Differences between largely rural, conservative northern Maine and the more urban and progressive southern half of the state are growing wider, with conflicts coming to a head over the preservation of Maine's famous North Woods.
Changes brought about by growth in southern Maine -- traffic congestion, sprawl and a rising cost of living -- has made the pristine North Woods an increasingly desirable target for new development. Proposed uses for the Woods have ranged from protecting them as a nature reserve or national park, to allowing life in northern Maine to continue with the freedom of the region's logging heyday.
"Part of the conflict is political. As newcomers have poured into the south from eastern Massachusetts, traditional, Republican Maine -- one of two states to vote against Franklin Roosevelt in 1936 -- has become one of the most liberal states on issues such as taxes, gay rights and the environment."
Despite Maine's diverging regional populations, experts are not giving a politician's aim to create the new state of "Northern Massachusetts" from Maine's southern half much chance for success.
FULL STORY: 2 ideas of Maine collide in woods
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA
The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.
Can We Please Give Communities the Design They Deserve?
Often an afterthought, graphic design impacts everything from how we navigate a city to how we feel about it. One designer argues: the people deserve better.
Opinion: How Geothermal HVAC Lowers Costs, Improves Grid Resilience
Geothermal heating and cooling systems can reduce energy costs and dramatically improve efficiency.
Tenant Screening: A Billion-Dollar Industry with Little Oversight. What’s Being Done to Protect Renters?
Reports show that the data tenant screening companies use is often riddled with errors and relies on information that has no bearing on whether someone will be a good tenant.
Downtown Portland Ready for Maine's Tallest Building
The city of Portland anticipates a major new urban development addition called the “Old Port Square” project.
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.
Borough of Carlisle
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)