The New York City Department of Planning kicked off a rezoning process for the Manhattan neighborhood of SoHo earlier this month. Planning and development challenges abound.

The Department of City Planning, along with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and City Councilwoman Margaret Chin, held the first public meetings for the rezoning of SoHo and parts of NoHo, reports Joe Anuta, "[a] process that is designed to bring relief to property owners and retailers but that could trigger community opposition."
The challenges facing the neighborhood are proof of a broken development approvals system. "Pricey condominiums and retail uses have proliferated in the area, but they are technically not allowed under the arcane manufacturing rules that still govern buildings there. To get around the strictures, businesses and residents have either flouted the laws or applied to the city for exemptions," writes Anuta.
"Updating the zoning code would allow common uses to exist as of right, providing more predictability to building owners and to tenants and other residents. However, longtime residents might bristle at the idea of giving up the permitting process—and the ability to weigh in at public hearings—for things such as new stores."
For more context on the rezoning process, see earlier coverage from September 2018.
FULL STORY: City kicks off SoHo rezoning

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.

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.

How Public Spaces Exclude Teen Girls
Adolescent girls face unique challenges and concerns when navigating public spaces. We can design cities with their needs in mind.

Proposed Ohio Budget Preserves Housing Trust Fund
The Senate-approved budget also creates two new programs aimed at encouraging housing construction.
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)