network’s upcoming webinar, Conversations with Olmsted: Restoring Community Connections Through Highway Redesign, on June 10 at 3 pm ET. Experts Sara Zewde, Peter Park and Cindy Zerger will explore the pros and cons of popular approaches and aim to answer a difficult question: Are cities embracing positive change or simply pursuing options that will perpetuate the same divisions caused by urban renewal in the 60s?

Register Now!