Changes in the Hood, Part II

Here's a few extra pics. Check out this Before (February) and After (October) from our street. Our apartment building is the big building in the background. Those little white posts make a big difference! Also notice that the junkie garages on the right hand side were replace with a gated playground (and a parking lot behind the playground).












My runs to Parcul Titan and Parcul National have been affected around the edge of the park where more parking is being added. From left to right, you can see the transformation from a pedestrian city (large sidewalks) to a motorized one (smaller sidewalks and much needed parking space).

BEFORE

Sure this looks really nice while running, until you see a car driving on it to avoid traffic. There are no cars here now because they are about to tear it up. See the next photo.



DURING

Here they are tearing up the large sidewalk. The lack of any kinds of safety barriers, warning tape, etc. while heavy machinery is running is pretty much standard here. Of course, I'm used to looking down at my feet to check the pavement while running here - this is just another reason to do so!


AFTER

On this side of the park, they are already finished. You now have a smaller sidewalk (with a nice high curb) to help reduce the temptation to drive on it. You also have the much needed parking spaces.



Of course there's still a lot to do. Many of the positive changes bring on negatives in other areas. For example, on the back side of our apartment building is this street. Try to use those sidewalks! Uh, what sidewalks?

With the increasing amount of money coming in from the European Union (Romania joins next year), the USA and others, there will be more changes for sure.