A Globe expose of homebuildings finds that substandard home construction is a growing national problem.
The Globe's "Spotlight Team" tracked several homes built at Toll Brothers' subdivision in the Boston area through the construction process, and found that several did not meet even minimum building code standards. The results will surprise you: "Already faced with escalating home prices, unwary buyers are often victimized by questionable sales practices, slipshod construction, and home builders who cannot be found to correct problems once the builder has the closing check in hand. And Toll and other major builders often will not sell homes to buyers unless they sign away in advance their right to bring lawsuits."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Home builder leaves a trail of bitter buyers

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

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.

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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