This piece from Preservation magazine looks at how historic districts in Portland fall short in preventing incompatible uses.
"But there's a fly in the historically accurate color palette. A decade ago, when Montgomery and Byrnes fell in love with the tree-lined streets and century-old houses that define the Irvington Conservation District, their decision to buy the house was strongly influenced by the 'Historic Irvington' signs they had noticed throughout the area. 'What we're really upset about,' Montgomery says, 'is we thought the signs meant the city would protect the character of the neighborhood.'"
"Now Montgomery has realized those signs were just signs. Because despite Irvington's conservation district status, development there threatens to damage the neighborhood's distinctive look."
"In Portland, a regional governmental agency known as Metro is responsible for maintaining that city's urban growth boundary. 'So Metro has to comply with the state,' says Gisvold, 'and cities and counties have to comply with Metro. And Metro has established minimum density requirements that cities and counties have to meet.' Largely, it's those density requirements that unintentionally threaten Portland's historic districts."
"Currently, if a proposed development in a historic district meets zoning requirements, there's little residents can do to stop its construction-even when they feel it's oversized or out of character with their community."
FULL STORY: Trouble in Green City
Portland Traffic Deaths Increased Despite Vision Zero Efforts
Traffic deaths in Portland, Oregon almost doubled between 2018 and 2023.
Portland, Maine to Revise Zoning Code
The ReCode initiative promotes more diverse housing types and reduces parking requirements, among other changes.
USDOT Denies Portland Freeway Expansion Grant
The agency declined the Oregon Department of Transportation’s request for $750 million to fund the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion
The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Harnessing Waste Heat Through Thermoelectricity
Heat from industrial installations and buildings can be captured to create renewable electricity.
Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline
Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.
Terre Haute Transit Goes Fare-Free
Buses in the Indiana city will be free as of January 2.
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.
Los Alamos County
City of Culver City
Skagit Transit
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners