Neighborhood veto power can conflict with citywide goals to provide a 24-7 urban experience, as a case study from Boston shows.
Shirley Leung reports on the controversy over El Jefe's Taqueria in Boston, where the owner, John Schall, wants a license to stay open until 2 am.
"Schall wants a license to stay open until 2 a.m. at his newest location on the corner of Boylston and Tremont streets at the bottom of a building owned by Emerson College," explains Leung. "With about 1,000 students living in dorm rooms above his restaurant, he tells me, the taqueria can almost be like a 'kitchen in their house.'"
Schall isn't expecting a positive result from the forthcoming licensing hearing, because of the recent success of the Midtown Park Plaza Neighborhood Association in blocking a similar license for a Tasty Burger in the same neighborhood.
The article includes a lot more detail about this specific controversy, as well as the specifics of the licensing process for late-night businesses in Boston.
FULL STORY: Want to grab a late-night taco in Boston? The neighbors won’t hear of it
Late-Night Subway Service is New Weapon in Fight to Attract Young Talent
A pilot project to extend the operating hours of Boston's subway system until 3 a.m. on weekends is being celebrated by riders, businesses leaders and public officials as a crucial element in maintaining a vibrant and attractive city.
From 60 Affordable Senior Apartments to 16 $5 Million Homes
A long development saga has finally concluded in the South Bay Area city of Palo Alto, following a common narrative in the development resistant city.
Developer Sues L.A. After Area Planning Commissioners Reject Multi-Family Project
A development controversy also now an expanding legal controversy, after a local planning commission rejected a controversial development proposal allowed by zoning.
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.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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)