A local controversy in New Jersey has residents debating whether a city should interfere with artistic expression on private property.

A controversy over a coffee shop mural in Cedar Grove, New Jersey has sparked a debate over what constitutes a sign and how far a city should go to regulate 'artistic expression,' reports Kaitlyn Kanzler.
Although Cedar Bean's Coffee Joint owner Dave Fletcher got permission from his landlord and neighbors before commissioning the mural on the back of his building in June, the city cited the mural as an illegal sign under a newly amended sign ordinance that now includes murals and paintings. Council members say the amendment is not meant to stifle artistic expression or stop business owners from putting up murals, but they want "to put a procedure in place to apply for permission to put up a mural." According to Councilwoman Kerry Peterson, "it's about everyone following the same process and nothing gets out of control."
Local art advocates expressed disappointment with the council's decision to approve the amendment. Nat Harris, who heads the Cedar Grove Artists Alliance, said while "[t]here was ample opportunity for them to table the vote and maybe talk to the community more," it seemed that the decision had been made. Harris will be meeting with council members next week "to discuss how the Cedar Grove Art Alliance and the town can work together."
FULL STORY: Mural controversy in Cedar Grove raises questions on local artistic expression

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie