The Union Square Tech Training Center overcame concerns about overdevelopment in the neighborhood.

Nicole Brown and Lauren Cook report:
The Union Square Tech Training Center was unanimously approved by the City Council on Wednesday, despite concerns from local residents that the development of the 21-story building will lead to the construction of more high-rises in the area.
The building, which is planned for the site of a now-shuttered P.C. Richard and Son at 124 E. 14th St. between Third and Fourth avenues, will house a digital skills training center run by the nonprofit Civic Hall, office spaces for startups and established tech companies, an event space and retail stores.
Mayor Bill de Blasio pushed for the new training center as part of the "New York Works" initiative. Joe Anuta offers additional coverage from earlier in the training center's approval process, when it gained key committee approval earlier this month.
Hat tip to Jason Plautz for sharing the news.
FULL STORY: Union Square tech center gets final approval from City Council

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

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.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont