Polaris City

For the autonomous republic, please see the Federal Republic of Polaris. For just a tiny taste of the city's dark underbelly, see Corruption in Polaris.

Polaris City is the capital and largest city of the Federal Republic of Polaris, and is located on the coast of the central region of the nation in the Greater Polaris City Area. The GPCA represents the largest urban agglomeration in Polaris, amounting to nearly a fourth of the entire population of the Federal Republic of Polaris.

Polaris City has been inhabited since at least 1882, with the founding of a trading outpost and militia camp on the shores of what was then the Polar Islands. The city grew to prominance with its role as a major port on the Southern Ocean, and was a key transportation point for the fledgling fisheries industry within the region. With a continual flow of commercial activity into the city, Polarian merchants began to establish banks and other financial institutions to keep pace with the growth of the fisheries and forestry industries.

Polaris City is the economic and financial capital of the state of New Westshield.It serves as the headquarters of many major banks, corporations, and the Polaris Stock Exchange, the largest stock exchange in Polaris. Polaris continues to be a center for arts and culture, and is home to a vibrant theatre, music, and festival scene that attracts visitors from across the continent annually. The city also remains a crucial transporation hub both domestically and internationally, containing some of the largest ports, airports, and rail terminals within the continent. Polaris also features an extensive network of light rail lines, buses and subways. The world-renowned University of Polaris is located in the city's Rockford Hill district.

Since 1954,Polaris has expanded itself via amalgation of the other areas surrounding it, which were formerly indepentent municipalities known as Beach Town, Kristenville and Morrison. These also have grown to the stature and development of the city as of today.

1882-1913
The city was originally known as a small militia camp and outpost during the High Penguin Confederacy. The camp was mainly on the Polar Islands, including Polaris Island itself. The original founder of the camp was Daniel Cornelius Monte Captio, a forefather of Sancho Monte Captio, in 1882. The area began commercial development in 1903, with the construction of brick buildings and streets, from imports from later settlers. The city was known as the Polar Islands in 1909, but was corrupted to simply Polaris over time.

1913-1945

 * See also: Kingfish1928


 * See also: Polaris_City_Council

When Khanzem toppled the High Penguin Confederacy in 1913, Polaris was immediately targeted by Whoot for domination. It was not because the city was large or notable, but rather, because it was in such a magnificently strategic place for war.

The Khanzem Reich blasted through Polaris in 1915. The city did not put up a fight, simply because they did not care. After the surrendered, Whoot looked for a loyal Naugtzee to lead the new "Penguins' Realm of the Polar Islands", a puppet state dominated entirely by Khanzem.

At this time (1915), Polaris had just begun constructing brick and wooden buildings, but the infrastructure was pathetic and the roads were just cleared, compacted snow or even dirt. The docks were but a shambled combination of wood, ropes, and nails, and there was no real road in or out. It was isolated and rural, and conservative as all get-out.

Whoot chose an aspiring charismatic penguin to lead the Naughtzee city. His name was Kingfish1928 Necisty, and he adored Lesser penguins and hatred High Penguins enough to make Whoot shed a tear. He was installed in 1915, where he immediately won the love and adoration of the lesser penguins by telling them how special and needed they were. He said he'd make "Naawww-zee Poe-lair-is" (his thick Pallet Drawl accent slurred it) a "city worthy of the supreme species".

Using High Penguins as slave labor, Kingfish built Polaris. He laid roads, highways, streets, and buildings, some that weren't even needed or used until years after they were made. His forceful building projects built almost all of Polaris' low-rise cityscape (little of which still exist today) and most ever building built before 1940 that is still standing. The Kingfish projects were demolished over time as the city had an urge to go upwards instead of outwards.

In 1918, Naughtzee Polaris was invaded by the Ruscan Army, which devastated the city with airplane bombs. The Ruscans occupied the city and a medium sized portion of the former Khanzem territory after the war. The remainder of the Khanzem territory was kept to the Snowman Empire until 1935, when the Ruscans and The Good Guys decided to establish Olde Antarctica.

Today, most Kingfish buildings are mainly demolished, and or destroyed by the Ruscans. This is due to the city's rapid expansion, and thus, supplant the old buildings with new socialist Ruscan style apartment buildings. When Olde Antarctica emerged, the old socialist-era Ruscan apartments were completely replaced with shiny, glossy glass condominiums and office towers.

1945-present
By 1969, the city boasted a population of 2,000,000 penguins, and grew to a size of 1,020 sq. miles. Polaris also became a major banking center, financial center, political center and cultural center from the 1960s to 2000s.

After many years of growth, Sancho Monte Captio resigned citing that he will need to focus more on his airlines and the FAAA, rather than the city of Polaris. In his place, his Deputy Mayor, Nathaniel Kratz was sworn in by the former mayor on January 13, 2011.Both are Democratic Party members, and have substantially high approval ratings in the city as well.

Geography
The city is surronded by small mountains, making the city a prime location for snowfall, and is one of the most popular ski areas in the country. The city also has many beaches, making it also a prime tourist destination year-round. Polaris is actually built on a small island that is 23.3 sq. miles in area, and makes up the Downtown core of the city.Polaris Island comprises of mainly skyscrapers, with all the buildings on the island being 500 ft. or above. The island is connected to the mainland by three bridges.The mainland areas, are also secondary downtown area, known as the Emperor District, as the site was formerly an Emperor Penguin neighborhood. To the east lies Air Force Island,which holds a naval base and a air base, which is known as Fort Polaris, which protects the harbor of Polaris, and is a primary base for the USA Navy and the USA Air Force. The Air Force Island of one of many barrier islands bordering Polaris Bay. To the west of the Downtown Island is the Airport Island, which contains Polaris-City International Airport, one of the largest airports in the country. It is connected to the city via the John H. Chan Bridge, which is utilized as a rail and road connection to the main expressway in the city.

Polaris Island is surrounded by the Jackson and Barron Rivers which merge again to become the Eastshield River. Polaris Bay is also guarded with many barrier islands, which are now used as a tourism hub and beachfront as well, and is better known as Polaris' second downtown. The Polaris Barrier Islands possess the local Air Force Base. Off the coast of the Polaris Delta is Airport Island, which is located 5 miles northwest of the Polaris Island. Polaris-City International Airport is located on Stephenson Island, a former island that was connected to the mainland landfilling

The city itself is noted for its almost uniform grid pattern in several neighbourhoods, notably the East Rutherford neighbourhoods and districts, and is especially seen adjacent to the Polaris and Barron Rivers. In place since the late 19th century, the grid plan presently in place was held in disdain by several politicians and officials of the Kingfish regime, when comparing the grid plan to those of Castillan and Frankterran cities, which are highlighted for their intricate grid plans, which make use of roundabouts and public squares, unseen in many parts of Polaris. Before the development of the city itself, the area was mainly farmland; and the grid plan was used to almost equally divide land between settlers within Polaris. Today, thousands of high-rise buildings occupy the grid blocks.

Climate
The climate in Polaris is classified as Class E, under the Kloppen Climate Survey. The city of Polaris is usually sunny, but does have the usual ocean-effect snow, created from the Polaris Rover and the Southern Ocean. The city of Polaris is somewhat warmer, and can have temperatures high as 16c in some areas. The amount of rain in the city is considered very small every year. Snow falls many times throughout the year but is most prodominant in June, July and August.

Architecture
The architecture of the city dominated by international and postmodern-style buildings, mainly constructed of glass and metal. Much of this was a result of the rapid economic expansion of Polaris City throughout the mid-20th century, that saw the dominance of the international style as a common theme for many architects at the time.

The Joinville Plaza complex, composed of a collection of gold-tinted glass skyscrapers, is a notable example of the impression the International style has left on the cityscape of Polaris. This is evident in the cubic and imposing nature of the buildings, as mid-century Polarian architecture honed in heavily on emphasizing an honest, utilitarian philosophy.

This has also extended significantly to many institutional and government buildings throughout Polaris, with the dual influence of the postmodern and brutalist styles. Brutalism, notable for its use of concrete, sought to convey a notion of equality and public openness to Polarians. Many hospitals, such as Polaris East Docklands Medical Centre, and university campuses, such as Garbol Hall at Newdel University, were fashioned in the brutalist style as an emulation of a progressive, open mindset.

In spite of the ascendancy of modern architecture, the preservation of heritage structures remains a key priority of the Polarian municipal government. Federation House, presently the official residence of the President of the Executive Council, was notably saved from demolition by several councillors, who were vehemently opposed to the idea of constructing a parking facility in place of the house.

For the most part, the high-rise remains the mainstay of the Polarian cityscape. It is estimated that Polaris has approximately 3,100 high-rise buildings (over 100 m), much of which is concentrated throughout Polaris Island.

Notable buildings include the Monthaut Building, a 2,345 ft. skyscraper in the north of Polaris Island, on Wells Avenue, that is presently the tallest structure in Antarctica. The building functions as an offices for several federal and state agencies and various private corporations. Polaris is also home to the Polaris Centre for the Performing Arts, a deconstructivist building situated on Capitol Avenue, which has been hailed as an architectural masterpiece by many contemporary critics.

Neighborhoods
Polaris contains a diverse range of neighbourhoods and districts, many of which have continued historical and cultural significance for Polaris' inhabitants. Much of Polaris Island, particularly in the neighbourhoods of Riverside, West Harbor, Joinville and Carter Park, contain many high-rise condominium buildings, largely inhabited by the city's elite. The districts mentioned wield some of the highest real estate prices in all of Polaris, given their proximity to downtown Polaris City. Towards the southern end of Polaris Island, namely Westridge, Herringtown, and Avery, have retained many low-rise brownstones, historically housing the city's nascent immigrant populations. These neighbourhoods are notable for their concentration of more low-income Polarians, but have, rather controversially, been subject to a process of gentrification, becoming a haven for many middle class families.

Neighbourhoods such as Pelliston, Battleford, Union Harbor, and Fortsburg contain a large number of high-rise buildings largely for middle-income Polaris, though contain pockets of historical single-family homes and townhouses. Towards the south, Oakton Ridges and Greenfield are particularly low-income neighbourhoods, also with a large number of high-rise apartments and social housing units.

Towards the city's periphery are the neighbourhoods of Alton, Victory Hill, Pinegrove, and Campbellford, home to sprawling suburbs for the city's middle-to-upper income residents.

Landmarks
There are many landmarks located in Polaris, scattered throughout the city. But, the most notable landmark is Island Memorial Park, located on a river island in the middle of the West River. This park was noted as one of the original camps in which Polaris was founded. The area served as a city hall for 2 years, and was turned into a public park, boasting war memorials and statues of penguins. Another landmark would be the Mountain Bay Tower, located on it's own island, reaching a height of 2,089 ft, and can view up to a 55 mile radius on a clear day. The tower was constructed in 2005, acting as both offices and a franchise of the luxury Mountain Bay Hotels. The city also possesses Citizen Junction, a large city square filled with illuminated advertising and television studios.

Boroughs/Districts
The city itself is divided into 25 districts, scattered across a 1,050 kilometer vincity,with each district being represented by a City Councillor, who is directly-elected into the City Council. Below is a list of all the districts
 * Polaris Island-North
 * Polaris Island-Central
 * Polaris Island South
 * Polaris Hills-National Island
 * Karlsburg-Newtonville
 * Jackson Point-McCleary Beach
 * Union Harbor
 * Nichols Field
 * Alton West
 * Alton East
 * Victory Hill
 * Frankterran Quarter
 * Cambellford-North
 * Cambellford-South
 * Capitol District
 * Harborlands
 * Lakeshore Bay
 * Batteford-West
 * Battleford-North
 * Oakton Ridges
 * Greenfield
 * Polaris Islands District
 * Rogerston
 * Memorial Park
 * Fort Polaris-Western Halton
 * Snowy Point

