A special use permit for a proposed Buddhist retreat has the community asking, what would Jesus do?
"The question arose after an international Tibetan group chose 350 acres here as a place to teach meditation and caregiving for the terminally ill. The beauty of Berne, a remote Hilltown of 2,846 residents with no industry, drew Rigpa, which has centers in 11 countries, project manager Judith Brown said. The group hopes to complete approvals in April and begin revamping the former New School University's camp on Game Farm Road. Rigpa looked at 40 sites throughout New England and the Catskills... Then came the letters: 'The spiritual environment of our area and more importantly the destiny of our souls is at stake.'... The special-use permit didn't cover souls."
Thanks to Sam Gold
FULL STORY: Buddhist retreat plans stir a community
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?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
Bringing Community Voices Into Renewable Energy Planning
The MIT Renewable Energy Clinic helps coastal communities navigate the complexities of offshore wind development through neutral, inclusive engagement that surfaces local concerns and supports fair decision-making.
Creating Ocean-Safe Plastic from Seashells
USC researchers have created a biodegradable, marine-safe plastic alternative using calcium carbonate from seashells, offering a promising solution to ocean pollution.
Rethinking Computing: Researchers Tackle AI’s Energy Demands
USC researchers are reimagining how AI systems are trained and powered — through smarter algorithms, innovative hardware, and brain-inspired designs — to dramatically reduce computing’s energy footprint.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
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