The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

'One Of The Greatest Hoaxes Ever Perpetrated'

Skeptics, including respected scientists, believe global warming is a hoax.

May 30 - The Washington Post

America's Obsession With That Green Patch In The Yard

An environmental historian ponders the cultural significance of the lawn in suburban America.

May 30 - The Christian Science Monitor

Hip, Downtown Living Revitalizing Fading Small Towns

Even humble burgs like Mount Airy, N.C., inspiration for Mayberry on the "Andy Griffith Show," are experiencing the trend. A local tobacco warehouse there will be redeveloped into 43 market-rate apartments. Has technology made location irrelevant?

May 30 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Safest Cities For Driving

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, population 137,000, has been named by Allstate Insurance as the safest city for driving in the nation. Washington D.C. is rated the worst city for driving.

May 30 - USA Today

Study Finds Local Ordinances Create Sprawl

A new study shows that Adequate Public Finance Ordinances (APFOs)in the National Capital Region may counter state's efforts at managing growth effectively.

May 30 - The Washington Post


Japan Bans New Suburban Malls

As Japan's population shrinks, the Japanese government bans the development of new shopping malls or amusement centers exceeding 108,000 s.f. in suburban areas to prevent the 'hollowing out' of urban centers.

May 30 - Terra Daily

New York City Losing Affordable Housing

Two studies confirm that NYC is loosing its affordable housing stock at an increasingly rapid pace notwithstanding Mayor Blumberg's to both preserve existing stock and add substantially to it. Section 8 and Mitchell-Lama programs were studied.

May 30 - The New York Times


Is Keeping Wal-Mart Out of a Community 'Class Warfare'?

The controversial use of eminent domain to keep Wal-Mart out of Hercules, CA is criticized as a means of keeping lower-income shoppers away.

May 30 - Common Dreams

Historic Architecture Tours Get Trendy

Architectural and home tours focused on historic or neighborhood preservation or gentrifying urban areas are becoming increasingly popular.

May 30 - CNNMoney

The Geographic Evolution of the U.S. Auto Industry

The U.S. automotive industry is one of the nation's oldest modern manufacturing sectors. Despite increasingly making its home in the south, 47% of the nation's motor vehicle employment still resides in three states: Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

May 29 - Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

10 Ways Global Warming Will Impact The Eastern U.S.

The Philadelphia City Paper lists 10 ways global warming could really "hit home".

May 29 - Philadelphia City Paper

FL County Approves Huge Rural Development Conflicting With Comprehensive Plan

Despite working with rural property owners for seven years to develop a 'sector plan' directing growth in rural areas, Palm Beach County voted to send a proposed plan amendment allowing 10,000 homes to the State for review. Area residents object.

May 29 - Palm Beach Post

Where The Gas Gouging Buck Stops

Local gas station owners are hurt as much or more than consumers by high gas prices, as they lose business when gas companies force them to raise their prices.

May 29 - Philadelphia City Paper

Detroit-Canada Bridge Could Link City To Profits

Although some community members oppose the laborious and expensive physical construction process, many realize that the economic development benefits will be important.

May 29 - Detroit Metro Times

Government Buildings Are Getting Nicer

Security, workforce, and sustainability concerns are causing federal, state and local governments to build and lease Class-A space.

May 28 - Buildings Magazine

Developers Demand JFK Rail Link

A web of politics, lobbying, and profit motives have developers scrambling in support of a rail link that could have a significant impact on the economy of New York City and state.

May 28 - The New York Observer

L.A. Becoming More Bicycle-Friendly

Projects to make L.A. more bike friendly include expanding bike lanes and paths, and adding 800 bike racks to the more than 2,500 racks already in place across the city.

May 28 - The Los Angeles Times

Digital Mapping Is Changing The Way We Drive

Tele Atlas NV, a Boston-based mapping company, is incorporating the latest technologies to change the way drivers navigate.

May 28 - The Detroit Free Press

Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance Ruled Unconstitutional In San Diego

A judge has ruled the City of San Diego's 10 percent inclusionary zoning ordinance unconstitutional. Building industry officials are pleased, although the decision "could bankrupt the affordable housing fund".

May 28 - Voice of San Diego

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