West End being gutted for I-75 in late 50s and West End in 2018.

Today's "We Ruined Our Own Cities" file entry comes from Cincinnati via Cam Miller 🎥.

"Disemboweling a dozen communities along the way," writes Robert Caro, the Cross Bronx displaced over 60,000. With many Jewish, Irish, & Italian immigrants, Puerto Ricans, & African Americans, the neighborhoods destroyed "were among the most racially integrated in the country."

Main Street in Ellicott City, Maryland looks pretty similar to what it did at the turn of the century. Except the cars uglify the streetscape. As usual.

Pushed by 90% fed. financing from the '56 Hwy Bill, planners gouged highways through cities across the nation. In Boston, the Charles River Esplanade was divided from the city to provide for suburban commuters—suburbs at the time restricted to "only those of the Caucasian race."

Centre Street, looking from Main Street Ashtabula, Ohio How it’s started How it’s going

Redemption award!

Redemption award!

1910

McKeesport, PA added to the "We Ruined Our Own Cities" file. 1/7

Redemption award!!

Redemption award!

Redemption Award!

Yes, this is the same location some 132 years later. We don't have to design a city around the car. (Providence)

Redemption award!

👇

I haven’t been as active lately, but cars.destroyed.our.cities has been. Check them out!