Some observers warn that a large new "town center" development -- slated for a rural Indiana county -- may be more sprawl than smart growth.
The appeal of an urban lifestyle -- pedestrian-friendly streets, recreational and retail amenities at arm's reach, a shorter commute to work -- is the trend in the latest mega-developments, which aim to weave together residential, commercial and industrial uses. The environmental benefits of more compact development, such as setting aside open space and liberating residents from auto-dependency, is touted too. The reality? Town center developments sited in remote areas are likely to be far from primary job centers, lack sufficient roads and utilities, and fail to reach the residential and commercial density needed to support mass transit.
Thanks to Deborah Myerson
FULL STORY: Town centers changing suburbs
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
San Diego Votes to Rein in “Towering” ADUs
City council voted to limit the number of units in accessory buildings to six — after confronting backyard developments of up to 100 units behind a single family home.
Texas Legislature’s Surprising Pro-Housing Swing
Smaller homes on smaller lots, office to apartment conversions, and 40% less say for NIMBYs, vote state lawmakers.
Even Edmonton Wants Single Staircase Buildings
Canada's second most affordable major city joins those angling to nix the requirement for two staircases in multi-family buildings.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
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Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)