The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

This animation from <em>The New York Times</em> examines the history of Midtown Manhattan -- from pristine island environment to bustling metropolis.

October 31 - The New York Times

In Huangping, China, schoolchildren are required to salute passing cars in an effort to reduce traffic accidents. This rule is just one of many bizarre local ordinances in China, where the power of local bureaucrats can sometimes get out of hand.

October 30 - The New York Times

In order to clean up groundwater pollution from dry cleaning chemicals, Orland, California is planning on injecting soybean oil into the problem area. The plan is touted as lower risk and lower cost than other methods.

October 30 - Oroville Mercury Register

How can a Porsche be better for the environment than a Prius? If you use transit to commute, and only take the hot rod out on the weekends. Slate writer Joe Eaton sold his Volvo for a combination of transit and fun.

October 30 - Slate

In this short radio broadcast, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer welcomes the support of influential land use planner Mike McKeever of Sacramento, who testifies in support of the bill that incorporates smart growth strategies first employed by his MPO.

October 30 - Capital Public Radio

Community Cycling Center is working to close the racial gap in Portland's cycling community.

October 30 - BikePortland.org

British Columbia has converted nearly two dozen formerly notorious hotels into housing for the homeless.

October 30 - The Tyee

Alex Steffen weighs the challenges of Transition Towns and, instead, advocates for bright green, optimistic democracy.

October 30 - WorldChanging

SMA Solar Technology AG, the German company responsible for about 40 percent of the world's solar market will be opening a plant in Denver.

October 30 - The Denver Post

This week's wind storm has highlighted problems that remain in the Bay Bridge's construction.

October 30 - Los Angeles Times

This interview with Chief Environment Officer Sadhu Johnston highlights the progress Chicago's already had, including 7 million square feet of green roofs and more bike lanes.

October 30 - American Society Of Landscape Architects

NYC's Mayor Bloomberg oversaw the rezoning of thousands of blocks, yet many of the development projects he envisioned as the key to the city's future success are now stalled or in jeopardy.

October 29 - The New York Times

On their official blog, Metro gives a preview of the new rail extension which will extend the line to East L.A. Steve Hymon and Fred Dennstedt share their notes.

October 29 - The Source (Metro's blog)

Photographer Alex MacLean talks about his book <em>OVER: The American Landscape at the Tipping Point.</em>

October 29 - Northwest Hub

Liquor stores and religious uses are the only building markets staying afloat in Florida, say experts.

October 29 - New Geography

FEATURE

October 29 - Tim Halbur

Earlier this week, the Obama Administration announced a significant investment in smart grid infrastructure like improved transmission lines and smart meters in homes.

October 29 - The White House blog

The new Dallas Performing Arts Center marks the end of a boom in the development of arts centers and a moment in American architecture, says Nicolai Ouroussoff.

October 29 - The New York Times

The Watford Borough Council has voted that parents cannot play with their own children in local playgrounds because they haven't had a criminal background check.

October 29 - The Telegraph U.K.

Alan Greenblatt reports on increasing chatter among liberal blogs over whether states as a form of government are obsolete, while regional interests are more valid and under-represented.

October 29 - Governing Magazine