The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is setting new limits on how much water can be used by towns in the Charles River watershed, drastically altering the development plans of many towns.
The town of Millis is dreading the possible impacts of the proposed limits as it may be forced to halt a large housing development plan already in the works. The limits would change the town's water allowance from 990,000 gallons per day to 790,000 gallons per day. The state is proposing the limit change in response to a number of streams statewide that have dried up and water aquifers that are being pumped beyond their rate of replenishment.
"Town Administrator Charles Aspinwall said Millis now uses less than 790,000 gallons, but the town used 836,000 until it patched leaks and installed more accurate water meters, thus discouraging waste."
"He said he fears the town's demand for water could quickly return to earlier levels if new developments are built and, once the limits are reached, development could be blocked. At least one large residential project is being considered and a recent zoning change increased the likelihood of growth in the future."
FULL STORY: Water-use limits may cut growth
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
Rethinking Computing: Researchers Tackle AI’s Energy Demands
USC researchers are reimagining how AI systems are trained and powered — through smarter algorithms, innovative hardware, and brain-inspired designs — to dramatically reduce computing’s energy footprint.
Amazon-Owned Robotaxis to Begin Testing in LA
Los Angeles will become the sixth city where Zoox is testing its autonomous vehicle technology.
New York MTA Says No More Borrowing, Will Cut Costs Instead
The agency says it won’t take out any new loans to finance its planned improvements and is finding other ways to cut costs.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions