Mixed use developments are reeling in residents, but struggle to attract retailers.
"To optimists in this city in southern Westchester County, huge investments by major developers provide proof that New Rochelle's long-awaited renaissance has begun. They predict that with some 775 units in the two buildings, it is only a matter of time before well-heeled residents pour out of the apartments and onto the streets in search of goods and services."
"Even though the new residents are starting to move in, there are few signs of renewed economic vitality downtown. Vacant commercial spaces - some in new storefronts, others in boarded-up commercial buildings - remain a hard sell, brokers report."
"Even in a former Bloomingdale's department store, which was converted to 60 condominiums several years ago and renamed Davenport Lofts on Main, street-level retail space remains mostly empty, long after the residential units sold out."
FULL STORY: A Faded Downtown Gets Luxury Housing, but Retailers Stay Away

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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