The Charlotte Observer

As planners in cities across the US fight the bland design and high vacancy rates of of encroaching big box stores, the industry becomes more flexible and begins experimenting with new designs.

With mid-sized cities like Charlotte gaining population, developers are looking at the alternatives to suburban living.

City officials are making a strong case for NASCAR to build its Hall of Fame museum in Charlotte, instead of Atlanta or Kansas City.

Raleigh-area apartment complex capitalizes on a growing national condo building trend.

Plans for a mixed-use project have expanded.

The city of Charlotte considers introducing trollys to help revitalize troubled neighborhoods.

The popular search engine adds a new feature -- a 3D digital model of the entire earth.

CNU offers a simple "popsicle test" to determine if your neighborhood is a New Urbanist neighborhood.

Mary Newsom reviews Jane Jacobs' book "Dark Age Ahead"

The Charlotte Observer interviews the city manager of Hickory, NC, about his views on planning and development.

The Charlotte Observer offers a list of questions they want the city's next planning director to answer.

In the new urbanist community of Hometown, innovation is the key to education.

The Charlotte Observer editorializes on the process of hiring a new planning directory for the city of Charlotte.

The Charlotte Observers offers a summary of how zoning and "matter of right" allows for the building of junk, regardless of city plans or desires for a quality environment.

The end of an era of cheap oil will change everything about the way we live, says James Howard Kunstler.

Charlotte North Carolina's Area Transit System recommends a streetcar line along Central Avenue. Many neighbors and community leaders oppose the plan.

A project inspired by New Urbanism comes to life but some say it is not a true urban community.

The Charlotte, North Carolina transit provider proposes light rail, not busways, for its southeast transit corridor.

Charlotte city planners have a new requirement for big box planners: an exit strategy.

Davidson, NC, requires two-story buildings "placed up to the street" so a new gas station will not have gas pumps in the front.