In Antelope Valley, Calif., Alan Kimble Fahey's 70-foot tower - aka "the highlight of his life's labor" - was eviscerated on Friday along with the rest of his 20,000-square-foot quirky concoction. The court found it in violation of local codes.
The labyrinthine, interconnected structure made of steel beams, wood, utility poles, and other recycled materials took three decades to assemble.
Fahey "was convicted in June on a dozen building code violations because he did not obtain the proper permits," reports Ann Simmons for The Los Angeles Times. Out on $75,000 bail and waiting to be sentenced next month, the 59-year-old retired phone company technician/attempted architect said he would do it all over again.
"Even better. They haven't broken me," he says in the article.
FULL STORY: 'They haven't broken me,' Phonehenge West builder says
Train Service Expands to Northern Los Angeles County
The added Metrolink service will improve the public transportation system’s accessibility and availability for riders across the Antelope, Santa Clarita, and San Fernando valleys.
How Small Cities Can Lead in Electrification
Smaller transit systems may be effectively positioned to take the lead in electrifying their fleets and bringing electric vehicles to a wider range of communities.
Transit Agencies Move Toward Electric Buses
Transit agencies from Washington to Florida are beginning to make the switch from diesel and natural gas-powered buses to battery electric buses, some faster than others.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.
Climate Gardening: Cultivating Resilient Landscapes in Los Angeles
TreePeople’s 4th Annual Urban Soil Symposium explored how climate gardening, soil health, and collaborative land management strategies can enhance urban resilience in the face of climate change.
Electric Surge: EV Chargers Outnumber Gas Nozzles in California
California now has 48% more electric vehicle chargers than gasoline nozzles, reflecting its rapid shift toward clean transportation and aggressive zero-emission goals despite federal pushback.
How Orphan Oil Wells Threaten West Texas Communities
Abandoned and orphaned oil wells in West Texas are causing costly environmental hazards like sinkholes and leaks, prompting urgent calls for increased funding and regulation to address a growing statewide and national crisis.
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.
Florida Atlantic University
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Harvard GSD Executive Education
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