As planners move forward on plans to rezone and redevelop the riverfront and harbor in Portland, Oregon, environmental and industrial interests are clashing on how best to make it happen.
"On one side, salmon and other wildlife. On the other, 40,000 jobs in the city's industrial area."
"So how the River Plan Integration Task Group - the name for the folks around the table - will meet its charge of advising city planners on how to balance those interests will be difficult."
"The challenge for city planners, when the two city-sponsored talks are done, will be to draft a plan that replaces existing zoning, which is focused on land use, with a new strategy that balances natural resources with industrial development in the Portland Harbor."
"As planning officials begin marking on zoning maps the sensitive habitats that overlay existing industrial docks and wharves, the conversation becomes more difficult."
"Industry representatives balk at the suggestion of dock removal or relocation."
"Industrial harbor users fear squishy language in the River Plan will lead to regulations beyond zoning requirements."
FULL STORY: Competing river visions confound group's effort
How Would Project 2025 Affect America’s Transportation System?
Long story short, it would — and not in a good way.
California Law Ends Road Widening Mandates
Housing developers will no longer be required to dedicate land to roadway widening, which could significantly reduce the cost of construction and support more housing units.
But... Europe
European cities and nations tend to have less violent crime than the United States. Is government social welfare spending the magic bullet that explains this difference?
California Room to Roam Act Prioritizes Wildlife Connectivity
A new state law requires new development and infrastructure to minimize disruption to local wildlife habitats and migration patterns.
Oregon Releases Historic Preservation Plan for Next Decade
A plan from the state’s State Historic Preservation Commission outlines priorities for preserving Oregon’s cultural and historic resources.
Austin’s Vision for I-35 Cap Parks Takes Final Shape
The city’s plan includes parks, entertainment pavilions, commercial space, sports fields, and other facilities over 30 acres of deck parks spanning a sunken Interstate 35.
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.
Placer County
Mayors' Institute on City Design
City of Sunnyvale
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), the Department of City and Regional Planning (CRP)
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
City of Portland, ME
Baton Rouge Area Foundation