Author: ayres

Catalyst Development Starts with Solid Brand

By Matt Ashby, AICP, CUD The term “catalyst” is defined as someone or something that initiates change, and the word has become quite popular in redevelopment circles. But if “catalyst” still smacks of jargon, here’s a translation of what it means in the redevelopment world: A catalyst is a place where a developer sees investment… Read More »

Why Are Wetlands Critical? Think Flood Control, Clean Water

Can you think of a single popular saying that uses the word “bog” or “swamp” in a positive way? Good luck. Not that long ago, bogs and swamps were viewed as areas that were too wet for any productive use, home to buzzing mosquitos and strange plants. That image is changing. Bogs, swamps, marshes, and… Read More »

Inspectors Make Sure Gorgeous Bridges Are Safe Bridges

By Rick Maslyn, CBI MSN.com recently compiled a listing of “Gorgeous Photos of Bridges in Every State.” The photos range from suspension and cable-stayed bridges crossing major water bodies to pedestrian bridges in parks. What unites these and most of the approximately 600,000 structures in the United States is that they are safe because they… Read More »