The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Too-Close Wind Turbine Noise May Be Unhealthful
Some residents living too close to wind turbines are feeling the negative effects of the noise they produce: nausea, headaches, and vertigo, to name a few.
Quit Playing it Safe, Seattle!
It's time for Seattle to take a few chances with its architecture, according to the author of this article.
Shipping Methods Shift From Truck to Canal Barge
The Erie Canal has been long forgotten as a passage for transportation, but the affordability of shipping goods by canal barge is making it a more attarctive option than doing so by trucking.
Surprise - Affluent Long Island Hit Hard By Subprime Crisis
Editorial: Long Island is one of the nation's most affluent suburbs. With very high housing values and located by NYC, it would be not expected to be hit hard by the subprime crisis. But it has - and its roots lie in its racially segregated past.
Spain's Manufacturing Boomtown Feels Economic Slump
The manufacturing town of Zaragoza, Spain is beginning to feel the crunch of the global economic slowdown, as a General Motors plant goes on a temporary hiatus.
Economic Benefits In Question in New York Stadium Redevelopments
Stadium construction in New York that was intended to have only a small cost to taxpayers has turned out to be a major investment and allocation of tax breaks, causing many to question whether the economic benefits of rebuilding will ever be seen.
BLOG POST
This Couldn’t Have Happened at a Better Time
<p class="MsoNormal"> The United States has been reborn.<span> </span>The election of Barack Obama has put – or reintroduced – the United States to the world stage as a beacon of hope for all people.<span> </span>We have proven that we believe and embody the ideals of equality and equal opportunity and that these ideals are the right of every citizen and not just a few.<span> </span>More importantly, this election is a ray of hope for our nation.<span> </span>We advanced the fight against racism to elect the first black president of the United States.<span> </span>Barack Obama’s election also gives hope to Americans as we witness and feel the stinging affects of the economic and housing crises, the energy crisis and two wars. </p>
North Bay Approves Diesel Light Rail Ballot Measure
The fourth attempt proved a charm as Marin and Sonoma county voters narrowly passed a 1/4 cent sales tax measure to build and run a diesel light rail train through both counties along with an adjacent bike path. The tax measure needed 2/3 to pass.
Honolulu Approves Light Rail System
Voters in Honolulu have approved a 20-mile light rail system for the Hawaiian city -- the largest public works project in the state's history.
California's Bodysurfing Preserve
The Wedge -- a well-known bodysurfing spot in Newport Beach made famous in the 1966 surf film "The Endless Summer" -- is becoming a part of local history, thanks to a group of bodysurfing preservationists.
Kansas City Light Rail Plans Fail
A sales tax plan to fund light rail in Kansas City has failed.
CA High Speed Rail Proposition Appears To Win Narrow Approval
A $10 billion high speed rail bond is winning with 52.2% voting 'Yes' with 95% of the precincts reporting. This would be the first state bond measure supporting high speed rail to be supported by voters in U.S., though it only funds 1/3 of costs.
'Self-Motivated Activism' Behind Park's Beautification
Thanks to the ambitious clean-up efforts of a few residents, a neglected, unofficial park on city land is now maintained daily and is on its way to being a greenway.
TOD Gets Green Light in Utah
Draper, UT will soon be seeing new transit-oriented development, where there will be no building height restrictions or population caps.
The New Age of Trains
Passenger rail is on the minds of voters and politicians more than ever. Some say the next train era is on its way.
Container Homes Find Niche in Hawaii
Interest in houses made from shipping containers has been rising in Hawaii, where these inexpensive homes' designs can range from studios to multistory apartments.
Bike Racks as Public Art Gaining Popularity
Quirky, artistic bike racks are cropping up in cities around the country--a trend that benefits more than just cyclists.
Desert Wildlife Faces Border Wall
The security border fence designed to combat illegal immigration into the U.S. is raising concerns over its impact on habitats and wildlife.
FEATURE
News Summary: Urban Policy and the Obama Presidency
The balloons have fallen, and the yard signs have been yanked up. The people have chosen, and in a historic win, Senator Barack Obama will soon be our next president. Now the hopes and promises of the campaign must harden into reality. Managing Editor Tim Halbur summarize what we can expect from an Obama presidency in regards to urban issues.
Skyscraper Lights Don't Have to be Dangerous or Wasteful
One architecture critic addresses two skyscraper-related conundrums: Decorative lighting that tops the buildings are energy inefficient, and they are dangerous to migrating birds.
Pagination
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.