Environmentalists are up in arms after the loss of thousands of trees to make room for new developments in Nashville. Now a new affordable housing project could be the demise of the city's largest tree.
Mike Reicher reports: "Every year the Nashville Tree Foundation awards the 'Big Old Tree' prize for the largest tree nominated in Davidson County. This year's winner sits in the path of a major construction project."
"The 92-foot tall cherrybark oak towers over the James Cayce public housing complex, much of which is being demolished to make way for modern affordable apartments," explains Reicher.
The future of the tree is in limbo, because the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency hasn't yet released its plans for the Envision Cayce (the name of the aforementioned affordable housing project). However, "[t]he agency does not have to follow new city tree regulations, which are designed to save mature trees during Nashville’s expansive development boom."
According to Reicher, the looming clash between affordable housing advocates and environmentalists is likely to be exacerbated by the political climate created by the city's development market. "In the past, a public housing project’s landscape might not have generated as much controversy, but today the stakes are higher. Nashville developers have cut down thousands of trees in recent years to clear land for buildings and parking lots — a scale of loss that has galvanized tree lovers and prompted action at City Hall." Housing prices in Nashville are climbing to crisis levels despite all the new construction.
FULL STORY: Some of Nashville's largest trees in path of development for Cayce Homes affordable housing
‘Smart Surfaces’ Policy Guide Offers Advice for Building and Maintaining Urban Tree Canopies
Healthy, robust tree canopies can reduce the impacts of extreme heat and improve air quality.
Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas
Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.
How Might Tariffs and Deportations Affect Affordable Housing Development?
Many affordable housing developers worry Trump’s proposed taxes on imports and crackdown on immigration will be detrimental to the industry. Others hope deregulation reduces development costs enough to offset those effects. What’s the most likely outcome?
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.
Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes
Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.
Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.
Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter
A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
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)