A proposed California bill would make it easier for developers to build on urban brownfield sites.
"Forty-three banks turned down developer Jeff Lee before he landed a loan to transform the polluted site of a former United Parcel Service depot into the first million-dollar condos in downtown Los Angeles... Lee, who has since sold all but one unit at his upscale Flower Street Lofts near Staples Center, sees a profitable future in turning old factories, long-abandoned warehouses and other less-than-pristine real estate into badly needed urban housing."
"As proposed by Cedillo, the measure would encourage the development of brownfields by spelling out the obligations of developers to clean up soil pollution caused by previous owners. However, the bill would limit the future legal liability of developers to treat tainted underground water as long as that water is not used for drinking and does not pose a threat to human health or safety."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Reviving Urban 'Brownfields'
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.
Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan
The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.
Quantifying Social Infrastructure
New developments have clear rules for ensuring surrounding roads, water, and sewers can handle new users. Why not do the same for community amenities?
Dallas Code Reform Makes Way for Missing Middle Housing
The Dallas City Council voted to change the city’s building code to allow up to eight residential units in three-story buildings.
Mahjong Game Highlights Displacement of Seniors in NYC’s Chinatown
‘Aging Out of Place’ explores the mechanisms that displace vulnerable seniors, and how the community can help preserve key resources and institutions.
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 Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions