Approval of Boston's $14-billion Big Dig included an array of mitigating transit projects. Now the State is having second thoughts.
In order to get permission to place the Central Artery underground- and widen it- the state agreed that it would vastly improve transit in the region to make up for the extra pollution the new road would create. The Central Artery is done -- at a cost of $14 billion -- but many of the transit commitments are not even begun. Now the state is saying it might not want to build all of these new transit projects. The local organization that pushed for the projects in the first place is now saying it might sue the state to ensure that the promises are kept.
"The commitments were made in 1990 in a deal that cleared the way for the $14.6 billion Big Dig. The rationale was that improving the transit system would give motorists an alternative to the new underground highway system, thus reducing air pollution. The state already missed one round of deadlines on the transit projects in the late 1990s and was ordered by a judge to meet a new set of target dates."
Thanks to Jeff Levine
FULL STORY: As Big Dig Transit Projects Stall Lawsuit Looms
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
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie