The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Can a new food ratings system do for public health what LEED has done for green buildings? Claire Moloney discusses the certification program being launched by the USHFC that aims to recognize restaurants who use nutrition best practices.

July 31 - Green-Buildings.com

The habitable bridge, "out of favor since the Renaissance," is having a moment, as cities across America seek to "shift the task of mending the urban fabric toward the private sector," reports Henry Grabar.

July 31 - The Atlantic Cities

Likely of little surprise to anyone who's found themselves among the few pedestrians not gazing down at a cell phone on a busy urban street, 'distracted walking' is fast becoming a major public health hazard across the U.S., reports Deborah Netburn.

July 31 - Los Angeles Times

For the second day in a row, massive blackouts have brought India's cities to a standstill as trains, traffic lights, and ATMs failed in New Delhi and throughout 14 states across the north and east of the country.

July 31 - The Washington Post

Increased speeds for passenger rail lines in the Midwest bring along economic baggage, but can the pros outweigh the cons? As higher-speed rail, and expected economic growth, come to Illinois and Michigan, neighboring states see pitfalls.

July 31 - The Wall Street Journal

Two recent success stories in Chicago prove that time can be a preservationist's best friend.

July 31 - Chicago Tribune

Scott Doyon discusses the dangers of simplification and the counter-intuitive soundbite, which work against the creation of partnerships that are essential to solving some of our biggest challenges.

July 31 - PlaceShakers

I'm sure your mother had good reason to tell you not to eat on the run. But times have changed, and one group in London is utilizing the city's public transportation network to help popularize the benefits of healthy eating and urban greening.

July 31 - The Guardian

In an urbanizing world, density is being recognized for its ability to stimulate the "metabolism of daily life." In an essay for <em>The Wall Street Journal</em>, Richard Florida argues that all density is not created equal, however.

July 31 - The Wall Street Journal

London's Olympics are just the most recent example of the growing trend in building temporary architecture and urbanism in response to financial and practical considerations. Christopher Hawthorne asks whether this trend is too short sighted.

July 31 - Los Angeles Times

With Citi Bike, New York's landmark bike-share program, set to miss its expected July launch, city officials and the company running the program are giving few clues as to what's causing the delay and when the program may actually become operational.

July 30 - The New York Times

Although the Obama administration is still weighing whether to give the Keystone XL pipeline the necessary approvals to begin construction, the courts are already deciding that eminent domain can be used to secure access to private land.

July 30 - The Washington Post

Whatever Atlanta area voters decide when they head to the polls tomorrow to vote on a proposed 10-year, 1 percent sales tax to fund transit and road projects, the outcome will be a historic moment in the area's history. Ariel Hart puts it in context.

July 30 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

An exhibit remembers the days when the Boston Redevelopment Authority dreamed enormous dreams and asks: have we lost our ambition?

July 30 - The Boston Globe

For cities across the U.S. facing mass foreclosures and shrinking populations, demolition of abandoned homes is an attractive avenue (see Detroit and Cleveland). Roberta Brandes Gratz argues that the value of preservation deserves to be considered.

July 30 - Citiwire.net

Topping a new list of America's coolest cities is Portland? New York? Austin? Nope, it's Houston.

July 30 - Forbes

The gateway to the London Olympic complex isn't marked by an iconic work of art or public plaza, but rather by a store - Fat Face - which is part of a gigantic new mall. Some aren't too happy with the blatant mix of commerce and competition.

July 30 - The New York Times

Sandy Apgar and Tony Canzoneri aim to clear up myths and misconceptions about PPPs (P3s), "the vehicle of choice to plan and execute many development projects that neither private nor public sector participants could perform on their own."

July 30 - Urban Land

Steve Mouzon finds fault with the uniform application of the 1/4 mile walkability radius, regardless of context. And, in the first in a series of articles, he introduces a new tool for understanding and building walkable places.

July 30 - Original Green

Finding new uses for vacant gas stations is a major challenge throughout the U.S. The days of the small, independent service station are fading, yet they often occupy prime, gateway sites. Whether razed or transformed, challenges are formidable.

July 30 - The New York Times - Commercial