Concentrated rehabilitation works better than scattered-site infill to revitalize Baltimore's struggling neighborhoods.
People's Homesteading Group, "a 20-year-old nonprofit that converts vacant houses into homes for low- and moderate-income families," recently launched a campaign to clean up a block of 22 abandoned houses in Baltimore. Like the city's government, the Group believes that "piecemeal rehab strategy [is] ineffective in helping turn around neighborhoods." They hope that the concentrated effort, in addition to raising funds for future rehabilitation, will "bring a stabilizing effect to the area," enlivening the neighborhood's appeal to potential homeowners. This project "is part of a larger effort called 'Anchors of Hope' in an approximately 20-square-block area that includes greening, a proposed small commercial development and spot rehabs of another dozen units."
Thanks to David Gest
FULL STORY: Rebuilding a city, a block at a time
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
Minneapolis as a Model for Housing Affordability
Through a combination of policies, the city has managed to limit the severity of the nationwide housing crisis.
Indy Bikeshare System Turns 10, Expands to E-Bikes
Pacers Bikeshare riders logged over 700,000 rides since the system launched in 2014.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.