The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

$1.5 Billion Plan To Bring Hollywood To Austin

<p>An ambitious $1.5 billion mixed-use project announced recently in Austin, Texas, proposes to anchor a 681-acre development with sound stages and other media-focused infrastructure. Will this project die a slow death like similar efforts before it?</p>

April 17 - Austin American-Statesman

Florida's Growing Tax Chasm

<p>Despite stunning similarities in property values, tax burdens vary greatly in southern Florida, causing fed-up residents to seek relief.</p>

April 17 - The Miami Herald

The Link Between Impact Fees And Growth

<p>The city of Tuscon, Arizona is considering adding new impact fees to cover the cost of municipal services, but the new fees might stymie growth and encourage sprawl.</p>

April 16 - Arizona Daily Star

Façade-ectomy No Substitute For Historic Preservation

<p>The controversial practice of demolishing all but the exterior of a historic building doesn't serve to preserve that past or encourage new architecture, argues architecture critic Blair Kamin.</p>

April 16 - The Chicago Tribune

Getting 'Creative' To Protect Artists' Spaces

<p>A consultant's report recommends Atlanta codify the protection of artists' spaces in new zoning. Many cities are trying to redress the "Catch-22" of gentrification -- the displacement of artists from neighborhoods they helped turn around.</p>

April 16 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution


Environmental Lawsuits Fuel Roadbuilding In California

<p>California's Department of Transportation has resorted recently to forcing developers to pay impact fees to fund freeway projects, to the chagrin of developers, local governments, and taxpayer groups.</p>

April 16 - The Los Angeles Times

Toxic Sites Mapped With Google And EPA Data

<p>Combining Google's satellite mapping technology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's dearth of pollution and contamination data, new web applications let users map out toxic and contaminated sites.</p>

April 16 - The San Francisco Chronicle


The Everyday Urbanism Of Brooklyn's Jamaica Avenue

<p>Away from New York City's gentrified neighborhoods, there exists the middle class, ethnically diverse, and incredibly unglamorous neighborhoods of Brooklyn's Jamaica Avenue.</p>

April 16 - The New York Times

Five Essential Characteristics Of A 'Humane Metropolis'

<p>How can the modern metropolis be a magnet for entrepreneurship and creativity?</p>

April 16 - The Washington Post Writers Group

Is The Worst Over For The Massachusetts Housing Market?

<p>Market research shows that though buyers still have an advantage, the Massachusetts housing market will shows signs of stability over the next six to twelve months.</p>

April 16 - The Boston Globe

Tokyo Project Sets Mixed Use 'Benchmark'

<p>This report looks at the new Tokyo Midtown mega-development, which the author suggests will become the new standard for mixed use.</p>

April 16 - International Herald Tribune

California Establishes Statewide Ocean Preserves

<p>The state has become the first in the nation to impose a statewide ocean preserve system, which is set to be put in place in phases beginning this summer. When fully established, 8 percent of the state's waters would be restricted from any human use.</p>

April 16 - The New York Times

Cutting McMansions Down To Size

<p>This CNN video report looks at an Atlanta city councilperson's proposal to fight back against McMansions and limit the size of houses.</p>

April 16 - CNN

Bouncing Back After The Big Dig

<p>After years in the dust of the Big Dig, Boston's North End is looking to bring in the tourists that have avoided the former construction zone for so long.</p>

April 15 - The Boston Globe

Ventura, CA Adopts Downtown Retail And Office Strategy

<p>Bill Fulton, a city council member for Ventura, California, offers an insider's view on adoption of the city's downtown retail and office strategy. The consultant's report.</p>

April 15 - Bill Fulton, Ventura City Council

One Fare Card, Three Transit Systems

<p>Transit officials in Chicago plan to introduce a fare card that riders will be able to use on the city's three public transportation systems.</p>

April 15 - The Chicago Tribune

Golf Course Development Goes International

<p>Golf courses are becoming increasingly popular among developers, especially outside of the United States. The vast majority are being built as housing projects, consuming hundreds of acres of land, causing an increased strain on water resources.</p>

April 15 - International Herald Tribune

Candidates' Opposition To Redevelopment Plan Garners Voter Support

<p>The feelings of city council candidates about a downtown revitalization plan appears to have the most sway over voters in El Paso, Texas, who are making large contirbutions to those opposing the plan.</p>

April 15 - El Paso Times

L.A. Planning Director's Three Criteria For A Neighborhood

<p>L.A. City's new Planning Director, Gail Goldberg, is now nearly as visible as the city's mayor or chief of police. She is at the beginning of a tough uphill battle to change planning in Los Angeles.</p>

April 14 - The Los Angeles Times

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