The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Charlotte Lynx

Light Rail Opening Next Year, More Lines Proposed—Transit Debates Keep Finding Charlotte

An extension of the Lynx Blue Line is schedule to open to the public on March 31, 2018. Controversy regarding sales taxes have traditionally followed transit projects in the region.

March 12 - Charlotte Magazine

Pothole Car

In Omaha, 'Reclaiming' Potholed Streets Means Unpaving Them

The euphemism refers to a cost-saving measure that's happening even in central districts, to the chagrin of residents. This reversion to gravel roads is one manifestation of a looming local infrastructure deficit.

March 12 - The New York Times

Homes

In Appreciation of Gentle Density

How does one talk about density without frightening people? One term that's floating around is "gentle density," referring to the missing middle between mid-rise and detached homes.

March 12 - Metro Toronto

Fatehpur Sikri

Learning from Mughal Architecture of Northern India

Fatehpur Sikri, an example of Mughal architecture in Northern India, has some lessons and reminders for modern architects, writes Indian trained Bay Area architect, artist, and planner Ayub Patel.

March 12 - UrbDeZine

Survey Finds Surprising Generation Trends in the Real Estate Market

Generation X is barnstorming the market, so to speak, and Millennials and Baby Boomers might be swapping their perspectives on the urban, suburban divide.

March 12 - Realtor


U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Popular Energy Star Program on The Budget Chopping Block

As details emerge from the Trump Administration's draft budget proceedings, more programs of relevance to the planning profession are queued up for the chopping block. The budget is still far from a done deal, however.

March 11 - E&E News

Manhattan

To Inspire New Development, New York Rethinking its Shadow-Predicting Formula

The New York Department of City Planning is considering changes to a formula used to model the shadows cast by potential developments as part of its Midtown East rezoning plan.

March 11 - Crain's New York Business


Gentrification

Lessons for YIMBYs From Boyle Heights

In the wake of a very pro-development March election, Los Angeles seems ready to embrace change. But not everywhere. In low-income Boyle Heights, residents have been more militant than most against encroaching gentrification.

March 11 - CityLab

San Diego Gaslamp District

Making It Easier to Build Won't Help

Here are some observations that may shed light on the mystery of why—despite creating every incentive that planners can conceive—we are failing to produce affordable housing at the level we need.

March 11 - Shelterforce/Rooflines

Detroit

On Detroit's Proposed Tallest Skyscraper

Slated for the site of the late Hudson's department store, Dan Gilbert's mixed-use mecca and its glassy 734-foot tower would symbolize Detroit's rebirth, in downtown at least.

March 11 - Detroit Free Press

New Jersey Town Rejects Mosque, Claims Zoning Issues

Bayonne, New Jersey doesn't currently have a mosque, after a heated six-hour zoning meeting officials have rejected an application to build one.

March 10 - WNYC

Homeless Encampment

Tents Under Bridges Outlawed in Houston

In an attempt to remove homeless people from underpasses, Houston Mayor proposes legislation to make it a misdemeanor to put up such structures.

March 10 - Next City

Civil Engineers Release U.S. Infrastructure Scorecard: D+

Every four years the American Society of Civil Engineers issues a report on the state of America's infrastructure, extensively cited by the media. This year's report, released March 9, shows no improvement over 2013's, but do check the subcategories

March 10 - American Society Of Civil Engineers

Bunker Hill

Los Angeles' Iconic Angels Flight Railway To Utilize P3 Model

After appearing in the film La La Land, the world-renowned, iconic, 116-year-old Angels Flight will reopen to the public after a three-year modernization process.

March 10 - The Planning Report

Urban Agriculture

Tax Credits to Encourage Urban Agriculture

Montgomery County, Maryland is the latest municipality to approve an agricultural tax credit to to create incentives for agricultural uses in urban areas.

March 10 - Source of the Spring

Bee is For Billboard

Artists Find Alternate Uses for Billboards in Los Angeles

With a surplus of unsold billboard spaces dotting Los Angeles, artists are using the empty spaces as canvasses for new forms of public art.

March 10 - The Art Newspaper

City of Bridges

7 Ideas to Improve Transportation in the Pittsburgh Region

The Regional Transportation Alliance released its "Imagine Transportation 2.0" report this week.

March 10 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cost, Ridership Projections Headed the Wrong Direction for Toronto's Scarborough Subway

A new city staff report on the proposed Scarborough Subway, still in planning stages in Toronto, made the project a much tougher sell for Mayor John Tory and other project supporters.

March 10 - The Toronto Star

Taco Bell

Taco Bell Making a Run for the Urban Border

Popular millennial-focused chain plans to open up to 200 locations of a new urban-focused concept serving craft beer and fresh, upscale food.

March 10 - Modern Cities

Post News
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