Downtown, you're going to be alright now

The PG brings us word this morning that the latest Fifth-Forbes developer has pulled out of the project. That's the third developer to walk away from plans to redevelop the Downtown shopping district. And I have say I'm glad to see it happen. Two reasons: One, Downtown's plight is as much as symptom of the city's decline as it is a cause, and frankly, there are many other pressing problems we need to address. Second, city leaders have been acting from a flawed premise--that what Downtown needs is a "comprehensive" development plan, controlled by a single developer. That is not how truly vibrant urban neighborhoods grow, and it is not a sound strategy for revitalizing neighborhoods in decline.