The government's plans to move Ground Zero forward are a big step back in time, writes Peter Slatin.
"Last week, governors George Pataki and Jon Corzine of New York and New Jersey and Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City emerged into view as the Unified Front for the Liberation of Ground Zero. Presenting two "very reasonable offers" (as described in an editorial in Saturday's New York Times to Larry Silverstein, they made it appear as if the imminent redevelopment of the World Trade Center was a fait accompli, brought about by their persevering vision and sacrifice.
...Along with its general sour taste, there are many things to dislike about this latest version of the Ground Zero plan. Two elements stand particularly large. The first, and the closer it comes to reality the more it bears repeating, is Freedom Tower itself. If all goes as currently set forth, construction will begin in earnest on this building within a month. When completed, it will rise as a stark counterpoint to the new 7 World Trade Center, which is arguably architect David M. Childs' finest building."
FULL STORY: Freedom Less Than Zero
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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