The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

FEMA Insurance Policies Promote Poor Land Use

FEMA's willingness to insure high-risk coastal property is driving coastal development that is destroying environmentally-sensitive areas, and wasting taxpayer funds, writes David Helvarg, president of the Blue Frontier Campaign.

November 22 - The Los Angeles Times

Working Families Pushed Out Of Town, Into Debt

Long commutes no easy answer to affordable homes.

November 21 - Michigan Land Use Institute

BLOG POST

Baby Name Wizard

As a new father struggling with finding baby names (our little guy was two months early), it was a pleasure to stumble across <a href="http://www.babynamewizard.com/namevoyager/lnv0105.html">Baby Name Wizard</a> (this requires java). The site tracks the popularity of baby names through time. The interactive design is fascinating and a great example of how to pack a lot of overlapping information into one clear graphic. It seems the name we chose - Kai - is gaining popularity. I'm always behind the trends.

November 21 - Scott Page

The Gold Standard For Town-Gown Relations

A conference Of Univeristy city mayors praises the Penn-Philadelphia relationship as a 'model of the way universities and cities can work together'.

November 21 - The Daily Pennsylvanian

Safety An Issue For Developers In Northern Virginia

Companies are touting a variety of safety features to lure contracts and offices into the area.

November 21 - The Washington Post


What Is A City Block In Oklahoma Worth?

The privately-owned, "Bricktown" historic block is purchased by a local custom home builder for $10.9 million.

November 21 - The Oklahoman

After Eminent Domain Decision, Disputed Project Goes Nowhere

Five months after the United States Supreme Court ruling that the City of New London could seize property through eminent domain to make way for new private development, the political outcry from the Kelo v. New London ruling has paralyzed the project.

November 21 - The New York Times


First Transit System To Go Wireless

San Francisco's BART becomes the first transit system in the nation to offer wireless access on all underground trains.

November 21 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Committee To Rebuild New Orleans Gains Leaders

The Bring New Orleans Back Commission has named designers and architects to chair committees that will oversee the dispersion of funds and the redevelopment of New Orleans.

November 21 - Architectural Record

The U.S. Replacement For Oil: Shale?

Increasing scarcity of oil and improved technology have renewed interest in oil shale production. New legislation opens 35% of federal oil shale lands to private industry.

November 21 - The Los Angeles Times

Living And Building Green

Building green isn't just a matter of construction and design -- we must change our entire way of thinking.

November 21 - Business Press

Portland, Maine, At A Crossroads

The first article in a week-long series examines how Portland, Maine's growing reputation as one of the most livable cities in the United States is quickly altering the social demographics of a once working and middle class city.

November 21 - Portland Press Herald

Is Commercial Architecture Ruining St. Petersberg's Skyline?

Are commercial architects ruining St. Petersberg's historic panoramic views as a result of penny-pinching investors?

November 20 - The St. Petersburg Times

Cash For Development Rights?

A deputy district attorney charges she was fired after protesting a Lennar development project. The lawsuit uncovers a series of questionable payments from the city of the developer.

November 20 - The Sacramento Bee

In San Francisco, Planning Commission Limits Downtown Parking

In an attempt to reduce car use and traffic congestion, the SF Planning Commission passes legislation to limit residential parking in downtown -- and ban freestanding parking garages.

November 20 - San Francisco Examiner

Virgin Airlines To Go Green?

CEO Richard Branson says his company is looking into alternative methods for jet fuel as a way to save costs.

November 20 - Planet Ark

New Orleans' Dispersed Black Residents Face Voting Barriers

Red tape and foot-dragging on the part of FEMA may prevent thousands of Black voters dispersed by Hurricane Katrina from voting in local elections.

November 20 - In These Times

Nation's Smallest Parcel?

A postage stamp-sized parcel of land in Jackson Township, Indiana is selling for $1,500. It's 0.0000000159 of an acre.

November 19 - The Los Angeles Times

A Community Emerges Around Denver's New Airport

The area around Denver International Airport is rapidly expanding into a fully developed city, with two dozen or more projects in development.

November 19 - The Rocky Mountain News

Global Warming's Dire Effect on World's Freshwater Supply

The greatest and most immediate effect of global warming may be on the world's fresh water supplies

November 19 - The San Francisco Chronicle

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