With the city undertaking several major planning efforts -- including a complete revision of its zoning code -- Philadelphia is entering a new shining era of city planning. But there's still more work to be done, argues a recent editorial.
"Much is made of William Penn's celebrated street grid, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the making of Society Hill. But let's face it: Despite these landmark achievements, city planning has not been Philadelphia's strong suit for a long time."
"No doubt about it: We've rested on our planning laurels. We've slept and snored. And we've come to accept a degraded public sphere as a fact of life.
Luckily, the legacy bequeathed us by long-ago decisions - walkable neighborhoods, gracious architecture and a compact downtown - now are seen as major assets by a nation rediscovering city life. A 50-year trend of population loss is leveling off; home values are rising.
Suddenly, Philadelphia is planning again: More than 1,000 people jammed the Convention Center for the recent unveiling of a new waterfront master plan. A new Zoning Code Commission has begun a rewrite of that tangled document. The city is at work on a bold GreenPlan for open space. Mayor-elect Nutter is strong on these issues.
A new era beckons. But where to begin?"
FULL STORY: Awaken city from its long planning nap

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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