Although a development near downtown Louisville, Kentucky, is moving forward, not everyone agrees it is the best use of the parcel and the right project for the city.
A major new development in Louisville, Kentucky, will be the largest the city has ever seen, writes Kevin Williams. "Virtually everyone in Louisville agrees that a 3.5-acre triangle of land on the city’s east side is underused. But they do not agree on the best plan to redevelop it."
The Louisville Metro Planning Commission recently approved a $250-million development called One Park. "It would include 421 apartments and condominiums, a 250-room hotel, office complexes and more than 50,000 square feet for restaurants and retail. An interior garage would offer 1,202 parking spots," says Williams.
Supporters say the infill development is an opportunity to better use the parcel near downtown and to foster the kind of urban growth happening in other midsized cities. But critics say that the project is too large and out of scale for the area.
In addition, the new development could spur an increase in rents while only providing about 20 affordable housing units as part of a compromise between the city and the developer. A report from the Louisville Metro Government’s Office of Housing says that less than half of the city’s lowest-income families have access to affordable housing, and the housing shortage is a growing concern.
FULL STORY: Louisville Development Reflects City’s Struggles With Growth
From Department Store to Apartments
A former Sears store has a new life as a housing complex.
To Build More Housing, Cities Must Be Smarter in How They Use Land
How strategic land use policy decisions can alleviate the housing crisis and limit unsustainable sprawl.
Oregon Cities Debate Expanding Boundaries
A recent bill allows cities to apply for a one-time expansion to Oregon’s historic urban growth boundaries, which limit development at the edges of cities.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions