Despite an official "embargo" of the practice, there are reports of people removing "truckloads of architectural elements" from New Orleans every day. Preservationists fear that what isn't stolen will end up in landfills.
"Historic preservationists and salvage workers are now fighting to keep thousands of tons of building materials from being heaped onto landfills, stolen, or otherwise lost. At stake are period doors and trim, floor-to-ceiling shutters that covered countless shotgun-house windows, wood trim, hardware, plumbing, light fixtures, and other materials."
"Since it is unclear whether forthcoming legislation will address architectural salvage, it appears most residents are taking the issue into their own hands. Rather than wait for guidelines to protect structures and their elements, some residents are actively pursuing preservation before their homes are gutted, demolished or picked apart by thieves."
While a New Orleans police spokesman said no arrests have been made for theft of architectural materials, others note that catching such criminals is a low priority for a department with more pressing concerns.
FULL STORY: With Demolitions, Architectural Remnants at Risk in New Orleans
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie