Environmentalists and smart-growth advocates want transit officials to encourage transit-oriented developments, but suburban commuters want parking facilities and not much else.
The debate in Massachusetts has risen as commuter rail expansion necessitates new stations. "Pressure has intensified on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to consider not just moving passengers, but how its system influences development and choices people make on how to live...Concentrating development around train stations, of course, is an old idea; it was the basic founding principle for most cities and towns in Eastern Massachusetts. Today, the train station is a centerpiece of redevelopment, not only in older urban areas like Salem or Fall River but in suburban towns seeking to reduce reliance on the car."
Thanks to Christian Peralta
FULL STORY: Development debate focuses on local train stations

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie