This Week Article on ‘First Suburbs’ film
December 3rd, 2009
Great wrap up of The New Metropolis film screening and panel discussion (including UA City Manager Virginia Barney) by This Week News contributor Kim Tolley. Click here to read the full story.
Film, panel explore the problems of ‘first suburbs’
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“We’re not eligible for much of the funding that goes to new development,” Barney told ThisWeek.
Gibson and various members of the Ohio First Suburbs Consortium have urged lawmakers to consider policy changes such as increased tax credits for rehabilitating older buildings.
Torrice’s documentary also examines how the lack of commercial development hurts towns. Officials note that consumers’ abandonment of the first suburbs’ once vital malls in favor of stores in the newer suburbs reflects the economic struggles of the community.
“Shopping malls have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years,” Barney noted. “Northland, Kingsdale and City Center all once were the places to be.”
