January Must-Reads: Top 10 Articles From Last Month

Passenger rail operator Brightline faces budget troubles in Florida as Brightline West announces a 2029 opening date for the Las Vegas-to-Southern California line. A Nevada lawsuit accuses the state of killing 100,000 trees with a state law aimed at water conservation. NYC landlords are now required to provide AC units, but tenants are still on the hook for power costs. A new Planetizen columnist outlines the legacy of Robert Moses, reminding readers why his specter risks living on if government agencies decenter equity and refocus on car-centric development. And a blog explains how NJ Transit plans to create new revenue using its property holdings.

The full list of January’s most-read stories:

1. Virginia-to-Florida Train Lets you Bring Your Car

Amtrak’s Auto Train lets passengers put their cars on the train and bring them to the other end of the line. 

2. Nevada Law Requiring Removal of ‘Useless’ Grass Has Killed 100,000 Las Vegas Trees, Lawsuit Claims

A lawsuit charges a 2021 Nevada state law with contributing to the death of 100,000 trees in the Las Vegas valley. The law bans the use of Colorado River water for ornamental grass, but the lawsuit alleges the policy has caused the death of trees and contributed to the heat island effect. 

3. Brightline’s Bond Rating Lowered to ‘Junk’ Status as Debt Mounts Despite High Ridership 

The Florida high-speed rail operator had its bond rating downgraded as it faces $1.2 billion in debt. Despite growing ridership, the line has never turned a profit since its launch in 2017.

4. New NYC Law Requires Landlords to Provide AC Units — But not in Public Housing

A new law requires landlords to install AC units for tenants that request them, but tenants are responsible for the cost of operation. The law only requires the city’s public housing agency to make a cooling plan for a quarter of its units by January 2028.

5. Nearly Half of Pennsylvania Residents Oppose Data Centers. Lawmakers are Welcoming Them Anyway

Pennsylvania state legislators are preparing legislation that would support the growth of data center in the state while also regulating energy use and addressing other concerns.

6. The Child Population in These Cities is Dropping Fast 

Western U.S. metros have dropping proportions of children, signaling a shift in demographics that could put pressure on local economies. Metro areas in Utah, Colorado, and Nevada are losing under-5 residents faster than other states.

7. New Jersey Court Ruling Clarifies Fair Eviction Law 

A New Jersey court clarifies the amount tenants who owe back rent must pay to avoid eviction. The ruling makes it easier for tenants and housing assistance providers to understand what is owed in potential eviction cases.

8. We are Perfectly Poised for Another Robert Moses

New Planetizen columnist Kristina Curtiss cautions against a revival of the top-down city-building practices of Robert Moses.

9. New Jersey has a Plan to buy Transit with LAND. Will it Actually Work? 

Blogger Stephanie Specht outlines NJ Transit’s plan to generate revenue and help build affordable housing using its real estate portfolio.

10. California’s Brightline West High-Speed Rail Announces 2029 Completion Date

Brightline West, a high-speed rail line from Las Vegas to Southern California, announced a projected opening date of late 2029, meaning the train won’t be ready in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.