The Baltimore Sun
Transit Ridership Creates New Problem -- Clogged Parking Lots
Maryland's transit parking lots are overflowing into nearby neighborhoods, as buses, park-and-rides, and even their long-derided light rail, fill up.
Creating a Place for Public Debate of City Planning and Design
Baltimore considers following in the footsteps of Paris, San Francisco and Copenhagen by opening a "design center", a place for people to gather and debate the design of their city.
Debate in Baltimore Over Waterfront Condo
'The process is a runaway train,' says a city councilor, as plans move forward to build two residential towers on Baltimore's vanishing waterfront.
Engaging The Public In Land Use Decisions
A committee in Baltimore charged with the task of encouraging more public involvement in land use decisions is learning how difficult that can be as it faces criticism that its own meetings didn't get enough participation from residents.
Swapping A Sports Arena For More Vibrant Streetscape
Architects in Baltimore are arguing that the city should build its new arena near its other sports facilities, freeing up the old location for redevelopment that can help revitalize its downtown.
A Comeback For Public Housing?
With HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson's departure, it's time to begin reinvesting in the nation's public housing stock.
Public Art Succeeds in Inspiring Consideration of Public Spaces
A public art exhibit in a Baltimore park has elicited complaints and compliments from various voices in the city. But like it or not, the art is good for the city's consideration of and connection to its public spaces, according to this editorial.
Baltimore Urban Renewal District Nixed
Plans to create an urban renewal district in South Baltimore have been denied by the city's Planning Commission, arguing that forcibly removing residents and businesses is not a reasonable method for saving the neigborhood.
Abandoned Houses and Vacancies Cause Cities Pain
Cities across the country scramble to deal with abandoned properties as they drive down local economies.
Downtown Baltimore Banking on Bookstore
Construction of a new university bookstore in downtown Baltimore is seen as a critical piece of the downtown's rebirth. City officials are looking at offering tax incentives to ensure the bookstore deals comes through.
Feds Pressure Baltimore For Drug Center Rezoning
For the third time, the city of Baltimore is considering a zone change that would allow live-in drug centers to be located in residential areas. Residents are opposed, but the Department of Justice has threatened to sue unless changes are made.
Maryland Gives Home Buyers Cash To Live Near Work
The state has launched a revamped home buyer assistance program that provide grants to employees who buy a home within 10 miles from their work.
Zoning Laws May Give Locals Control Over Slot Plan
In 2008, Maryland voters will consider a plan to allow slot gambling machines in the state. But local zoning regulations could trump the state law, giving communities control over whether the machines are allowed or not.
Iraq's Biggest Dam Threatens Mosul, Baghdad
An enormous Iraqi dam that was "fundamentally flawed" when constructed is on the verge of failure, according to a recently released audit.
Poll Shows Maryland Residents Frustrated With Growth
Residents say the state's smart growth policies have done little to reign in sprawl, though questions remain about what action to take.
Measuring The Impact Of Maryland's Smart Growth Plans
Though former governor Parris Glendening is often seen as the father of smart growth, studies indicate that even with the state's efforts, little progress has been towards reigning in sprawl.
The Unwanted Historic Designation
Two buildings in Baltimore were recently approved by the city's historic preservation commission as being worthy of historic designation. The only problem is that the owners don't want it.
Transit Advocates Boo Highway-Focused Congestion Relief Plan
Transit advocates in Baltimore are calling on regional officials to throw out an $8.7 billion traffic congestion plan because it relies too heavily on highway projects and not enough on transit options.
Prosperous Pockets Peak Out Of Slow Housing Market
The real estate market is reportedly down in many major metropolitan areas, but within them pockets of high-value properties are flourishing.
Baltimore Seeks A New Street Vision
Planners and officials in Baltimore are looking to recreate one of the city's major streets as a vibrant tourist and retail area. But opinions differ on how to do it and where to look for examples.
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
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.
