In a part of D.C. that has been largely ignored as the rest of the city reinvents itself with mixed-use development and pedestrian friendly design, one new single-use retail development stands out as an example of what not to build.
"For the last decade, residents of D.C.'s largest and most populous ward have had to travel far to buy groceries, usually going outside city lines. The last supermarket in Ward 8 closed in 1998, leaving residents with only convenience stores for neighborhood shopping. A report released last year revealed that Ward 8 offered the city's least nutritious food options."
"That all changed in December, when a massive new Giant supermarket opened in Congress Heights – the first new supermarket to open in Ward 8 in 40 years, and the biggest Giant supermarket in the city. Neighbors were thrilled to welcome it."
"But while no one denies the benefits of having a full-service supermarket in the area, some wish the new Giant, and surrounding retail complex, had been developed differently."
Thanks to David Garber
FULL STORY: A Giant Missed Opportunity

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.

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing
The city altered its zoning code to allow multi-family housing and eliminated parking mandates citywide.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

LA Denies Basic Services to Unhoused Residents
The city has repeatedly failed to respond to requests for trash pickup at encampment sites, and eliminated a program that provided mobile showers and toilets.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie