Officials in New Jersey are planning to revive a stalled megamall project called Xanadu. The New York Times asks a panel of experts whether the plan should move forward.
"Gov. Chris Christie has reached a deal with a private developer (the third, after the first two developers failed) to pour $1 billion into the project to revive and expand it.
The state would provide $180 million to $200 million in low-interest financing to the developer, which operates the Mall of America, and forgo a similar amount in future sales-tax revenue. Critics are questioning why Mr. Christie, who crusaded against government giveaways, would risk so much money to bail out out the troubled development."
Of the five panelists submitting responses, none say the project should be saved.
FULL STORY: Is a Failed Megamall Worth Saving?

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.

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.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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