Local residents are fighting against plans to build condos and redevelop a historically black section of Los Angeles, a move that they fear will gentrify their neighborhood.
"Merchants who revived Leimert Park as a black cultural hub are battling government officials, developers and other shop owners who have a vision for bringing in new shoppers and residents."
"Leimert Park Village is a black bohemia where shoppers browse through stacks of books by black authors, artisans peddle Ghanaian kente cloths and African wood carvings, and residents debate local politics at a quiet coffee house over slices of fresh-baked sweet potato pie and listen to live jazz at a nightclub."
"A preliminary study by the City Redevelopment Agency suggested construction of new housing above existing shops, possible upscale condos and attracting national chain stores."
"Merchants have fought back by drafting their own proposal that includes an African-American museum and library, mom-and-pop restaurants and a few national chains, but no condos. They also are seeking a city designation as a "historical preservation zone," which would limit construction."
FULL STORY: Future of Post-Riot Leimert Park Unsure

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

Can Geothermal Energy Fuel Hawaiʻi’s Future?
Gavin Murphy, a New Zealand-based consultant with experience in indigenous-led geothermal projects, argues that Hawaiʻi is poised to achieve energy independence and economic growth by respectfully developing its untapped geothermal resources.

Climate Gardening: Cultivating Resilient Landscapes in Los Angeles
TreePeople’s 4th Annual Urban Soil Symposium explored how climate gardening, soil health, and collaborative land management strategies can enhance urban resilience in the face of climate change.

Electric Surge: EV Chargers Outnumber Gas Nozzles in California
California now has 48% more electric vehicle chargers than gasoline nozzles, reflecting its rapid shift toward clean transportation and aggressive zero-emission goals despite federal pushback.
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