'The process is a runaway train,' says a city councilor, as plans move forward to build two residential towers on Baltimore's vanishing waterfront.
"Debate over the project is triggered partly by neighborhood concerns that development along Key Highway has blocked access to and views of the water."
"Mayor Sheila Dixon jumped into the fray last year, withdrawing a similar zoning amendment favorable to HarborView and promising to provide public, open space near the development - an assurance she reiterated last week.
"We're not losing sight on that," Dixon said, arguing that opponents should not view the advancing zoning proposal as undermining her earlier promise. "I think the community is going to be extremely pleased."
The original design for the 26-story tower, Pinnacle II, was more monolithic and wide, obscuring more of the waterfront. The new design calls for the tower to be separated 100 feet from the 17-story Pinnacle I - which would appear to help maintain a sight line to the water. The plan also calls for retail along Key Highway to avoid the wall-like development that has taken place in the past."
FULL STORY: HarborView plans reignite debate
Massive Private Gift to Fund Parks and Trails in Detroit, Buffalo
The gift is especially notable for its contributions toward efforts to redevelop Detroit's West Riverfront.
Creating a Network of Open Spaces
The city of Baltimore has a new open space plan it thinks will lead the city to future growth that is smarter, more vibrant, and better overall for its residents.
London's Buried Rivers Rise Again
The Mayor of London is pushing a plan to bring London's undergrounded rivers to the surface.
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.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie