The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Transit critic Rand O'Toole updates his 2004 Rail Disasters report to include impacts on transit ridership.

June 24 - American Dream Coalition

U.S. Supreme Court rules that local governments may seize homes and businesses for private economic development.

June 23 - CNN

Never before have housing prices risen so fast, for so long, in so many countries, according to new research by the Economist.

June 23 - The Economist

There are over 700 dog parks in the nation -- public open spaces where unleashed canines are allowed -- and the trend is growing.

June 23 - The Christian Science Monitor

An ambitious new bus rapid-transit system hits the road in Mexico City.

June 23 - The Los Angeles Times

BLOG POST

Just an added note on personal rapid transit. Some years ago, Bruno Latour wrote "Aramis" which documents the French government's attempt to create a PRT system for Paris (later killed by the government itself). Written as a cross between a socialogical study and a mystery novel, its worth a look for those interested in the subject.

June 23 - Scott Page

BLOG POST

<img src="http://www.cities21.org/bc-ms01th.jpg" alt="Cities21 proposal for PRT at Microsoft Campus" align="right" />So Steve Raney, directory of the nonprofit transit advocacy group <a href="http://www.cities21.org/">Cities 21</a>, emailed me a pre-packaged blog entry, including images and a proposed blog title, about a proposal his organization is circulating for a personal rapid transit (PRT) system on the Microsoft campus in Redmond, WA. The visualization on the site were, in fact, fascinating, and a great introduction to how well PRT can work as a transit alternative.

June 23 - Chris Steins

Margaret Carlson argues that President Bush's strategy of "denial" about global warming may have reached a turning point.

June 23 - Bloomberg

Seattle's Green Line monorail is projected to cost over $11 billion to build.

June 23 - The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

BLOG POST

In Adam's spirit of "tweaking" fellow bloggers, (Hi All) I'd like to emphasize Adam's last point - "Is it still a utility if no one utilizes it?"<br /> <br /> For all of the talk about municipal wireless, particularly in my hometown of Philadelphia, I've always been concerned about the ultimate use of the investment despite the fact I agree that anti-municipal broadband laws are detrimental to the flexibility of any City to serve their population. I'm reminded of an interview posted on <a href="http://www.muniwireless.com/archives/000635.html">Muniwireless</a>

June 23 - Scott Page

While plans to rebuild at Ground Zero go through yet another revision of security measures, one commentator asks when is enough too much?

June 23 - Slate

Municipalities are making arrests under 'aggressive panhandling' laws despite freedom of speech concerns.

June 23 - The Christian Science Monitor

The city of Newton, Iowa is hoping the NASCAR-sponsored track will bring in much-needed revenue.

June 23 - Des Moines Register

Google apparently plans to use trucks equipped with lasers and digital photographic equipment to create a realistic 3D, online version of San Francisco and other major US cities.

June 23 - Silicon Valley Watcher

Fairfax County, VA is considering requiring a developer to provide incentives for users not to drive at a proposed Transit Oriented Development.

June 22 - The Washington Post

Plans to temporarily house over 44,000 tons of nuclear waste at the Skill Valley Reservation in Utah are pushing forward, despite Utah officials' objections.

June 22 - The Salt Lake Tribune

An interview with Seattle mayor Greg Nickels, who is leading a city-based climate change movement.

June 22 - Grist Magazine

The U.S. economy is being artifically buoyed by the housing market; stalled or slumping housing sales will harm the economy.

June 22 - The San Diego Union-Tribune

A proposed bill that would limit greenhouse gas emissions is the center of a struggle between the Senate and the President.

June 22 - The Los Angeles Times

Desertification will be impact hundreds of thousands worldwide.

June 22 - Nature