The New York City Council approved Proposed Initiative 1482B by an overwhelming margin, ensuring bird-friendly design and construction practices in the largest U.S. city.
The New York City Council "passed a new regulation mandating the use of 'bird-friendly material' in all new construction projects," according to an article by Shawn Simmons.
"Conservationists hope the new bill will curb the number of birds killed annually by collisions with the city’s buildings, a figure that currently ranges between 90,000 and 230,000," adds Simmons of the legislation approved on December 10, 2019.
The new requirements "will require 90 percent of the first 75 feet of new buildings to be constructed with materials that are easier for birds to identify as obstacles."
John Rowden, director of community conservation at the National Audubon Society, is quoted in the article describing how glass contributes to bird collisions. New York City poses significant risk to migratory birds because of its location along the Atlantic Flyway, one of four major migratory routes around the world, according to Simmons.
A separate article by Caroline Spivack broke the news on December 10, providing more detail on the political context for the bill, making New York City the largest U.S. city to require bird-friendly construction materials.
FULL STORY: NYC passes legislation requiring bird-friendly construction
2024: The Year in Zoning
Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
Denver Pauses Multifamily Development in Westside Neighborhoods Amidst Gentrification Concerns
City officials say the pause on permits for redevelopment projects aims to stop the displacement of long-term residents.
Why Aren’t There More Bollards in US Cities?
Solid barriers, like the dormant ones in New Orleans, are commonly used to improve road safety in Europe. Why not here?
Comprehensive Parking Supply, Cost, and Price Analysis
Every time somebody purchases a vehicle they expect governments and businesses to provide parking for their use. These facilities are costly. For every dollar motorists spend on their vehicles somebody spends about a dollar on parking.
Learning From Wildfire Evacuations
Researchers are working to understand how people behave during wildfire events and how to most effectively get people to safety during deadly fires.
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.
Berkeley County
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA)
Ada County Highway District
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland