The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Recession Aids Preservation in Moscow

The economic downturn has brought much development in Moscow to a halt. But for some preservationists, that's a good thing.

September 15 - The Christian Science Monitor

Guaranteeing You Won't Get Stranded By Transit

An often cited reason for not using alternative transportation is the unpredictable: what if I need a car for something unexpected? A non-profit is now offering guaranteed rides to those who ride transit, bike, or walk, up to $100 per year.

September 15 - San Jose Mercury News

Deadly Water Going By Unregulated

This investigation from <em>The New York Times</em> examines water pollution records from across the country and finds more than half a million violations that are causing deadly pollution to local water resources.

September 15 - The New York Times

Rethinking Residential

Can you create a community with design? This is one of the questions raised at a panel hosted by Future Shack, a project sponsored by the Seattle AIA and The Seattle Times to reconsider residential architecture.

September 14 - Northwest Hub

Don't Forget Roads, Says Kotkin

Joel Kotkin explains why the Obama Administration's focus on transit is wrong-headed and doesn't do anything for the majority of Americans.

September 14 - New Geography


Are Bike Lanes Less Safe?

A new study from the University of Leeds claims that drivers are more careful and leave more room for bikers when there is no bike lane.

September 14 - WorldChanging

BLOG POST

Stress and the city, part 2

<p class="EC_MsoNormal"> Not long ago, I posted on what makes some cities more stressful than others.<span> </span>(See <a href="/40441" target="_blank">http://www.planetizen.com/node/40441</a> ).<span> </span>In that post, I remarked that the ideal objective indicia of stress (resident surveys on crime, illness, etc.) often do not exist for most cities. </p>

September 14 - Michael Lewyn


Gaming Officials Monkeying With Land Use

In Philadelphia, the Gaming Control Board is made up of 10 men, 9 of which don't live in the city. A recent decision by the board will destroy two planned developments that would have improve Philly's character, says arch. critic Inga Saffron.

September 14 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Inside David Byrne's Livable City

Using a mishmash of highlights from cities around the world, musician and artist David Byrne talks about his personal vision of a perfect, livable city.

September 14 - The Wall Street Journal

The Road to South Africa's World Cup

South Africa is gearing up to host the 2010 World Cup next June. As it prepares to be the tournament's first African host, the country faces a number of hurdles.

September 14 - The Independent

The World's 'First Smart Grid City'

Boulder, Colorado, has become the world's "first fully functioning smart grid enabled city".

September 14 - Earth and Industry

Texas Officials Call For End to Border Fence

Texas officials are calling on the federal government to ditch plans to build a pedestrian fence along the U.S.-Mexico border, arguing the fence will not stop illegal crossing.

September 14 - The Houston Chronicle

Bank Executive Blasted for Beachfront Foreclosure Parties

A Wells Fargo executive involved in foreclosures has reportedly been using a foreclosed Malibu, California, estate for personal parties on the weekends.

September 14 - Los Angeles Times

"Polluted and Dangerous" Abandoned Properties

Tufts urban planning professor Justin Hollander appeared on C-SPAN's Washington Journal to answer questions about his new book, <em>Polluted & Dangerous: America's Worst Abandoned Properties and What Can Be Done About Them.</em>

September 14 - Washington Journal

BLOG POST

An Interview with the Chinese Premier

<p>  This interview below with the Chinese Premier offers  a preview of the challenges and opportunities that will unfold at the </p> <p> December 2009 UN Climate Conference  (see <a href="http://en.cop15.dk/?gclid=CI-ImOyB8JwCFYwwpAodNSUfjQ">http://en.cop15.dk/?gclid=CI-ImOyB8JwCFYwwpAodNSUfjQ</a>) </p> <p> Here is the interview,  <a href="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2009-09/14/content_8687301.htm">http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2009-09/14/content_8687301.htm</a> </p>

September 13 - Matthew E. Kahn

Energy from the Landfill

Landfills produce a lot of methane gas, one of the main greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. In an effort to both reduce that impact and responsibly reuse the gas, some municipalities are converting it into energy.

September 13 - Governing

Proposed Port Threatens Flood-Prone Venice

Plans to construct a new cargo port near Venice has some conservationists up in arms. They say the plans would exacerbate rising water levels and further endanger the flood-prone ancient city.

September 13 - The Guardian

Jacksonville Baptists Denied Their Church, Sue City

The First Baptist Church of Mandarin applied to build a 249,000 sq. ft. complex in a rural area. They're suing the city in federal court, on the grounds that they're getting "unequal and discriminatory treatment."

September 13 - Jacksonville.com

New Light Rail Line Ushers Age of Rail Growth in Portland

A new line of Portland's MAX light rail system has opened, prefacing the coming decades of rail growth in the region.

September 13 - The Oregonian

The Role of Artists in the Creation of Public Space

Public space plays an important role in cities. Essential to creating good public spaces, according to this commentary from <em>The Nation</em>, is the art community.

September 13 - The Nation

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Village of Glen Ellyn

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