Officials in New Jersey are planning to revive a stalled megamall project called Xanadu. The New York Times asks a panel of experts whether the plan should move forward.
"Gov. Chris Christie has reached a deal with a private developer (the third, after the first two developers failed) to pour $1 billion into the project to revive and expand it.
The state would provide $180 million to $200 million in low-interest financing to the developer, which operates the Mall of America, and forgo a similar amount in future sales-tax revenue. Critics are questioning why Mr. Christie, who crusaded against government giveaways, would risk so much money to bail out out the troubled development."
Of the five panelists submitting responses, none say the project should be saved.
Read the full story: Is a Failed Megamall Worth Saving?
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
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In Texas, data centers are swallowing promised parkland
Residents who moved to Taylor, Texas for a rural community now have to contend with three data centers in their backyard.
How a Chicago-sized wind farm beat the odds and powered on
The project spanned five presidential administrations and a standoff with a U.S. military base.
MTA gives itself 30 days to transform pit into basketball court
The site has been under construction since 2022; the city originally estimated it would finish the court in 2024.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
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Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority