In Vancouver, urban density is being attacked as a detriment to the city. But as this column argues, the city's emphasis on density and transit accessibility is what makes the city great.
Columnit Stephen Quinn writes of a smear campaign against a new condo project which had been characterized as the "Attack of the 50-foot Condos". But 50 feet is only five stories, not the mega monster its critics despise.
"What the Cambie corridor has going for it is an excellent transit line. A $2-billion, highly efficient, underground people mover that can grow in capacity by adding trains and increasing frequency. While it may marginally slow down trips to the airport or Richmond, the proposed stations at 33rd Avenue and 57th Avenue need to be built sooner rather than later, so the line serves people who live in the corridor, and not just those who are passing through."
FULL STORY: Public transit is the key to a sustainable city
Putting in Condos Without Kicking Out Renters in Vancouver
Transit oriented development doesn’t have to mean evictions and demolitions for existing renters, but often it does.
Vancouver Poised to Increase Residential Zoning
The city council will vote on a proposal to eliminate single-family only zoning in favor of rules that would allow up to six units per residential lot.
Vancouver Council Denies Proposal to Limit Broadway Plan Growth
A proposed ‘pace of change’ policy would have restricted the number of development proposals the city would accept in an effort to limit displacement of existing residents in affordable, low-rise rental units.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
‘Displaced By Design:’ Report Spotlights Gentrification in Black Neighborhoods
A new report finds that roughly 15 percent of U.S. neighborhoods have been impacted by housing cost increases and displacement.
Nevada and Utah Groups Oppose Public Land Sell-Off Plan
A set of last-minute amendments to the budget reconciliation bill open up over half a million acres of federally managed land to sales.
More Than a Park: A Safe Haven for Generations in LA’s Chinatown
Alpine Recreation Center serves as a vital cultural and community hub in Los Angeles' Chinatown, offering a safe, welcoming space for generations of Chinese American residents to gather, connect, and thrive amidst rapid urban change.
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.
City of Clovis
City of Moorpark
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions