Topic #6: Transportation

Buses.

If that doesn't sound like a harbinger of urbanity, what does? Too, buses don't carry a very hopeful image and suffer from some negative perceptions, but like putting ivy in the garden, you know it works and you need it--and really what else can connect these areas?

But does it have to be that way? Most I talked to thought it necessary, some were even excited, about the new bus system. Others were more interested in bike lanes and alternative methods of getting around. What would you push for: should the buses be green, running on alternative fuels or electricity? What if "electric" meant power lines in more of a cable-car set-up like they have in Dallas, Texas? And not least...where do the buses need to go, and how often?

Here are a few links to interesting bus concepts:
Orem County, Utah
Coventry, UK
contemporary bus depot
futuristic buses
or what about historic buses???

Topic #5: Green spaces

Along the lines of the river restoration and waterfront development, many residents discussed the need for more coordinated green spaces in and around Salina. Green space has a surprising effect on our psyche: a recent lecture I heard on the relationship between green spaces and crime noted a substantial inverse correlation. Crime goes down in areas that are more "natural" to the extent that even painting rooftops green has made differences in urban communities.

Many have had defined ideas about green space development: community gardens, north-end nature preserve, a coordinated end-to-end bike and nature trail, ridgetop hiking and biking in the southeast quadrant. What's your take? How should Salina manage its parks and green spaces in coming years--what should be first?