Queens and Brooklyn homeowners may soon be prohibited from converting front yards into parking pads if a set of regulations is approved. The loss of street parking from new curb cuts was cited as a reason, along with aesthetics.
It's not just the loss of street parking that's driving the new regulations. It's retaining the green space in the neighborhood as well. The new regulations will also specify the width of front yard plantings. However, it does seem to be "all about parking." In fact, the regulation will require more parking if a house is modified to create extra units.
"Ambiguous zoning regulations now allow residents in some neighborhoods to make curb cuts, which are created by breaking the concrete of a regular curb and repaving it to slope up to a private property's front yard."
"These changes are 'key to fostering inviting, walkable blocks,' the city planning commissioner, Amanda M. Burden, said when she announced the proposed new rules on Monday (Nov. 16).
The new rules would tighten the criteria for approving certain curb cuts and new residential parking to consider the 'character of the existing streetscape' and whether the cuts would 'affect pedestrian movement.'"
Thanks to Ed Braddy
FULL STORY: City Moves to Restrict Front-Yard Driveways
Repurposing Parking Space With a ‘Pop-up Apartment’
A New York installation highlights how much urban space is wasted on parking.
The Triboro Line Has New Life as the 'Interborough Express'
A proposed transit line that would connect three New York City boroughs not named Manhattan has new, powerful political support.
Manhattan Traffic Spreading to Other Boroughs
New travel patterns and an increased reliance on delivery services and ride-hailing are creating more congestion in New York's outer boroughs.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service