The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Boston's Hancock Tower For Sale

One of Boston's most well known buildings, the I.M. Pei designed John Hancock Tower, is up for sale for the second time in almost as many years.

September 9 - The Boston Globe

Technology Unlocks World's Biggest Oil Field

Three times larger than Saudi Arabia's proven reserves, the oil shale deposits in the Western United States are already being tapped, and are expected to eventually produce 10 million barrels/day in potentially an environmentally friendly manner.

September 9 - The San Francisco Chronicle

New Orleans Planning Process In Disarray

One year after the storm, returning New Orleans residents are still trying to find their way -- and their future -- through a maze of well-meaning, but often conflicting efforts to bring their communities back to life.

September 9 - New Orleans Times-Picayune

Five Years Of Segway

It has been called "The Invention That Runs On Hype". But the Segway may well play a role in the future of transportation and our cities.

September 9 - BusinessWeek

William Garnett's Poetic Vision With Aerial Photography

William A. Garnett, a pioneer of aerial photographs that revealed unusual land patterns died at the age of 86.

September 9 - The Los Angeles Times


Friday Funny: A Dig At The 9/11 Memorial Project's Progress

Five years after 9/11, satirical publication The Onion reports on the World Trade Center rebuilding effort in New York City.

September 8 - The Onion

Electronic Signs Lead To Suburban Opposition

While downtown advocates encourage lights and signs with animated activity in Columbus' core, complaints have arisen over those flashy signs on suburban arterials.

September 8 - The Columbus Dispatch


Mid-Decade Census Numbers Fuel Confusion And Doubt

California cities are getting a look at the results of the U. S. Census Bureau's first American Community Survey of medium-sized cities; some officials grouse at the 'funny numbers'--they just don’t add up.

September 8 - The Los Angeles Times

'Neutron Bomb' Mortgages Set to Blow in '07

Option adjustable rate mortgages(ARM) have in recent years been offered to thousands of middle-income homeowners who may soon face "personal catastrophe" as their loans reset, doubling their monthly payments.

September 8 - Business Week

Architect Unveils Walkable Plan For Gulf Community

Architect James Polk is setting up to begin work on his plan for a walkable and sustainable community in the Gulf Coast region.

September 8 - Hattiesburg American

Private Golf Course Almost Goes Public Through Eminent Domain

Spurred by a desire to increase a wealthy New York village's worth and appeal, a string of politicians spent over 10 years trying to use the power of eminent domain to acquire a private golf course and make it public. Despite Kelo, the push failed.

September 8 - The Weekly Standard

Taking Extreme Commuting To The Next Level

"Sleepover commuters" are travelling across state lines, even several time zones, to get to work.

September 8 - Abhijeet Chavan

States Sue Each Other Over Inter-State Water Pollution

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to act when pollution from one state affects a neighboring state. In the absence Of federal involvement, states have started to sue each other.

September 8 - The Washington Post

Critics Concerned As Cities Cash-In On Red-light Cameras

Critics cite many concerns--privacy, safety, accuracy, fairness--but cameras are gaining ground and cities are cashing-in on the hefty fines paid by offenders.

September 8 - MSN

D.C. Weighs Requiring More Residential Parking

Fairfax County planning officials in Washington D.C. are considering raising the amount of parking required in new residential housing developments, while other county officials are seeking a reduction.

September 8 - The Washington Post

Urban Fringe Development Debated In South Africa

A draft spatial development framework in Cape Town has created a rift between developers and city planners over how much and what type of development should be allowed to push out to the city's urban fringe.

September 7 - Business Day

Idaho Blueprint for Good Growth Mired in Controversy

An Idaho regional land use plan is on hold as members debate policy implementation.

September 7 - The Idaho Statesman

Court Pours Cold Water On Deltona's Hot Annexation Plans

Recent ruling by a Florida court says that the annexed property is not contiguous to the city, thus halting the proposed development plan.

September 7 - The Orlando Sentinel

A Road Too Wide

As a neighborhood road in Jacksonville is widened from four to six lanes to attract business, many residents are expressing distaste. Michael Lewyn outlines the argument against road widening.

September 7 - The Florida Times-Union

Car-sharing: 'A Cure For The Twin Evils'

Boosterism for car-sharing runs high. Users pay less in parking and insurance and love the extra pocket change.

September 7 - MSN

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