Making cities more “walkable” is the subject of a new book by Jeff Speck with the title of “Walkable City.”

He suggests some things that have happened around here: more street trees, good public transit, welcome bicycles, feature outdoor dining and awnings — make it possible to do everything downtown — work, eat, shop, recreate, worship, make less parking that costs more (!).

I was thinking of what the new Pybus project would do in this regard. It is close enough for walkable access, has a collection of new, and old, enterprises, tilts us toward the river and the riverpark.

My monthly visit the other day was a walk-through with Steve Robinson. The contractor, Blodgett, is finishing up the underground work: electric on the river side, and sewer connection on the street side. The footings for the new sidewalls are completed, and that work can go on now. A movable stage in the form of a custom railroad flatcar is under contract, which will move from indoor to outdoors depending on weather and the need.

And Mike Walker continues to add to his collection of historic pictures of the city and the Shacktown, where Pybus now sits. Come spring, we will be celebrating the opening.