The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Bump in the Road for Columbia's Expansion Plans
Columbia's plans to use eminent domain to expand its campus may have to wait. On Thursday, an appellate court reversed a previous decision to take property on behalf of the school.
Federal Government May Fund Urban Parks
New legislation looks to boost the federal government's investment in urban parks for the first time in eight years.
Two Options for L.A. High Speed Rail Station
High speed rail is slowly transitioning from idea to reality in California, and one of its major stops will be in Los Angeles. But exactly where in Los Angeles remains an unanswered question.
Major Setback for CA High Speed Rail
At its Dec. 3 meeting, the CA HSR Authority board members unanimously voted to 'decertify' the program EIR to comply with a judge's order in a suit brought by Peninsula cities and rail and environmental nonprofits over the corridor to the Bay Area.
BLOG POST
Backyard Burials
<p> I am prompted to report on this issue I came across in a <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20091125_ap_papastorseeksokforsonsgraveonchurchland.html">news item</a> last week. A Baptist minister in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, buried his 18-year-old son, who died three days after a car crash on July 12, in the backyard of the pastor’s church. While state law doesn’t prohibit this, some county and local ordinances do, and this county, Fayette County, only allows burials on large parcels zoned for agricultural use. The church has only five acres and is in a residential zone. </p>
Friday Funny: Hamster Rides the Subway
A photographer in the Brooklyn DA's office discovered a tiny model subway used in court cases, and decided it was a perfect set for her pet hamster.
Obama Addresses the Controversy Over "Shovel-Ready"
Since the stimulus package was announced, the emphasis on 'shovel-ready' projects elicited criticism from urbanists. At yesterday's White House jobs summit, Pres. Obama acknowledged the tension it has caused.
Liveability a "Major Priority" at DOT
Among the criteria for evaluating projects, livability is at the top, along with safety and economic competitiveness.
How Many British Cyclists Would it Take to Power Your House?
In this clip from the BBC, 80 cyclists struggle to power a British household for one day.
And the Winners Are...
Kaid Benfield offers an overview of the winners of the EPA's 2009 national awards for smart growth achievement.
Redefining Blight
From New London to the Atlantic Yards, the last month has seen a flood of news around the issue of eminent domain. Diana Lind wonders if we need a new definition of 'blighted.'
Planners vs Climate Change
This article says that planners ought to take on a larger role in advocating for greener technology and strategizing to end climate change.
Cleveland's Economic Development Success Story
Despite the unfortunate timing of its renovation, Cleveland's Euclid corridor continues to drive development for the city.
Cycling and Road Rage in Los Angeles
This report from NPR's All Things Considered examines some of the dangers of cycling in Los Angeles, with special attention given to the case of the doctor who nearly killed two cyclists.
Public Space Turned Private
On Thanksgiving, the NYPD effectively turned West 61st street into a private playground for guests of the Trump Tower.
Istanbul: Too Big to Master Plan
Istanbul, a unique "hinge city" at which East and West intersect, has seen its population possibly quadruple in the last 30 years. This video offers an exploration of its uninhibited potential.
The Man Behind the Pattern Language
Witold Rybczynski profiles Christopher Alexander, author of A Pattern Language, one of the most influential books in urban planning. Alexander recently won the Vincent Scully prize from the National Building Museum.
Crowded Tubers Getting Ruder
A new report shows that overcrowding on the London Tube is hardening transit takers, turning them ruthless and selfish. Even pregnant riders are left to fend for themselves.
Feds Discuss Gas Tax Increase While Nixed In Jersey
Discussion of raising the gas tax is quashed in NJ by Gov.-elect Christie while encouraged in DC by DOT Secretary LaHood and Congressional Transportation Chair James Oberstar. LaHood had an open dialog on the various forms of revenue strategies.
HSR to Link London to Madrid
A high-speed rail line is planned for 2012 between London and Madrid. France and Spain will team up to build it.
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.
