'Mega-mansions' are rapidly replacing smaller single-family homes, pushing Maryland residents out of its formerly affordable suburbs.
In a letter to the editor published in The Washington Post, Mary Speck of Bethesda, Maryland claims that "[m]onsterfication is destroying the region’s inner suburbs." Speck is referring to the accelerating construction of single-family 'mega-mansions' that are, in her view, "irreversibly degrading charming neighborhoods" while failing to increase housing stock or promote affordability. The proliferation of outsized homes in older neighborhoods, Speck argues, puts housing out of reach of working-class households and caters only to "the region’s all-too-abundant lawyers, consultants and lobbyists."
FULL STORY: Monsterfication is destroying the region’s inner suburbs
How COVID-19 and Skyrocketing Housing Costs Accelerated Sprawl
In search of space and affordability, American families are increasingly moving to suburbs and exurbs.
Only Two US Metro Areas Are Affordable for Homebuyers
Northeast Ohio is the last remaining bastion of housing affordability, according to an analysis from the National Association of Realtors.
Single-Family Home Prices Cool, Rents Continue to Rise
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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”
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In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
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This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.
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
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