USA TODAY article: 'Militarized urbanism' chokes U.S. cities

[JNA]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion...ism/50805808/1

there remains a problem. And that is how to save our cities from what's called "militarized urbanism," which is the drive to aggressively — even belligerently — secure designated neighborhoods or buildings in order to strengthen control by owners and official authorities. We all want our cities to be safe. But we don't want their beauty, energy and street life destroyed in the process.

that effective counter-terrorism policy needs to balance security measures with good city planning.

Have you seen examples in your fair city ? we have large planting bowls

[DetroitPlanner]

Unfortunately fortesses are all over the place here. Particularly in poorer neighborhoods where those left who have any means have built walls to keep people from taking what they have.

[Howl]

The only real example I know of around here is the Amercian Consulate:

http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=America...211.26,,0,4.76

[Blide]

Drove by a pawn shop yesterday that put these salvaged cement blocks around their property that still had the rebar sticking out of them...

One I did like was the EPA building in Denver which is actually a new federal building. The security is subtle but effective plus it's on the 16th Street Mall. The building is also LEED Gold as I understand. Actually went on a tour of it for a class.

http://maps.google.com/maps/myplaces...87.24,,0,-4.76