A community land trust is making moves in the Fruit Belt neighborhood of Buffalo, New York.
"The F.B. Community Land Trust committee has its eyes on a cluster of vacant lots at the corner of Rose St. and High St., which are currently in the hands of the City of Buffalo," reports Calan Gray.
According to a representative from the land trust, the group's ambition is unique. "We’re doing something that's never been done before,” said India Walton, a founding member of the F.B. Community Land Trust, as quoted in the article.
The land trust hopes to eventually develop 50 lots in the neighborhood, making the properties to developers and residents on a 99-year lease to keep the neighborhood affordable in the face of growing gentrification displacement pressures.
FULL STORY: Buffalo neighbors negotiating with city to take control of vacant lots

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.

Good Cause Eviction Policies Don’t Hamper Construction, New Research Shows. Legislators Are Still Concerned.
Multiple states have ongoing pushes for good cause eviction protections. A frequent obstacle: a now disproven claim by developers.

Demise of Entertainment Industry Mirrors Demise of Housing in LA
Making movies has a lot in common with developing real estate: producers = developers; screenwriters = architects; directors = general contractors. The similarities are more than trivial. Both industries are now hurting in L.A.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)