Yorktown was a booming exurb of Chicago, until the mortgage crisis put the kibosh on a number of developments in progress. Residents of these 'ghost towns' find themselves stuck with properties they can't sell.
"Unfinished subdivisions now dot once-open spaces on Chicagoland's fringes and in other exurban areas across the United States. Search online for "unfinished subdivision" and watch half-built housing developments pop up from Arizona to Georgia, Florida to Michigan.
Residents are stuck, some literally in the weeds, in homes that are losing value and, in many cases, impossible to sell.
Almost two years ago, Tracy and Michelle Miller were among the first families to move into Yorkville's Grande Reserve, a project of more than 1,100 acres that was to include 2,650 residences in 19 distinct neighborhoods.
Now the Millers want out."
FULL STORY: Yorkville spurt now stunted
Subprime Loans Are Back—Now They're Called Nonprime Loans
Some say that "nonprime" loans will create the same financial ruins as their "subprime" predecessors. Others say the housing market needs ways for more people to buy homes and drive the industry.
The Last Days of the Home Affordable Modification Program
The Washington Post takes stock of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) in its final days, finding a program hampered by bad faith from large banks and bad oversight by the Treasury Department.
The Case for Making Federal Housing Programs Like HAMP and HARP Permanent
There have been a number of federal and state programs to address the housing and foreclosure crisis. While these programs have helped a lot of people and continue to do so, many people that are qualified still have trouble completing these programs.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
‘Displaced By Design:’ Report Spotlights Gentrification in Black Neighborhoods
A new report finds that roughly 15 percent of U.S. neighborhoods have been impacted by housing cost increases and displacement.
Nevada and Utah Groups Oppose Public Land Sell-Off Plan
A set of last-minute amendments to the budget reconciliation bill open up over half a million acres of federally managed land to sales.
More Than a Park: A Safe Haven for Generations in LA’s Chinatown
Alpine Recreation Center serves as a vital cultural and community hub in Los Angeles' Chinatown, offering a safe, welcoming space for generations of Chinese American residents to gather, connect, and thrive amidst rapid urban change.
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.
City of Clovis
City of Moorpark
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions