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The Planetizen News Brief

12 July 2007 - 6:00am
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The Planetizen News Brief is a weekly rundown of some of the most interesting and important news and issues of the past week.

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Full Transcript

With building height restrictions that are nearly 100 years old and some of the most expensive rents in the nation, many in Washington D.C. are beginning to think that it might be time to let buildings get a little taller. The original restriction, passed in 1910, limits building heights to a maximum of 160 feet. But now space is becoming incredibly rare in the district, which has the second lowest vacancy rate and the second highest office space rents in the nation – right behind Manhattan. The Chicago Tribune reports on studies that have found that if the 160-foot height limit were to apply to the entire district, it would generate an additional $10 billion in tax revenue over the next 20 years. But many are still hesitant to support the lift, a move that they fear would undo the uniquely skyscraper-free D.C. skyline.

And while Washington D.C. is trying to hold on to the past, Chicago is letting go. The city has recently leased four publicly-owned parking garages to private businesses. The lease of the parking garages has generated $122 million, the entirety of which has been earmarked for citywide improvements to public parks. Mayor Richard Daley has released plans for more than 100 park improvement projects, including general maintenance, and the creation of 50 new playgrounds. Officials and parks advocates have welcomed the leasing program, crediting it with bringing in the city’s largest single source of parks funding in more than 20 years.

And though times are good for parks in Chicago, parks in California may be in danger of invasion and partial destruction – and it’s all because of renewable energy legislation that is intended to ease the human burden on the environment. Passed in 2006, the law mandates that by the year 2010, 20% of the California’s energy must come from renewable sources like wind turbines and solar panels. But the law could pose a threat to some of the state’s pristine open spaces and natural parks. An article in the California Planning and Development Report looks at how plans to develop renewable energy sources often require distant locations, and how the transmission lines for these energy generators often have to cut though protected natural areas. For example, a renewable energy transmission line is being planned to run more than 150 miles through parkland and natural habitats to provide energy in San Diego. And though political support for renewable energy sources is currently at an all time high, the unintended consequences of this legislation may have some officials getting off the bandwagon.

Stories discussed in this week's Planetizen News Brief

Getting 'High' In The Nation's Capital

From Parking To Parks

The Dark Side Of 'Green' Power

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