The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

U.S. Army Tries New Urbanism

New Urbanist design comes to the Villages at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Today, the military hopes more attractive neighborhoods will help recruit and retain soldiers, and create a stronger sense of community to support military families.

June 11 - The New York Times

An Indictment Of Tax Abatement Incentives

Tax incentives that attract specific corporations to a city, region or state make for bad economic policy, and don't cause real growth. Memphis' Payment-in-Lieu-of-Tax (Pilot) program is used in this article as a case-in-point.

June 10 - Forbes

Debate Rages Over Cul-de-Sacs

Proponents say cul-de-sac streets provide safety and serenity. Opponents say they are isolating and ironically dangerous to the children they purport to protect. This key American-Dream icon is increasingly in the crosshairs of progressive planners.

June 10 - National Public Radio

Measure 37-like Initiative Defeated In Napa County, California

As with Oregon's Measure 37, a property-rights group sponsored a measure to compensate land owners for losses resulting from county land use decisions. Though defeated, a similar measure, "Protect our Homes", will appear on the November state ballot.

June 10 - The San Francisco Chronicle

India's Great Experiment

India's market-based approach to holds promise for long-term economic development but poor infrastructure could undermine economic growth.

June 10 - Harvard Business School


Balancing Growth In Miami

As Miami continues to grow and gentrify, City officials must balance the concerns of their future and existing residents.

June 10 - The Miami Herald

'Category 5 Foolishness'

An interview with environmentalist journalist and author David Helvarg about hurricanes, coastal development, New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and Bush administration policies.

June 9 - Democracy Now


Last Stand for Property-rights Activists?

A year after high court's key decision, New London, Conn., voted to evict homeowners.

June 9 - The Christian Science Monitor

Federal Land Sale May Fund Local Wilderness Development In Utah

Population growth in scenic St. George, Utah, has officials trying to sell federal land to pay for municipal projects. Other western states may follow suit.

June 9 - The Los Angeles Times

Transportation Taxes, Property Rights Initiatives Lose In California

While many eyes were on the Democratic primary, CP&DR was focused on California's land use ballot measures. Voters said no to sales tax increases for transportation purposes in five central and northern California counties.

June 9 - California Planning & Development Report

Adirondack Mountain Town Rejects Wal-Mart Supercenter

By a 3-2 vote, the Village of Saranac Lake in the Adirondack mountains of New York decides not to complete an environmental review for a Wal-Mart store.

June 9 - The Press Republican (Northeastern New York)

'Out of Proportion' Security Measures Damaging Nation's Capital

Plans for a massive new Pentagon-sized Homeland Security complex threaten to ruin one of the finest vistas in Washington, D.C.

June 9 - The Washington Post

New Orleans 64% Smaller

A new report from the Census Bureau documents Hurricane Katrina's effect on demographics throughout the Gulf Coast region.

June 9 - The New York Times

Great Lakes Wind Turbines Pose Formidable Risks, Enticing Rewards

The Great Lakes represent an excellent source of untapped wind energy, but the hurdles would be formidable, particularly the "visual pollution" aspect presented by the 400 foot machines.

June 9 - The New York Times

India's 'Green Building' Revolution Gathers Momentum

India's "green building" pursue U.S. LEED (Leadership in energy and environmental design) certification.

June 9 - Business Standard

Chinese Government Publishes Review Of Recent Environmental Policies

The State Council Information Office publishes a white paper entitled "Environmental Protection in China (1996-2005)", which "gives a systematic introduction to the unremitting efforts made...in environmental protection over the past ten years."

June 9 - People's Daily Online

'Landmark' Bill To Allow Sale Of Public Land To Finance Development

Growth advocates applaud a bill to sell public land to finance local projects but conservationists are worried about what they consider a dangerous trend that benefits only developers.

June 8 - The Los Angeles Times

Restricting Suburbia's Popular Cul-de-Sacs

Many suburban homeowners find the tranquility of living on a cul-de-sac the ideal choice. However, thanks to a rapidly growing group of critics, hundreds of cities across the nation are changing laws to ban or restrict future cul-de-sacs.

June 8 - The Wall Street Journal

House Passes Transportation, Housing, And Urban Development Budget

The new bill approved by the House Appropriations Committee "Provides for Smarter, More Efficient Amtrak Operations"; "Supports Aviation"; "Addresses Critical Housing Needs"; and "Funds Highway Spending", while cutting some critical programs.

June 8 - U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations

Local Municipalities Voice Concerns, Sue, Over U.S. Emissions

From the Inuit to the City of Portland, a chorus of local entities are fed up with the lack of environmental initiatives and standards set at the national level, especially as pertaining to transportation-caused pollution, and many have begun to sue.

June 8 - The Next American City

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