In Australia, a new study will determine the best ways to make high-density developments healthy places to live.

A team of academics from several Australian universities have begun a two-and-a-half year study to determine the best strategies for designing high-density developments that promote physical and mental health—specifically type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression.
According to one of the principle designers of the study, "There is a lack of research in Australia and around the world on what is needed to ensure people can live healthy, sustainable lives in an increasingly urbanised environment. There are a lot of questions we don't have the answers to.”
Density and sprawl have become important topics in Australian cities, where, as in the United States, urban land values have grown significantly and affordable housing is getting pushed out.
Though there are the risks of increased air pollution and social isolation, a number of studies have demonstrated the health benefits of density—mainly because it means more transit, more walking, and often, more social interaction. Or at least, as Planetizen contributor Michael Lewyn recently concluded, downtown won’t kill you.
FULL STORY: Urban planning being investigated in preventing type 2 diabetes in Australia

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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