The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Brooklyn's Tallest Proposed Building Has Date With Landmarks Preservation Commission

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the 1,066-foot building is what distinguishes it from other high rises of its size across the East River—it will be residential.

February 22 - The New York Times

Citizen's Carbon Tax Initiative Goes Before Washington State Senate

A group that calls itself Carbon Washington could be at the helm of a new environmental movement to address climate change. They have proposed a $25-per-ton, revenue-neutral carbon tax.

February 22 - Seattle Weekly

A Change of Direction for California High-Speed Rail

In the face of political opposition and mounting construction costs in Southern California, the state High-Speed Rail Authority has chosen to build north from the Central Valley to San Jose rather than south from Fresno to the San Fernando Valley.

February 22 - Los Angeles Times

Empty Parking Lot

The Continuing Story of the High Costs of Free Parking

A new study has found that despite higher monetary incentives, most commuters won't ditch their cars as long as their parking remains free.

February 22 - CityLab

Copenhagen

Compromise and an Engaged Public: Lessons From Copenhagen

Copenhagen is often cited as the world’s most livable city—a city characterized by bicycles and shared open spaces. But the road to get there has required compromise among politicians and an active and engaged community.

February 22 - Next City


San Francisco Bay bridge and Treasure Island aerial view

The Lost Art of Great Infrastructure in America

Writing in the New York Times, Allison Arieff asks what happened to the great works of public infrastructure from years past that stand as today's monuments to America’s achievements.

February 22 - The New York Times

Detroit - Renaissance Center

The Portrayal of Detroit Through 'Ruin Porn' Fails To Tell The Full Story

Do the stylized pictures of crumbling edifices and the recent incorporation of a vacant home in an art show do a disservice to the residents—mostly poor and black—who still call Detroit home?

February 22 - The Guardian


Lots of Positive Signs for Pittsburgh in 2016

Good news for Pittsburgh, which is now officially reversing decades of Rust Belt trends.

February 22 - Pittsburgh Today

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Hoverboards Unsafe Until Regulated

The federal government will implement safety protocols for the popular new personal mobility device known as hoverboards. Hoverboards are deemed officially unsafe until the industry complies with the new regulations.

February 22 - Mashable

Sunday Service: New York Considers Church Parking Lots for Affordable Housing

The de Blasio Administration is getting creative in looking for sites to develop affordable housing. One potential idea: church parking lots.

February 21 - DNAInfo

Pricetag for LaGuardia Overhaul Gaining Altitude: Now $4.2 Billion

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is considering a proposal to replace LaGuardia Airport's Central Terminal Building.

February 21 - The Wall Street Journal

A Call for a New Design Advocacy Platform

Looking for a greater awareness of social responsibility, the founder and editor-in-chief of The Architect's Newspaper calls for a new organization tasked with advocacy in New York City.

February 21 - The Architect's Newspaper

Boulder and Denver Faced With Steady Loss of Affordable Housing

Boulder is a poster child for the housing crisis, according to The Denver Post.

February 21 - The Denver Post

Detroit Announces New Program to Jumpstart Mortgages

Low property values continue to stunt the comeback of Detroit—so the city and a group of banks have created a program to guarantee 1,000 mortgages in the city.

February 21 - Detroit Free Press

Tinkering With Seattle's Microhousing Rules Continues

A local writer evaluates the results of a 2014 ordinance that updated regulations regarding the development of microhousing. The Seattle City Council could once again revisit the regulations as part of the city's HALA process.

February 20 - The Urbanist

Auto Repairs From Potholes Got You Down? You Are Not Alone

A new report from the AAA indicates that American motorists encounter damage from potholes three times a year, with each incident costing an average $300 to repair. Middle and working class drivers feel the pinch disproportionately.

February 20 - AAA

Advocates and Planners Debate the Oregon DOT's Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

Public comment closed earlier this week on the Oregon Department of Transportation's (ODOT) draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The plan has a ways to go before advocates, elected officials, and planners are on the same page.

February 20 - Bike Portland

CN Tower rises above Gardiner Expressway on Toronto Waterfront

From 'Traffic' Planning to 'Transportation' Planning: Toronto's Pivot to the Future

Ken Greenberg, the former director of architecture and urban design for the city of Toronto, sits down to discuss how Toronto needs to transform to ensure a less auto-reliant future that serves a changing demographic of younger urban dwellers.

February 20 - Metro

Industrial Chic—Shipping Container Homes

Innovative Idaho developer wants to create a subdivision using shipping containers that will be targeted at eco-conscious home buyers looking for new options, first-time home-buyers and empty-nesters with a sale price: $152,000.

February 20 - Idaho Statesman

Federal Report Finds Increasing Numbers of Traffic Deaths

With more driving comes a lot more deaths on the nation's roads. The question is why traffic deaths increase at a greater rate than vehicle miles traveled.

February 19 - City Observatory

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