An expansive new research facility pits smart growth against economic development.
"The [MA] state environmental secretary has cleared the way for an expansive new research facility for the technology company EMC Corp. off Interstate 495 on the Westborough-Southborough line, despite the Romney administration's promises to curtail spread-out development accessible only by car... 'This is very disappointing,' said Marc Draisen, executive director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the state's largest regional planning agency. 'There are many ways that this project is at variance with smart growth principles. It's creating a lot of jobs, but it has a lot of problems in terms of water, land use, and parking.'"
Thanks to Anthony Flint
FULL STORY: State rules favorably on EMC site

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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