The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
A Bus-Powering, Rider-Paying Bike Share System
A new city bike sharing design concept not only gives people access to bikes, but also provides power for the local bus system and even pays riders to do it.
BLOG POST
Design our industrial future
I <a href="/node/38510">previously lamented</a> the apparent death of industrial use in our cities by the widespread application of terms like “post-industrial” and “rust-belt.”<span> </span>While semantics is an issue, let’s not forget that design matters and, in terms of industrial use, it hasn’t seemed to matter enough in recent years.<span> </span><span> </span> <p> In times past, industrial use was often a form of pride.<span> </span>Many of the hulking, multi-story industrial buildings in older cities are (still) beautiful additions to our cityscapes.<span> </span>In some cities, those that went vacant have spawned a new form of <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20090301_Eploring_abandoned_industrial_hulks.html?viewAll=y">urban scavenge hunting</a> by those seeking to fuel their appreciation for our industrial past through photography and exploration.<span> </span>Think as well of the <a href="http://vintagraph.com/wpa-posters/health-and-safety-posters/">WPA posters</a>, many of which used stylized industrial themes to promote our “American” identity.<span> </span> </p>
Urban Bees in Brooklyn
Beekeeping is on the rise in urban areas, despite laws to the contrary. Some beekeepers are concerned about the decline in bee populations and are doing their part to change that- other see it as a way to nurture local food movements.
London Transit Guru Moves to New York's MTA
An American-born transit planner who help usher in congestion pricing and smart transit card technology in London has been nominated to chair New York's transit system.
Making Property Owners Pay for Sidewalks
Los Angeles sidewalks are in an advanced state of disrepair, with little to no funds available. A new proposal in front of the city council puts the burden on new property buyers.
Historic Preservation for Tract Homes?
A resident of a Rancho Palos Verdes, CA development of 262 tract homes designed by Paul R. Williams, the first African-American architect in the AIA, is seeking an historic preservation measure to protect the 1950s-era homes.
Canada Finds Electric Car Infrastructure Already In Place
In the cold climes of Canada, parking lots come equipped with 120-volt outlets to keep engine blocks warm. Planners see these outlets as a stepping stone to a future of electric cars for the country.
LA the "Meanest City"?
A new report on how cities criminalize the practices used by homeless people to get by on a daily basis names Los Angeles as the country's "meanest city" for its "Safer City Initiative."
BLOG POST
The Mobile City
<p> <span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">AZUL: 12PM-3PM@The Brig - Abbot Kinney and Palm in </span></span> </p> <p> <span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">Venice; 6PM-9PM@La Brea/Pico Billboard Eco Art - 4829 </span></span> </p> <p> <span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">West Pico just east of La Brea</span></span> </p>
LaHood on the Stimulus Package
Speaking today at the Center for National Policy in D.C., Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood touted the success of the ARRA stimulus package and answered questions on transportation bill reauthorization and other topics.
Changing Tune on Density
Back in 1971, Alvin Duskin mounted an all-out campaign to limit buildings in San Francisco to 72 feet. Today, he is one of many Bay Area activists reconsidering density.
A Perfect Storm of Construction
A perfect storm of projects, ranging from a new busway to an expanding sports arena, is just beginning to disrupt life in the village of Rozelle, Australia. Construction could continue past 2020.
Illinois Approves $31 Billion Construction Plan
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law a bill that will bring about $31 billion worth of road, transit and school construction projects.
Combining Trails and Transit
Cities can expand transit service areas by providing convenient access by bike.
Wetland-Clearing Highway Project on List for Texas Stimulus
A 14-mile road segment that would connect two highways in Texas is a contender for stimulus funding in the state. But it would also cause the removal of at least 23 acres of wetlands. Environmentalists are upset the proposal is being considered.
The Bust of Williamsburg
Sales in Brooklyn are down, and that's made a ghost town out of the recently booming but now busted Williamsburg neighborhood.
7-Eleven Opening Stores, Not Closing Them
The convenience store announced it would open 200 new stores this year. A rep said that attractive locations had opened up for the retailer that were previously too expensive.
Chattanooga Turns To Bicycles To Help Homeless
Bicycles are being collected and distributed to Chattanooga's homeless in an attempt to improve their quality of life.
Bridge Lane Closed for Cyclists
Vancouver, B.C. is experimenting with closing one lane of the Burrard Bridge to traffic to add a bike lane. Cheryl Chan reports from Day 1 of the lane closure. Was traffic affected?
Pagination
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Clovis
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.