What to Do with All Those Empty Car Dealerships?

by Richard Florida

More than 2,000 car dealerships across the country will be closing their doors in coming months. Planetizen - my favorite urbanist site - recently asked its readers what should be done with all that space. Here are the top five vote-getters as of May 21:

• Ask the local residents about what the community needs (222 votes)
• Urban gardens (200 votes)
• Create walkable, vibrant places and improve current communities (138 votes)
• Farmers' markets and local events (126 votes)
• Solar and wind energy park/vehicle charging stations (102 votes)