The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

'Laneway housing'- known to many in the U.S. as 'granny units'- is a popular solution for creating more housing in dense Canadian cities like North Vancouver. In fact, Mayor Darrell Mussatto lives in one.

October 31 - The Georgia Straight

No sooner had Chrysler released its new hybrid SUV- a Dodge Durango 40% more efficient than its gas-only counterpart- than it has been forced to close the factory where both versions are produced in order to save on costs.

October 31 - Bloomberg.com

Gas prices are falling, and drivers are going right back to their gas-guzzling ways.

October 31 - The New York Times

L.A. Times architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne and transportation reporter Steve Hymon look at a proposal to raise the sales tax in L.A. to fund public transit. They call it a good opportunity for the city's urbanism, but also a tough sell.

October 31 - Los Angeles Times

BLOG POST

<span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana">One of the perks of my job is getting to know new cities and neighborhoods.<span>  </span>We research, create a lot of graphics and talk with a lot of people.<span>  </span>In the course of those discussions, while people often exhibit pride in where they live, there is also an underlying concern that frequently goes something like this:</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana">“We feel like a last place team – the one that can never get out of the cellar.”</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana">“There is a real self-image problem here.”</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana">“You can’t do that in [insert name of place here] because we

October 30 - Scott Page

Architect Richard Reep argues that the fatal flaw of Celebration and other New Urbanist-style developments around Florida is the lack of jobs within walking distance.

October 30 - newgeography

David Morris of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance wonders if the economic crisis will see alternative energy fall off the political agenda, or if the next president will recognize the economic benefits of renewable energy investments.

October 30 - AlterNet

Recently approved legislation tying land use planning to greenhouse gas emissions is being sold as critically important by both detractors and supporters. But Bill Fulton argues that SB 375 provides only one step in an ongoing evolution.

October 30 - California Planning & Development Report

BLOG POST

<p> The following post will likely result in the revocation of my Philadelphia residency. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> It’s heretical to say, especially on a day when the city is on fire (not literally; okay, <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/gallery/World_Series_Damage.html?index=3">mostly</a> not literally) with excitement. But the city planner in me almost wishes the Phillies hadn’t won last night. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Of course I wanted them to win the World Series. Twenty-five years is a long time for any city—let alone a four-sport city—to wait for a championship, and it’s definitely Philadelphia’s time. I’m thrilled to pieces they pulled it out. </p>

October 30 - Jeffrey Barg

Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is reinventing itself as an increasingly wealthy and fast developing country through its architecture.

October 30 - Architectural Record

A contest sponsored by the Vancouver Public Space Network asks the public to find Vancouver's heart, a civic square that best defines the city. Sean Ruthen ponders the city's relationships to the each its primary squares now.

October 30 - re:place Magazine

Shopping malls are rarely architectural gems. Architects, especially big-name architects, typically try to stay away from designing them. But now architects are rethinking how malls should be, and looking to examples of the distant past for guidance.

October 30 - Metropolis Magazine

This special issue of Metropolis Magazine highlights "citizen architects" working on small-scale projects to improve local communities.

October 30 - Metropolis Magazine

Preservationists say that there are better ways to use buildings along Brooklyn's industrial waterfront than to demolish them.

October 30 - The New York Times

The UK's "eco-towns" are feeling the hurt of the current economic situation, with only one or two likely to move ahead.

October 30 - Guardian

FEATURE

Foreclosures are blighting neighborhoods across the country. There's no question that something needs to be done. But to react effectively, the field of community development needs to carefully consider which areas should be targeted and how much can be saved, argues Charles Buki.

October 30 - Charles Buki

Car dealerships -- long-sought by cities as big tax revenue generators -- are struggling in the economic downturn. Nearly 600 have closed this year, and another 100 are expected to shut down by the end of the year.

October 30 - The Wall Street Journal

BLOG POST

It&#39;s Halloween and that means it&#39;s costume time. But, what&#39;s that you say? Too busy updating your comprehensive plan to find a costume? Well, don&#39;t fret! I&#39;ve got some last-minute costume ideas for the busy urban planner that are both fun and planning related.<br /> <br />

October 29 - Nate Berg

China's Communist ruling party has agreed to allow farmers to transfer land use rights for farming. The plan is designed to consolidate landholdings, discourage uneconomic farmers, and boost rural incomes for 750 million people.

October 29 - Christian Science Monitor

Sacramento Bee political columnist took three road trips through 17 states and has a few comments to make, along with some facts, about the condition of the Golden State's roads - in comparison to those he toured, and where the responsibility lies.

October 29 - The Sacramento Bee