The master plan will replace an outdated, complex zoning law and address urban housing, wetlands preservation, and transit, among other things. New Orleans is finally "poised for sustained growth," according to the plan's lead consultant.
"Among the ideas for the master plan and revised zoning law presented by Dixon and Larissa Brown of Goody Clancy and Jack Swenson of Camiros, a Chicago planning firm focusing on zoning issues, were:
-- Using incentives, disincentives and regulations to promote infill construction and repair of blighted buildings in old neighborhoods that have lost population and need more density to support expanded services and shopping opportunities. "The city's future does not lie anywhere in being more like a suburb," Dixon said.
-- Promoting the development of 'neighborhood centers' that can combine schools, health clinics, shops, recreational attractions and social services.
-- Focusing on redevelopment of major vacant or underused "opportunity sites" such as the former Lindy Boggs Medical Center, the Earhart Boulevard corridor, the former Kennedy High School site and the large vacant tract at the upriver end of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center."
FULL STORY: City Planning Commission gets look at New Orleans' first master plan

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

Surf’s Upcycling: Hawai‘i’s Latest Green Building Material is Recycled Surf Boards
“Surf Blocks” are fire-resistant, termite-proof, and close the loop on mountains of waste from the state’s beloved sport.

Building Age-Friendly Homes
Designing for the unique needs of elderly people can help them maintain social connections and mental acuity.

Nightlife and the 15-Minute City
Plans for compact, walkable cities often don’t address nighttime concerns like transportation and lighting, which can make neighborhoods more vibrant and safe around the clock.
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.
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