The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Do 'Megaregions' Make Sense?
The Urbanophile attempts to separate the hype from the usefulness of the concept of the 'megaregion', deciding in the end that it is a 'convenient abstraction for federal-level thinkers.'
Historic Settlement With Native Americans For Land Trust Abuses
The U.S. Government has agreed to a settlement of $3.4 billion for failing to pay royalties on mineral and grazing leases to Native Americans.
When Architecture Goes Bad
Fast Company looks at six examples of architecture that rebelled, from SOM's Lever House to Boston's John Hancock Tower.
It Takes A Village, But Walmart Won't Bite
In Pass Christian, Mississippi, it seemed WalMart was on board for a village-style, mixed-use development that would include one of their stores. That is, until Walmart brass heard about the project.
FEATURE
How to Make Vacant Properties Disappear
Vacant properties are considered blight instead of potential, argues John Kromer of the Fels Institute. By acting strategically and thinking smaller, officials can revitalize their cities and attract new, more stable investment.
Four-Year Vacancies in NYC?
The New York City Housing Authority has come under fire because thousands of affordable rental units are sitting vacant, some for years at a time.
Bike Lanes a "Religious Hazard'?
A controversy has erupted in Brooklyn over bike lanes, which are opposed by members of the Hasidic community on religious grounds [includes video].
Scandinavian Cities Top European Green City Index
In a study released by Siemens AG and The Economist Intelligence Unit, Copenhagen tops the list of the greenest cities in Europe (out of a pool of 30 cities that were considered).
Top 10 Architecture Books of the Year
Norman Weinstein, architecture writer for The Christian Science Monitor, picks his top ten books on architecture that came out in 2009.
Let It Snow (But Not in Russia)!
Citing street sweeping costs, Moscow's mayor has said the city may start seeding the clouds to reduce snowfall.
BLOG POST
Copenhagen and 'Taking Care of the World'
<span>Yesterday, as a part of my university’s community outreach efforts, I delivered a lecture at a suburban retirement home on the theme of sustainable cities. I discussed Smart Growth, New Urbanism and the need for greater urban densities, all framed by the current events unfolding in Copenhagen at the <a href="http://en.cop15.dk/">United Nations Climate Change Conference</a>.<span> </span></span> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span>At the end of my talk, several elderly ladies came up to chat with me and thank me for the lecture. On her way out, one turned to me and said, “You take care of the world for us. We’re not going to be around much longer – it’s up to you young people.”<span> </span></span> </p>
Wind Woes
A North Dakota man says he'll fight his city to keep his wind turbine.
BLOG POST
The Battle for Bedford Avenue
<p>For a myriad of personal and professional reasons I moved to New York City this fall. Part of the reason I uprooted myself from the pastel, sun soaked streets of Miami Beach to the chaos of New York is because Gotham has made such incredible strides in becoming one of America's most bicycle-friendly cities. </p>
'No Substitute for Physical Inspection of Rail Lines'
The newest transit safety bill was unveiled yesterday to cautious praise. While states are struggling to fund transit, FTA chief Peter Rogoff says the goal is to create a nationwide floor for transit safety.
Former Slum Named City's Most Beautiful Street
A Philly street once dubbed the "Skid Row" of Fishtown has been transformed by a handful of determined residents through years of painting, sweeping and fixing broken windows.
How to Un-Do Auto Dependence
After decades of auto-dependence, the French city of Strasbourg turned its back to the car and built a citywide tram system and street grid that reclaims roads from auto-dominance.
130,000 Homeless Veterans
This article, by Dr. Ellen Bassuk of the National Center on Family Homelessness, explores the challenges faced by returning veterans in housing.
Interconnected Contradictions in the Mojave
This essay from Places looks at the history of development in Las Vegas and how the city has rapidly changed the Mojave Desert.
Stunning Subways
Check out these photos from the most appealing subway stations around the world - from the ultra modern in Barcelona to the cave-like tunnels in Stockholm.
New Retail Space Faces Challenges in San Francisco
A developer who hopes to put a new shopping center on a stretch of Market Street will face challenges from local groups who take issue with the accompanying parking structure and modern design.
One Hundred Miles
County of Mendocino
planning NEXT
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Montrose County
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
