With a historic small town feel and a population that has embraced its compact walkability, the town of Rowayton, Connecticut, has passed a ban on large trucks crossing though the town as a short cut.
"Forcing vehicles to slow down has become a priority for the community, residents say, especially because large trucks traveling along Interstate 95 often detour through Rowayton to avoid highway tie-ups. In a neighborhood where parents and children frequently stroll the streets to buy stamps, launch kayaks or just enjoy the breeze, those rumbling rigs can pose a danger."
"Soon, it appears, trucks seeking shortcuts will be facing speed bumps of another variety. On Aug. 21, the state's traffic commission banned trucks from cutting through Rowayton on Route 136 without specific reasons to be there. And about two weeks ago, six signs announcing the ban went up on the route between Darien and South Norwalk."
"What encourages all the walking is Rowayton's surroundings. Its 1,450 homes and one-street commercial district are nestled onto a 1.4-square-mile peninsula."
FULL STORY: Where Water Turned Land Into Gold

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
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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
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Climate Gardening: Cultivating Resilient Landscapes in Los Angeles
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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.

How Orphan Oil Wells Threaten West Texas Communities
Abandoned and orphaned oil wells in West Texas are causing costly environmental hazards like sinkholes and leaks, prompting urgent calls for increased funding and regulation to address a growing statewide and national crisis.
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