The rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of Point Breeze could get a new zoning map if recently proposed legislation is approved.

Jake Blumgart reports on proposed legislation Philadelphia "that would make it easier to build new homes and taller buildings in some sections of Point Breeze and Grays Ferry, while making it harder to build three-story homes in the low-slung rowhouse neighborhoods."
City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson proposed the legislation at the prompting of the Philadelphia Planning Department in reaction in gentrification concerns in the neighborhood.
"The bill proposes updating zoning maps to reflect the development that currently exists in the neighborhood," according to Blumgart. "It would ban new three-story homes if neighboring properties are shorter and allow for taller and more dense development on Point Breeze Avenue, a struggling commercial artery."
The article includes more specifics about the zoning changes proposed in the bill, along with initial reactions from neighborhoods stakeholders.
FULL STORY: Bill to ban new 3-story homes in Point Breeze, Grays Ferry introduced by Councilman Johnson

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

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl
The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.

Trump: Federal Government Won’t Pay for California HSR
The President has targeted federal funding for the California bullet train project since his first administration.

San Francisco Enhances Urban Planning Initiatives with Green Infrastructure
San Francisco incorporates green infrastructure in its city development initiatives, elevating the importance of sustainability in urban planning.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan
The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions