In Brooklyn, planning tools can be used to harness increased neighborhood traffic for good.
"Mega-developer Forest City Ratner's plan to build a 19,000-seat arena and 7.7 million square feet of new housing, office and retail space at Brooklyn's Atlantic Railyards doesn't have to be a quality-of-life cataclysm for the neighborhoods of north Brooklyn."
Although some in nearby neighborhoods are concerned that the stadium will negatively impact their area, it could benefit them if a concrete series of planning techniques are utilized. The developer must acknowledge that potential traffic congestion is a quality-of-life issue that, if reduced, could be good for business and good for the neighborhood. "The arena must include minimal parking...and event tickets should include discounts and incentives for transit users...[it should also] require London-style tolls for those who wish to drive on the gridlocked streets of downtown Brooklyn [and funds should] be used to improve mass transit and cycling access, to make it even easier to get around the city without a car."
Thanks to David Gest
FULL STORY: Quality of Life: Not About Squeegie Men Anymore

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
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.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service