The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

A recent agreement between developers and environmental groups puts the conservationists in the unfortunate position of not being able to oppose a plan that is the epitome of sprawl, according this editorial.

May 19 - The Los Angeles Times

<p>Virginia Governor Tim Kaine has proposed a plan to raise sales taxes in the state to help fund public transportation projects -- a plan similar to one voters turned down in 2002. But this time, voters won't be involved in the decision.</p>

May 19 - The Washington Post

<p>This commentary claims that dirty politics have prevented Florida voters from being able to control sprawl in their communities.</p>

May 19 - The Orlando Sentinel

<p>This article from the <em>Harvard Design Magazine</em> looks at slums in Latin America and discusses the important role they play in their cities. Preserving the positive qualities of these communities is increasingly preferred over slum clearance.</p>

May 19 - Harvard Design Magazine

<p>Developers in Detroit are planning a condominium project completely made out of used shipping containers. But city approval is needed before the project can move forward.</p>

May 19 - The Detroit Free Press

FEATURE

May 19 - Greg Ramsey

BLOG POST

A few weeks ago, I was reading yet another think-tank paper arguing against new rail projects.<span> </span>Amidst the sea of technical detail, one assertion bothered me: the common claim that bus service is more “flexible” than rail.

May 18 - Michael Lewyn

<p>A recent survey shows that while many renters support the idea of smoke-free apartment buildings, an equal number are concerned about infringing on the rights of tenants -- even if they don't smoke.</p>

May 18 - Multi-Housing News

BLOG POST

<p> The common wisdom about walkable neighborhoods holds that density – proximity to destinations – determines the number of walking trips. An ideal walking distance of a quarter mile is usually prescribed between residences and the nearest transit stop or retail center. <br /> <br /> I don’t dispute that walking distance is important, especially when I’m lugging an armload of groceries. However, some trendy high-density development favors compactness at the expense of comfort and safety. <br />

May 18 - Diana DeRubertis

<p>Faced with increasing water shortages, Los Angeles Mayor Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has announced plans to recycle the city's sewage water to replenish drinking water qualifiers.</p>

May 18 - The New York Times

<p>In Kansas City, many tax increment financing zones are simply luring existing business to move and creating new sprawling development.</p>

May 18 - The Pitch

BLOG POST

<span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman"> <p style="margin: 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman">People’s response to death typically proceeds through various stages: disbelief, denial, anger, bargaining, guilt, and eventually acceptance and hope. Motorists’ response to increased fuel price seems to follow similar stages:</span> </p>

May 18 - Todd Litman

<p>A new report focuses on the expected growth of the Phoenix-Tuscon "Sun Corridor" to 10 million residents by 2030, and highlights the challenges and opportunities for this megapolitan region.</p>

May 18 - East Valley Tribune

<p>The top Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is leading a bill to fund new high-speed rail, stating he's ready to fight the air travel lobby that has traditionally opposed plans for high-speed rail.</p>

May 18 - CNN

<p>While the market for single-family homes remains deeply troubled, developers of apartment buildings are moving ahead with new construction -- likely expecting rising rents from tightening rental vacancy rates due to displaced homeowners.</p>

May 17 - The Wall Street Journal

<p>The city is already struggling to fund its planned $5 billion subway extension. But planners think adding a spur through West Hollywood could convince federal officials to chip in more funding for the project.</p>

May 17 - WeHo News

<p>Hotel operator Travelodge is planning to build pre-fabricated hotels in Shenzhen that can be assembled in locales in need of a short term boost in rooms -- such as Olympic host cities.</p>

May 17 - The Times

<p>Instead of asking residents to consider a timid plan this November, the region's transit agency should wait until its first light rail line opens, and gas prices rise even higher. Voters will then be ready for a grander plan, argues a recent column.</p>

May 17 - The Seattle Times

<p>Production of bicycles is more than double the production of cars worldwide -- and the gap between the two vehicles is widening. Many see this as an indicator of the global shift towards encouraging bicycle use as a viable transportation option.</p>

May 17 - Earth Policy Institute

<p>Facing a tight budget, officials in California have found an innovative way to mix uses and save money -- by combining a zoo and a prison into one efficient facility.</p>

May 16 - The Onion