Could Larry Flynt's new Hustler Club in Baltimore generate a vibrant new commercial district?
A Baltimore columnist reports that "[t]he opening of Larry Flynt's 14,000-square-foot Hustler Club on East Baltimore Street last week caused a stir in the media and among politicians," many of whom did not want to see an expansion of business in Baltimores red-light district. "Slots, casinos, strip clubs, oh my!...I fail to see the harm in Flynt's new enterprise and, if it is successful, a bunch of copycat entrepreneurs following suit...if this new flesh emporium causes spillover business to nearby restaurants and hotels, what's the big deal? Understandably, this isn't the sort of economic expansion [Mayor] O'Malley wants to be associated with, but he has an entire city at his disposal for creating vibrant commercial districts..." Perhaps the city should stop worrying about Flynt, and focus on reviving its more legitimate, yet not as successful, major league baseball team.
Thanks to David Gest
FULL STORY: Right Field: Sleazy Street
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.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie