The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

The controversial use of eminent domain to keep Wal-Mart out of Hercules, CA is criticized as a means of keeping lower-income shoppers away.

May 30 - Common Dreams

Architectural and home tours focused on historic or neighborhood preservation or gentrifying urban areas are becoming increasingly popular.

May 30 - CNNMoney

The U.S. automotive industry is one of the nation's oldest modern manufacturing sectors. Despite increasingly making its home in the south, 47% of the nation's motor vehicle employment still resides in three states: Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

May 29 - Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

The Philadelphia City Paper lists 10 ways global warming could really "hit home".

May 29 - Philadelphia City Paper

Despite working with rural property owners for seven years to develop a 'sector plan' directing growth in rural areas, Palm Beach County voted to send a proposed plan amendment allowing 10,000 homes to the State for review. Area residents object.

May 29 - Palm Beach Post

Local gas station owners are hurt as much or more than consumers by high gas prices, as they lose business when gas companies force them to raise their prices.

May 29 - Philadelphia City Paper

Although some community members oppose the laborious and expensive physical construction process, many realize that the economic development benefits will be important.

May 29 - Detroit Metro Times

Security, workforce, and sustainability concerns are causing federal, state and local governments to build and lease Class-A space.

May 28 - Buildings Magazine

A web of politics, lobbying, and profit motives have developers scrambling in support of a rail link that could have a significant impact on the economy of New York City and state.

May 28 - The New York Observer

Projects to make L.A. more bike friendly include expanding bike lanes and paths, and adding 800 bike racks to the more than 2,500 racks already in place across the city.

May 28 - The Los Angeles Times

Tele Atlas NV, a Boston-based mapping company, is incorporating the latest technologies to change the way drivers navigate.

May 28 - The Detroit Free Press

A judge has ruled the City of San Diego's 10 percent inclusionary zoning ordinance unconstitutional. Building industry officials are pleased, although the decision "could bankrupt the affordable housing fund".

May 28 - Voice of San Diego

Two PBS documentary producers reflect on their experience with the state of urban development in cities across the country.

May 27 - The Christian Science Monitor

New fact sheets are available on best practices to reach water quality, redevelopment, and smart growth goals.

May 27 - EPA's National Menu of Stormwater Best Management Practices

The recent completion of the Bloomberg Tower has inspired a number of new development projects, which has created a commercial renaissance in a formerly lackluster area of mid-town.

May 27 - The New York Times

Southern California cities are using technology and other innovative techniques to promote economic development and attract local companies.

May 27 - The Los Angeles Times

Impact of a huge university dormitory's bulk and residents raise locals' ire.

May 27 - Beacon Hill Times

"Cruz’s inspiration...came from a critical approach to the trends in new urbanism, which he says 'only address aesthetics, creating a fake facade of difference without considering the lifestyle of the community.' He says the downtown redevelopment of San Diego is an example of this kind of 'suburban planning,' meaning that he feels it is dressed up in high-end urban aesthetics without addressin

May 26 - Architectural Record

The APA has created 11 model smart growth codes, which are available for download.

May 26 - American Planning Association

One of the world's largest lakes, shrinking for half a century, is making a dramatic comeback.

May 26 - The Los Angeles Times