Housing

New Wave of Granny Units Stirs Community Debate

"Do they damage the 'look and feel' of the neighborhood character, or provide a necessary housing alternative?" Welcome to the granny unit debate in today's suburbs. Zoning revisions are being written that reflect the outcome of the debate.

December 5, 2006 - The New York Times

Baltimore Debates Inclusionary Housing

The Baltimore City Council is set to vote on an inclusionary housing mandate designed to produce economically diverse neighborhoods and stave off gentrification.

December 4, 2006 - The Baltimore Sun

Affordable Housing By Ikea

The Swedish furniture retailer is expanding its market to include ready-made and modestly-sized homes. Already selling well in Scandinavia, the homes are part of a new plan to address Britain's affordable housing shortage.

December 2, 2006 - The Guardian Unlimited

HUD Housing Discount Extended To First Responders

A program that allows police officers and teachers to buy foreclosed homes in designated neighborhoods at half of their appraised value has been extended to include firefighters and emergency medical technicians.

December 2, 2006 - The Chicago Tribune

Do Falling Home Prices Mean A Major Recession Is On The Way?

Condensed from a 40-page report, economic commentator Gary Shilling highlights the precarious state of America's housing market and overall economy.

November 30, 2006 - FXStreet.com

Rhode Island Working To Help Seniors Age In Place

Even with variety of housing options for seniors, the state still has a long waiting list for units affordable to low-income people.

November 29, 2006 - The New York Times

Another Look At Prefab Housing

Households looking for alternatives to building a new home from scratch are discovering the possibilities and cost effectiveness of modular homes.

November 27, 2006 - The New York Times

The Low Cost Housing Trade-Off: High Commuting Costs

More and more families across the country are spending more on transportation than housing. Many says its worth the time and money to be able to own a home.

November 26, 2006 - The Birmingham News

Suburbs Not Socially Alienating?

Suburban areas have long been characterized as being socially isolating -- keeping many residents indoors and insulated from socializing or even knowing their closest neighbors. But a new study argues that cities are actually more socially isolating.

November 25, 2006 - Canada.com

Stress In Hawaii Over Affordable Housing Shortage

The homeless population increases in Oahu, and the entire state of Hawaii struggles with a shortage of affordable housing. To deal with the problem, state officials have said that 30,000 housing units will be needed in the next two years.

November 22, 2006 - The Chicago Tribune

Building Green In Japan As Home Sizes Increase

As its population declines and homes are taking up more space, home designers in Japan are looking to the self-sufficient designs of space stations to guide the development of environmentally sustainable homes.

November 21, 2006 - BBC

Keep The Affordable Housing Outside, Please

A gate with stone pillars will separate the haves from the have-nots at a recently approved development for seniors in Monterey County, California.

November 21, 2006 - Monterey County Weekly

Canada's Hottest Housing Markets Losing Steam

New figures show a dramatic downturn in two of Canada's hottest real estate markets -- Calgary and Vancouver -- though the change appears to be a reaction on the part of consumers to unrealistically rapid price increases.

November 20, 2006 - The Globe and Mail

University of Miami To Build Affordable Faculty Village

As the cost of living continues to rise in southern Florida, The University of Miami is working with Duany, Plater-Zyberk and Company to design and build an affordable faculty-oriented village.

November 20, 2006 - The Hurricane

Housing Market Is Fine For High-End Homes

As signs of a housing bubble continue to emerge, one corner of the market seems unperturbed -- the market for homes that sell for $5 million and up.

November 19, 2006 - The Slatin Report

New Policy To Address Mumbai's Severe Housing Crisis

A new government policy aims to address the severe housing shortage in Mumbai, India, by promoting new construction and increasing foreign investment.

November 16, 2006 - BBC News

Encouraging New Mixed-Use Development Without Sacrificing Affordable Housing

With Downtown Austin exploding with new mixed-use development, the redevelopment of a low-income apartment complex into a new mixed-use project has affordable-housing advocates worried that the city's supply of below-market-rate housing is vanishing.

November 16, 2006 - Austin American-Statesman

The Prevailing Wage Question

Should the people who build low-income housing get a prevailing wage? Community developers say they can't afford to pay it, but can they really fight poverty if they don't?

November 15, 2006 - Shelterforce Magazine

Rising Above Threat On Floodplains

With more than 1.6 million Britons living in high-risk flood areas -- a number expected to double or even triple within 75 years -- lawmakers and environmentalists are looking for safer ways to house people on floodplains.

November 14, 2006 - Times of London

Living Above A Library

The idea of mixed-use public libraries with housing on top is catching on in New York City and elsewhere.

November 13, 2006 - The New York Times

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.

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