State officials got an earful at a hearing held yesterday in Boston regarding their proposal to reevaluate the three remaining transit projects promised as mitigation for the reconstruction of the Central Artery.
When the $15 billion Central Artery/Third Harbor Tunnel project was permitted in the early 90's, it was approved with the condition that 26 transit improvements be completed as mitigation. Of those projects, three of the most expensive are still outstanding. The Massachusetts Transportation and Environmental Protection departments are starting a process of reevaluating whether these projects are the "best" projects for meeting clean air targets and other goals. However, neighborhoods and cities that believe these projects were promised to them in return for not opposing the Central Artery crying foul. "'It was an ironclad commitment then, and it should remain so now,' Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said. 'Somerville is here today to send a simple message: A deal is a deal.'"
Thanks to Jeff Levine
FULL STORY: Officials blasted over broken Dig promises

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont