In order to help residents understand the possible implications of a new multi-story transit oriented development, a developer plans to illustrate building heights by raising large balloons into the air where the buildings would stand.
"Six balloons - outlining the height and width of the proposed structures - will be raised by developer Petrie Ross Ventures from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, giving residents a visual of what the buildings' sizes."
"The balloons will be between 8 and 10 feet in diameter."
"Asked if resident opposition expected by many at the balloon exercise could alter the conceptual site plan, County Councilman Thomas E. Dernoga said, 'Yes, that is the point of the test.'"
"While some residents say the Greenbelt development would benefit the local economy - and offer more retail options for College Park residents - the potential building heights and train noise reflected into North College Park would be detrimental to the community. Residents are worried that noise reflection off the new buildings will make the increase the noise from Metro trains."
FULL STORY: Balloons show size of Metro intentions
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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