Binsur

[Mdz1001 0]

Hi all. Not only is this my first city journal, but this is my first post on the Simtropolis BBS. Now, without further delay, welcome to...

 

Binsur

 

North Binsur, and...

South Binsur. The region population is 1,463,982 Sims. Most of the cities in the north have been built pre-RH, deleted, and then built again. This includes Binsur City (which once had 450,000 Sims) and Hale Eddy (about 55,000). The southern cities are either completely new or have just been upgraded. I will provide satellite photos on my next post. The biggest city is New North Binsur (500,000).

All of the new cities are on Easy. I don't use cheats, but I do use mods like Roadtop Mass Transit, Joerg's Airport Pack, and a few of Pegasus's lots.

The green California signs are tollways while the white Hawaii signs are state routes. I also have historic routes that are blue octagons.

Now, it's your turn. Which city do you want me to do first? 

(Note: My computer is very slow, especially on big cities like New North Binsur. )

EDIT: I made the pictures smaller.

[Dolfan348488 0]

First off, welcome to Simtropolis https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>  You seem to have a pretty nice region going there.  Could you show some close-ups of the cities so we can get a better idea of what it looks like.

[Mdz1001 0]

Here are the satelite views.

Please reply and say which city that you want me to do first.

[villarule 2]

keep going on the region it looks very good!!

[Mdz1001 0]

Sorry that I haven't been able to get some close-ups in a while. I have mid-terms and other stuff to do. I'll try to update during the week, but it is unlikely. When I make my next post, I'll put some pix of South Andover, my favorite, and maybe something else... https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/2.gif>

[Mdz1001 0]

Yay. I have a snow day today (I live in New Jersey) so I'll update. Welcome to...

The city is about 160 years old and was started pre-RH. Tons of upgrades have been and still are being made. It is my favorite because it is the perfect match of big city life with the beauty of nature. I was only expecting this city to cap at around 100,000 so I was surprised when it now caps at more than twice that.

Here is an overview pic of downtown. Unfortunately, the road to the far right carries about 3000 cars a day. I'm probably going to have to make some changes soon.

Here is the Central Circle. This gives a closer view of the road that I mentioned earlier and probably gives the reason why I can't expand. Note the building that I boxed in red. It has stood basically for about 150 years, even though it is distressed. It has just stayed there and I have not made it historical. The circle was designed to be pedestrian-friendly and handles tons of pedestrian traffic every day.

 

Here is a close-up of I-1 near the industrial sector and the airport tram. There will be more on that later. I-1 runs through the heart of the city and is the city's link to Binsur City and places north. At certain points, it carries more than 6000 cars during rush hour.

 

This is the southern portal that takes I-1 through the Catskill Mountains and under Rt. 17 (Catskill Highway).

Part 2 coming later today!

 

 

[Mdz1001 0]

And now for Part 2 of South Andover.

 

Here is a view of the airport tram, all thanks to Joerg's airport pack. It used to be a large landing strip, but it was being heavily used. So I decided to destroy the airoprt and build the tram, which will go to the planned Binsur City International Airport. (More on that in future posts.)

This is the section of South Andover called Valhalla. It is in a small valley between the city line and the Catskill Mountain range. This picture describes the upgrades I have had to made. Before, Valhalla Road West was the main road and Valhalla Road East was a street. Due to traffic problems, I had to upgrade both roads. Thanks to the Avenue-Oneway Transition Mod, this is possible.

[Mdz1001 0]

The same process is applied here, this time near the border with South Binsur Bay.

This is Catskill Highway, marked by the Rt. 17 signs (if you can see them, sorry about that). Rt. 17 runs through the entire length of the Catskill Mountain Range and is a major thoroughfare for southern Binsur.

Catskill Highway at Main St. Main Street leads to downtown; therefore, this is a very important intersection.

More of Catskill Highway. This is one of the more scenic roads. On one side, you can see Andover Mountain; the other, the downtown skyline.

Catskill Highway at Western Parkway. This interchange carries about 5000 cars during rush hour.

That's South Andover in a nutshell. So, what do you think?

I think it's great. All the local traffic around here will make my business boom. I'm sold!

Well Mr. Mayor, it looks like you've attracted yet another big business to South Andover, said Neil Fairbanks to Mayor Mel after talking to another big business conglomerate.

Yeah, said Mel. Business really seems to like my city.

O yeah. But I have a letter from the President of Binsur.

Neil hands Mel the letter.

 

So you'll have to leave town for a few days, said Neil.

Okay.

Next update I'll detail their long trip up to Seacrest.

Please post and reply with your comments and anything else you'd like to see.

[Mdz1001 0]

I see that my letter is tough to read so I'll retype it.

 

Dear Mayor Mel Diaz,

 

You are cordially invided to a consortium on the future of Binsur City and how it will affect your city. The meeting will be held at the Hodgkins Financial Building on 1000 Coastal Highway in Seacrest. We hope to see you there.

 

Sincerely,

Jamil Herd

Binsur Transportation Advisor

 

 

Please, please reply with your comments. Please!!!

[Adley 0]

Very nice city mdz. love the  one city with the mountains in it. Keep building.

[scott1964 138]

Looks good. https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>

[ead88 0]

Yeah nice city, keep up the good work

[+Guest]

I had a snow day in PA.....where in NJ you live? South or north? Oh, and Flyers rule! Ok bu anyway, very nice region! The way you have presented it is great!

[Mdz1001 0]

Flyers stink, iamrobk. (Just kidding.) Yeah, I live in Bergen County, in the north, about 25 minutes from NYC (on a good day). Anyway, tomorrow I will try to update with South Binsur Bay and maybe a bit of the beginnings of Binsur. (in an interesting way, of course. https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/2.gif> 

[guitarmanboobs 0]

Yeah, you're right, the Senators are gonna take it this year.

[+Guest]

----------------

On 1/29/2004 9:03:13 PM Mdz1001 wrote:

Flyers stink, iamrobk. (Just kidding.) Yeah, I live in Bergen County, in the north, about 25 minutes from NYC (on a good day). Anyway, tomorrow I will try to update with South Binsur Bay and maybe a bit of the beginnings of Binsur. (in an interesting way, of course.

----------------

Then why did you say it was snowing in SOUTH Jersey (a few posts up)? Lol. And the Flyers RULE!

[Mdz1001 0]

First, iamrobk, I don't remember saying South Jersey but New Jersey. So now before this post becomes a shouting match over the NHL, I'll update.

 

So Mayor Mel Diaz begins his journey from City Hall in South Andover, with his advisor Neil driving the limo.

 

You know, I've heard a lot about those numerous road projects that they have done. says Mel.

 

Yeah. Who knew a farming town would have so much traffic?

 

Then again, it's probably because of how big I have managed this city to be.

 

Oh, don't flatter yourself. Let's go.

And so they set off in the Mayor Limo on Andover Avenue headed towards I-1. This is where the circle used to be, but it has been obviously removed for road expansion.

These are the new tennis courts for the new high-capacity high school that was recently built.

This is the diamond interchange between Andover Avenue and I-1. Neil turned right onto North I-1.

Come on, Neil. Drive faster! said Mel.

Okay. Here we go, said Neil.

Neil hit 70 MPH as they cruised into South Binsur Bay.

South Binsur Bay is mostly a farming town with a small residential and commercial area. It is reserved mostly for the rich. Because of regional traffic, many roads have been upgraded to boulevards and even highways (like nearby I-301).

Geez. This interchange wasn't here before, said Mel.

Yeah. It's brand-new and is designed for traffic headed to Hangtown's industrial area and Rancho Cucamonga.

Heh. Not much to talk about here, eh Mel?

Nope.

Mayor Mel takes a look at the South Binsur Bay mayoral mansion.

Man. I wish I had a mansion like that.

But you do, and it's the exact same size as this one.

Yeah, but he has horses and a red sports car!

Neil sighs as they continue up I-1.

Neil makes a right to stay on I-1 towards Binsur. But suddenly he notices something.

Mel, it looks like we're running out of gas. We have to exit and look for a gas station.

Okay. Besides, how long could it take to find a gas station?

Neil made a right of I-1 and then a quick left onto Station Road.

Neil made a right off of Station Parkway onto Bayside Avenue, still looking for a gas station.

Geez. How can there not be a gas station around here? said Mel.

I don't know, but i have to keep looking.

They passed by many rich houses and small businesses, but still no gas stations.

Neil made a right onto a one-way road that looked like it had a lot of businesses. Night had fallen on the village.

Yes! A gas station! We're saved, Neil!

Finally. But it is about 10:00. We better camp in the limo.

Well, at least it's a limo and not a compact car.

And so the weary travelers stop for the night at the gas station on South Binsur Bay. Tomorrow they will get back on the highway and head for Binsur and points northward.

Comments and requests of pictures, please!

[Mdz1001 0]

Just for anyone who is interested, here is a large shot of South Binsur Bay.

 

 

The red box is where the gas station is that Mel and Neil are staying in.

Comments, please!

[Mdz1001 0]

O yeah, I noticed something odd while playing South Andover the other day.

 

The red box is where the weird part is. That is supposed to be a road, and cars do pass through it. If I highlight it via query, it shows the road, but once I move the mouse elsewhere, that comes back. Has anyone seen anything like this?

Anyway, I'm really busy next week. There probably won't be another big update until next Friday, but I'll try to include a small one during the week.

Go Patriots.

 

[Mdz1001 0]

After a (sort of?) restful night sleep, Mel and Neil get set to hit the road again.

 

Remind me never to sleep in a suit and tie again, said Mel.

 

And with that, they set off from the station.

 

 

They set out on Charles St. headed towards I-1.

 

They passed by the police station. It had a banner adorning the front that said, Ranked Best Police Force in Binsur.

They passed by some boutiques and a few small houses.

They drove across the tracks of the Binsur Eastern Line. It is one of the busiest rail lines in the region.

They finally reached I-1 and entered the highway headed north.

Man, their bus system must stink, Mel replied, looking at the numerous buses exiting the highway.

Neil said nothing in reply.

Neil merged into the left lane as he entered Binsur City.

They passed through a heavy industrial sector. Again, they saw the Binsur Eastern Line.

Geez, look at all of this open space. No wonder they want to make a huge city here, Neil commented.

Yeah, I see. This would be a great location for a new metropolis, with a river nearby and lots of open space, Mel replied.

Uh-oh, Neil said.

What now, Neil?

Look ahead.

Mel said, Well, let's hope that it isn't a long detour. But I don't remember a tunnel here. That's strange.

Yeah. Why would there be a tunnel on flat land?

Nevertheless, Neil was forced to exit.

They drove along what appeared to be a service road.

The road expanded to four lanes and drove through some poor businesses. They figured out what tunnel that the sign was talking about.

Oh. Neil, it looks like they are rebuilding I-1 underground.

Interesting. They can conceal the eyesore of a highway and reclaim space for business and other uses at the same time. It's a great idea, but just imagine the cost.

Yeah. I mean, if it were cheap, then all highways would be underground.

They finally re-entered the highway and headed toward Binsur City's major residential area (at this time).

Geez. Look at these buildings. I can't believe that these Stage 8's have developed in a city so young, Neil.

Yeah. This development makes me look stupid as a city planner.

No kidding, Neil.

Don't push it, Mel.

Next time I'll detail their trip through Riverdell City and Seacrest. Will they reach the Hodgkins Building in Seacrest by 7:00 PM tonight? You'll find out next time.

 

[+Guest]

That looks good.

[Mdz1001 0]

Sorry for taking so long to update, but here goes.

(P.S. More detailed descriptions of specific cities will come on future posts.)

Neil and Mel cruise into Riverdell City, still on I-1.

 

 

They came up across a new interchange.

 

 

Mel said, Exit 14X? That's a weird exit number.

 

Well that is because it is a new roadway. I-501 is a new spur route that heads into the heart of downtown. Otherwise, traffic headed from Binsur on I-1 would have to exit on Exit 13 (James Street), which is a small one-way road jammed to capacity. However, Exit 14A is 'the 101', and is where we have to exit.

 

Good, said Mel. We can finally get off of I-1.

 

 

 

Neil exits I-1 and heads north on BR 101 towards Seacrest.

 

 

They passed through Riverdell City's main commercial district while approaching the Riverdell Crossing.

 

 

Midspan at the Riverdell Crossing.

 

 

 

Geez, said Mel. Look at all this high-wealth development. They pass by Ackroyd Boulevard, about to enter the city of Seacrest.

 

 

The expressway ends and becomes Coastal Highway, an at-grade hybrid boulevard with small freeway sections. The road now enters Seacrest.

 

 

It was almost evening rush hour, and traffic was beginning to get heavy.

 

 

They passed by a new high-rise development. It was beginning to get dark, and the meeting began at 7:00 PM sharp. Neil began to drive the limo to its limit to try to make it on time.

 

 

They passed by the main police and fire station in Seacrest. Neil slowed down here, fearing the police.

 

 

The 101 makes a slight left after crossing train tracks. Traffic was really becoming heavy.

 

 

They were coming on the major commercial center. Tall buildings emerged. They were very close to their final destination.

 

 

Yes! We're finally here, Mel announced.

 

Yup, this is it. 1000 Coastal Highway. And we're on time.

So Mel and Neil make it on time to the consortium. Next update (should be either later tonight or tomorrow) will contain the happenings of the consortium and some more detailed information on the specific cities of Binsur.

Comments, Please!

[clindhartsen 5]

Well, your journal is very creative. I like the main idea of it being made up by U-Drive-Ita good conscept and use of the function. Anyway, I'll come back and have a more throughow reply later, have a report to work on.

[Mdz1001 0]

Thanks for the preliminary comments. Unfortunately, my next update is taking a while. Sorry about that. I'll try and get the next update ready as soon as I can.

 

O yeah. Just in case you're wondering, the freeway signs come from Kurumi.com's Signmaker

[Mdz1001 0]

Mel and Neil walked into 1000 Coastal Highway and were seated in the main ballroom. All of the mayors of all the cities of Binsur were present. Then the president of Binsur, Jamil Herd III, stood up at the front of the podium.

 

Hello and welcome to the first ever Binsur consortium. We are here to discuss the state of all the cities in Binsur as well as what holds for this great state in the future. Our region population has now hit 1,748,640 Sims, an all-time high, and is only getting bigger. Let us begin with Binsur City, shall we? To describe Binsur City, I will introduce the mayor of Binsur CIty, Mackenzie Appleby.

 

There is applause as Mackenzie comes up to the podium.

 

Thank you, President Herd. Binsur City is by far the fastest growing city in Binsur's history. Jamil and I agree that it will become the center of the region by the time that it has finished growing. After 2 years in existence, it had 70,000 Sims. At present, it now has 349,757 Sims, making it Binsur's second biggest city, only behind New North Binsur at around 500,000 Sims. The city also has 172,805 commercial jobs, making it a large commercial center.

 

 

This is a region shot of the city of Binsur. The city limits are outlined in red. From this perspective you can see the vast amount of space that this city still has to grow.

 

 

This is the beginning layout of the city. The highways that cut through the area are I-201 and I-1.

 

 

This shows the first development of the city. As you can see, the Cityline Concourse (BR 6) is the major road. It was designed with an avenue flanked by 2 one-way roads for a reason. You will see that reason a bit later...

 

 

More photos of development. You can see all of the Stage 8 buildings already developing.

 

 

The first major commercial development.

 

 

This is Cityline Concourse. As you can see, it has been upgraded to a highway and been given the designation I-6. This section of the highway currently holds about 7000 vehicles a day.

 

 

This is the site chosen for Binsur International Airport (BRX). As you can see, access roads have already been built, including the BR 108 Tollway, a spur of thr BR 8 Tollway that heads to downtown.

More on Binsur City coming later today!

[MrVegetable 2]

Very nice! I like that highway with the parallel one-ways. Can you explain your reasons for choosing that design?

Also, if your airport turns out OK can you tell me how you made it as my custom airports are naf.

[+Guest]

How do one get one-ways to appear parallel with the freeway like frontage roads? Can't get it to work...must have missed some mod i think...

[Daeley 46]

looks pretty cool! keep up the good work!

[Mdz1001 0]

Mr. Vegetable: I use these because they seem to be quite effective in my cities, and it is easy to upgrade the center avenue to a highway when traffic gets bad, without having to bulldoze any buildings. Also, they exist in real life. (See the What freeways in Sim City 5 should look like thread in General Discussion) Expect to see more of those in my newer cities. For the airport, you will see very soon... https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif>

 

Cappy: You just simply draw the one-way roads on the second tile from the highway in alternating directions. I am assuming that you don't know how to connect the one-way road to the highway. You have to choose the Side Onramp highway tool and hit the Tab key a few times. You will eventually find the one you want.

 

Thanks for the replies. Now, I will continue...

Here is the finished airport. It serves about 100,000 passengers a day.

 

It has 3 runways, a cargo terminal, and an expansive long-term parking lot. It is served by a subway- elevated rail system.

Since there is rapid development expected for the downtown area, portions of I-1 and the BR 8 Tollway are being sunken underground. We wanted to ensure minimum clutter in the downtown area.

This is the expected major center of downtown. As you can see, it has not been fully developed as of yet, but hopefully, towering skyscrapers will replace the low-wealth businesses that currently occupy this space. If you look near BR 8, you can see that a Stage 8 has already developed. This shows nuch promise for the area.

This is just north of the last picture. As you can see, this area is more developed than the last.

Here are some more pictures of the city's development. The city is only expected to at least double in population over the next 25 years.

 

This is Binsur City in the region of Binsur. https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>

 

[Mdz1001 0]

Whoops. I forgot a picture. Here is the highway map of Binsur City.