The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Is it Too Soon to Consider Replacements for Redevelopment in California?
Although the state's legislators were ready to move on from the closure of CA's redevelopment agencies by approving several bills designed to replace aspects of redevelopment or otherwise help cities, Governor Brown vetoed each one over the weekend.
The Flawed Plan to Fill the Lower East Side's 'Black Hole'
David Bergman argues why plans recently approved by New York's Community Board 3 and City Planning Commission for the development of the Seward Park Urban Renewal Area (SPURA) are a step backwards for the area.
Process, Rather Than Product, Distinguishes Chicago's 'High Line'
According to Kate Dries, it's not the design that sets apart the plans for Bloomingdale Trail, Chicago's elevated railway to park conversion. The way the project has evolved sets it apart from its east coast cousin and prior efforts.
Small Screens Make for Better Cities
News out last week that big-box retailer Staples plans to reduce its square footage by 15 percent heralds a larger trend of smaller screens necessitating smaller boxes. Lydia DePillis examines why this will be a boon to cities.
New Jersey's Transit Stations Serve as Beacon for State's Future
With the second highest share of transit usage in the U.S., a new study three years in the making assesses the development opportunities around the New Jersey's 243 transit stations.
Freeway Construction Was the Real Carmageddon for L.A.'s Communities
After a weekend in which Los Angeles successfully navigated the closure of one of its most clogged freeways once again, we look back at the disastrous effect that freeway construction had on L.A.'s communities during the middle of the last century.
As Other Cities Cut, D.C. Reaps a Surplus
For the second year in a row, Washington D.C. is ending its fiscal year in the black, raising hopes that prior cuts to city services can be reversed. So why are city leaders planning to bulk up the city's savings instead?
Do Benefits of Bike Helmets Outweigh Obstacles to Riding?
Elisabeth Rosenthal reflects on the deterrent to cycling, and the use of bike-sharing systems, posed by mandatory bike helmet laws. Does the rare serious injury prevented by a helmet outweigh discouraging cycling's wider health benefits?
Comprehensive Plan Needed for NYC's Urban Agriculture
With 700 urban farms and gardens in New York City, a new report calls for a comprehensive approach to managing the city's urban agriculture, and offers recommendations for maximizing coordination between city agencies and urban farmers.
Will Auckland Pass Up Yet Another Opportunity to Transform its Waterfront
After many, many, many failures-to-launch, Auckland may finally be taking its waterfront seriously. A series of articles in <em>The New Zealand Herald</em> explores the waterfront's disappointing past and promising future.
D.C.'s Metro Reaches Out to Riders to Help Plan Its Future
Beset by chronic safety problems and rising fares, Metro is looking beyond its immediate concerns by focusing on the future, and asking its customers to help it plan for how the system should grow over the next 30 years.
New York City Struggles to Retain What's Left of its Manufacturing Industry
During the last two decades, New York City has continued to shed manufacturing jobs. But recent efforts led by the city, in partnership with private developers, are looking to retool some of New York's largest legacy sites for a new breed of tenant.
Mom & Pop Find a Taxing Home in Brooklyn
Candice Rainey chronicles the "new generation of mom and pops that has thrived in regentrified Brooklyn," and the difficulties couples have encountered in turning their passions into their professions.
Climate Change Planning Pits Cities Against State in California
As the state modernizes its infrastructure, concerns of continued coastal erosion and future sea-level rise raise questions of where to place key infrastructure.
Can World's Largest Ferris Wheel Be a 'Game Changer' for Staten Island?
The centerpiece of a proposed $500 million retail and hotel project that aims to "bring new life and economic opportunity" to Staten Island, plans for the 625-foot New York Wheel were announced by Mayor Michael Bloomberg this week.
What Are America's Best Cities?
For the second year running, <em>Businessweek</em> has conducted an evaluation of America's 100 largest cities to determine their list of the top 50. Alex Konrad discusses the results.
Demand for Permits Keeps Mobile Retail Off the Runway
The rise of mobile food trucks has been heralded in many cities. Now as retail stores take to the streets, they're encountering obstacles with zoning and permitting that have befuddled their culinary brethren.
Could D.C. Ever Be Hip?
Forbes may think differently, but Washington D.C.'s residents know very well that their city isn't cool, writes Rebecca Greenfield. She discusses the structural reasons why D.C. is not, and never will be, hip.
Friday Funny: Is This Seat Taken?
In today's Friday Funny, we add to our collection of images of pets acting like people. If you happen to find yourself in London, you may get to ride the train with this Great Dane.
Data Documents Divine Decade for Downtowns
Nate Berg looks at new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau that puts hard numbers behind what people across the country have observed: America's downtowns are booming again.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
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
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