The newest part of Polaris is The French Quarter, which is honorary land ceded to Frankterre from the Polaris City Council. It is located along a portion of the Harbor of Polaris and is mainly used by Frankterre as a shipping area since it would be easier to ship goods domestically rather than internationally. The French Quarter is home to many Parisian cafes and buildings. Citizens of the French Quarter are automatically given dual citizenship and can move in and out of the quarter without needing customs.The Frankterran government pays the city approximately 366 million pebbles a year for usage of the port and harbor. The logo of the French Quarter is here:



Culture
Polaris is a major scene for the performing arts, due to the many dance companies and opera companies based in Polaris. The city is home to the Polaris Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, based at the City's PNB Centre for the Performing Arts. Polaris also is the site of many premiers of musicals and plays. Some of the more notable venues for the performing arts in Polaris are the Valanna Centre for the Arts, Bayview Theatre, the Jansen-Dennley Concert Hall, the PNB Centre, Garden Beach Hall, Lamperdown Stadium and Kernel Ampitheatre.The city is known to have one of the best performing arts productions in the entire continent, due in part to funding by the Polaris City Council.

The city also holds a large Arts Festival at Greenfield Park every summer, and holds many musicals, plays and revues. The City also has Arts Festivals at University of Polaris District, in which hundreds of University students take part. Polaris City Council also holds the National Arts Festival in the City, located in the University District every year as well. The National Arts Festival features both professional and amateur artists, who are allowed to sing at certain stages located in the pedestrian-only Polaris University.

Polaris is also home to the production of many movies and films. Prior to screening across the country, much of the films are previewed here in Polaris. The city holds a multi-million dollar event, known to many as the Polaris Continental Film Festival, which takes place at the TelePolar Center in Downtown Polaris.The Polaris Film Festivals attracts many celebrities to the city, boosting Tourism by $1.7 billion Fish every year.The city also has nine film studios scattered throughout the city,in many of the skyscrapers.

Tourism
Polaris' most prominent landmark is the Mountain Bay Tower, located on a small 1.8 sq. mile island off of Polaris Island, it offers views of the surrounding area. The Tower has a height of 2,340 ft.,and is home to many condominiums, restaurants and hotels. Polaris also is home to the Polaris Bay Barrier Islands, which line across the mouth of Polaris Bay. Each island is approximately 2.2 miles across, and the largest island is Cardigan Island, which boasts a popular beach, and has many condominiums and high-rise buildings on the islands. The most notable islands are Fandon Island, Wanin Island and Harbor Island. There is a 2 kilometer gap between Wanin and Fandon Islands for shipping, The area is very popular, and is an escape for the urban types of Polaris.

Polaris also has many shopping malls, which are very popular among city-dwellers,celebrities and many others.The city's many malls include the Berry Bay Center, which is the second-largest mall in the Antarctic, with 9 floors and over 9,890,900 sq. feet of shopping space and is host to many popular brands such as Dulce and Caribana, among others. The city also offers the TravelPass, which costs only 45 Fish for free, unlimited access for the Mountain Bay Tower, Polaris National Museum, Polaris Harborfront Center, Polaris University Museum, the Music Hall of Fame, and East Island.

Sports
There are two Major Hockey League teams, the Polaris Pines and the Polaris Roarers. The Pines are one of the most popular and sucsessful teams in the MHL, however, the Roarers are horrible and are the least watched team on TV in the MHL.

Polaris has one team in the Antarctic Premier League. They are the Polaris Comets. The Comets have a fierce rivalry with Mattress United, and most of their matches end up with multiple red cards.

Demographics
The City of Polaris boasts a population of 12,780,574 as of the 2016 census. The city is the most populous in the state of New Westshield as well as the Federal Republic of Polaris and has a high population density, with an average of 3,670 persons per 1 km2. The city is divided into Polaris Island, which boasts a population of 2,763,663, the highest in the city, Victory Hill, which boasts a population of 982,773, Mount Olive, which has a population of 738,733, and Harbor Shores, with a population of 678,783. The city's population comprises of many ethnic groups, with 44% of the population being Adelie Penguins, 22% being Emperor Penguins, 11% Other Penguin, and 7% Puffle.

Politics

 * Main article: Polaris City Council
 * See also: Corruption in Polaris

The city of Polaris is known as the seat of the government of the Federal Republic of Polaris, being based in a collection of 9 skyscrapers, located at the northernmost tip of Polaris Island, the Polaris Capitol District. The city itself is home to approximately 25% of the nation's populace, and is given 91 seats in the Assembly of Representatives, and 24 seats in the Senate. The Polaris Democratic Party, a centre-left party based within the city has broad support from voters, as all but one of the city's delegation to the Legislative Congress of Polaris caucuses with the party. On the state level, the city is allocated 17 Senators of 25 total seats, as well as 38 Representatives. Similar to Polaris City's federal delegation, only 2 Representatives of the the entire delegation are not PDP members, but caucus with the far-left, socialist Continental Union Party. The city itself is governed by the Polaris City Council, a 25-member council, comprising of Councillors representing Polaris' 25 wards, following the reformation of the council in 1999. The current mayor of Polaris City is Olivia Barrett Price, elected in 2011, following the resignation of incumbent President of the EAC Nathaniel B. Kratz to run as President.

Public Transit
Public Transit in Polaris is provided by CityLine, a city-owned transit authority, that operates a subway system, with 110 stations, and with 1,065 miles in track spanning the cityscape.This particular line is known as the RedLine A light-rail system is also provided and is known as the BlueLine, and operates electric trains on light rails spanning Polaris Island. A bus system is also available, which incorporates a fleet of 1,320 buses, and 1,055 stops located in the suburbs and in the city.

Road
Road transport is very prominent in the city of Polaris, as the city boasts nine main highways,the Expressway, which spans the entirety of the city, and houses twelve lanes. The second expressway is the Jackson Expressway, which connects the suburbs to Polaris Island, and is the second-busiest in the city. The third road is Highway 2, which boasts 12 lanes as well, and connects to Airport Island.The Rockford Thruway connects the Barrier Islands, while the Battleford and Memorial Expressways make a loop around the city. The main arterial roads in Polaris are numbered 1 through 195,while the Avenues are named after various items, such as former Mayors and random objects. Polaris Island has 198 streets (horizontal) and 31 avenues (vertical) which take in more than 2,900,000 cars per day. Only designated avenues, such as Wells Avenue and Phillips Avenue have eight lanes each, three going in each direction, while two on either side are reserved for parking. Minor avenues will only have four lane roads, two lanes reserved for parking, and two for traffic.

Rail
The City of Polaris possesses a complex line of railways which extend to Enderby City and to other cities in Polaris. Joinville Plaza Terminal is the primarily hub for Polarian intercity rail travel, and is operated by the federally-owned PARTA. Domestic intercity service is offered to Puerto Elanor, Dodson, and Enderby City daily, as well as international service to South Pole City and other parts of Eastshield.

Air
The city of Polaris has two main airports, Polaris-City International Airport, which is on an island 6.5 miles from Polaris Island, which boasts 5 runways, whose approach patterns offer amazing views of the city's skyline. Polaris-City is also a hub for SkyJet Airways and CP Airways. The second airport is Polaris-Rogerston International Airport, which is located in the community of Rogerston-Greenfield, and operates limited commerical service.

Sea
The Port of Polaris is one of the largest ports in the United States of Antarctica, with 17.1% of all Antarctic trade coming in through the port. About 745 billion Fish worth of products, commodities and goods are shipped through the port and distributed throughout Northwest Easthshield and the Happyface State. About 205 ships arrive daily to the seaport. Ferries and water taxis connecting to the mainland are available through the Midtown Port, the Adeen Port, Piers 13,15,17,19,11,18,21,29,27,29 and 34 located along the banks of the Polaris and Watson Rivers.An inter-city ferry service operates between Polaris, Penguville, Snowville, Ciudad Veija, Glassyglow, Enderby City and Club Penguin.

Notable Residents

 * Radioactivechicken (formerly)

Trivia

 * Polaris is the most corrupt city in Antatctica.
 * Polaris currently ranks as the best city to reside in all of the Antarctic, ranking 97.9 out of 100 in terms of Quality-Of-Life, #1 in Least Crime, #2 in Green and Environmental Friendliness, #2 in GDP and #1 in Most Efficient Transport.