A new report proposes changes to the New York City Department of Design and Construction in the hopes of limiting extreme cost overruns and delays.
"The de Blasio administration plans to unveil major changes Thursday to curb the eye-popping cost overruns and delays that have wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on municipal projects, such as a 400-square-foot park bathroom that took eight years to build," according to an article by Joe Anuta.
The Department of Design and Construction, which acts as the city's contractor for most projects, has "drafted a report [pdf] that lays out a path to bring projects in on time and on budget and make dealing with government less of a headache for vendors—which would increase competition and attract more bidders, including minority- and women-owned businesses."
"The department's report proposed a more streamlined process up front with fewer layers of approval and less room to alter designs midstream," adds Anuta.
The new rules would also "create a dedicated pot of funding for change orders, a dreaded term in the contracting business that describes project alterations during construction," according to Anuta.
FULL STORY: City unveils major overhaul to stop wasteful projects
2021 Opening Expected for San Francisco's Central Subway
Mark your calendars (but maybe use pencil).
The Consultants Behind the CA High-Speed Rail Debacle
The state's high-speed rail project is billions of dollars over budget and years behind schedule. A major problem is that consultants have been running the show from the start, say critics.
Activating Artists as an Urban Resource
Planning and art don't traditionally mix, but that's changing. Embedded at NYC's Department of Design and Construction, artist Mary Miss envisions public art as an infrastructural aid.
Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Interactive Map Reveals America's “Shade Deserts”
Launched by UCLA and American Forests to combat heat-related deaths, the tool maps the shade infrastructure for over 360 U.S. cities.
Bicycles and Books — In Sacramento, Libraries Now Offer Both
Adult library card holders can check out e-bikes and e-trikes for up to one week.
Colorado Landfills Emit as Much Pollution as 1M Cars
Landfills are the third-largest source of methane pollution in Colorado, after agriculture and fossil fuel extraction.
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.
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)