The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

UK 'Eco-Towns' May Encourage Sprawl

<p>Plans for the construction of "eco-towns" in the UK have sparked protests from groups who argue that they will be too spread out and will encourage sprawl.</p>

May 23 - Telegraph

Soccer Tournaments Spur Transit Projects in South Africa

<p>In preparation for two major soccer tournaments -- the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2009 Confederations Cup -- South Africa is moving ahead on schedule in constructing major public transit systems in the events' host cities.</p>

May 22 - BuaNews via AllAfrica.com

New Life for Ebenezer Howard's 'Garden City'

<p>A campaign is underway in Wales to revive the "Garden City" concept, first brought to life in 1898. This time, supporters are claiming the radial, suburban plan is a sustainable alternative to cities.</p>

May 22 - Western Mail, Wales

Is This Building Worth Preserving?

<p>A Googie-era Denny's Restaurant in the Seattle area is at the center of a debate about how buildings get designated as landmarks. Yesterday, the Preservation Board relented on economic considerations, and the building is slated for demolition.</p>

May 22 - The Seattle Times

Carpooling Goes From Crime to Decree in Dubai

<p>Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority used to slap motorists with heavy fines for ridesharing. Faced with exploding population growth and 8 million tourists a year, officials have changed their tune.</p>

May 22 - The National, Abu Dhabi


Oklahoma City Highway to Be Replaced with Park

<p>At one time, Oklahoma City is doing two things many cities have only hoped to: the city's getting rid of one of its aging inner-city highways and replacing it with a park.</p>

May 22 - USA Today

Beyond the Bronze Fonz

<p>Controversy continues in Milwaukee as another public art piece is revealed.</p>

May 22 - Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel


Pro-Environment Urbanites Go Rural For Real

<p>For years, hipsters have sported trucker hats and rootsy fashion with a back-to-the-earth vibe. Now, some young professionals are heading back to the farm for real -- and taking their organic, pro-environment values with them.</p>

May 22 - The New York Times

Is The FTA Killing Game-Day Transit?

<p>Game-day transit options are popular amenities in big cities, but new FTA regulations could force them to the curb. Cincinnati's Metro feels the heat from the Feds.</p>

May 22 - Business Courier of Cincinnati

Prices Plummeting in Far-Flung Suburbs

The areas hardest-hit by the subprime mortgage crisis are not just low-income and minority communities, but also outer-ring suburbs.

May 22 - The Christian Science Monitor

Parking Lot Hotels Serve Homeless

<p>An outreach counseling group in Santa Barbara, California, has worked with the city to set up 12 parking lots where people can sleep in their cars at night -- an act that is illegal on city streets.</p>

May 22 - CNN

BLOG POST

The Double and Triple Whammy – Rising Fuel, Transit Reductions, and the Presidential Election

<p> Three whammy’s are pressing America’s luck this spring as the nation engages in one of the most exciting presidential elections in my lifetime. The problem is that the only solution that has been proposed at the national-level has been a gas tax holiday. A gas tax holiday would have the effect of starving our increasingly troubled transportation system of the necessary funds to maintain and improve infrastructure and service.

May 21 - John Renne

Duany Plans For 'Urban Agriculture' in B.C.

<p>Andres Duany led a recent charrette in Tsawwassen, B.C., resulting in a unique plan focused on walkability and local agriculture.</p>

May 21 - Delta Optimist

Rise in Vacant Housing Leading to Scams

<p>The epidemic of vacant housing is leading not just to squatting, but to people illegally 'renting' out homes they don't own.</p>

May 21 - Reuters

Best U.S. City to Raise a Family: Honolulu?

<p>Let the controversy begin -- <em>Best Life</em> Magazine named Honolulu #1 on its list of "The 100 Best Places to Raise a Family", while Flint, Michigan scrapes the bottom. Where does your city rank?</p>

May 21 - Best Life Magazine

Airlines Desert Small Towns, Despite Costly Investments in Infrastructure

<p>If you build it, will they come? Not in Hagerstown, Maryland, where airlines have left town despite a brand new runway.</p>

May 21 - The New York Times

Is New Urbanism A 'Last Gasp' Attempt to Reform Suburbanism?

<p>Plans to bring New Urbanist designs into British Columbia will do little to stem suburban sprawl, according to this column from the <em>Globe and Mail</em>.</p>

May 21 - The Globe & Mail

The Sprawling Megapolitan Region of Utah

<p>Sprawl is consuming small towns in Utah, and creating one of the largest megapolitan regions in the U.S.</p>

May 21 - Deseret Morning News

A City Devoid Of Billboards

<p>Under a bold plan from the city's Mayor, the 11 million residents of Sao Paulo, Brazil, are enjoying a city free from outdoor advertising.</p>

May 21 - Ode Magazine

Planning For The End Of The Cul-de-sac

<p>With Cul-de-sac restrictions catching on in the South, one Arkansas town is beginning to make plans to create complete, compact and connected neighborhoods.</p>

May 21 - Northwest Arkansas Times

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