As Seattle considers ways to improve its waterfront, local architect and urban planner Mark Hinshaw evaluates a conflict brewing 1,250 miles to the south, for a lesson on what not to do with valuable downtown waterfront real estate.
In San Diego, a battle is brewing between mayor Jerry Sanders and developer Doug Manchester over plans for a centrally located waterfront parcel, currently being used by the Port for marine cargo.
While industrial uses may no longer be the highest and best use for such prime real estate, Hinshaw, along with the mayor and several local San Diego groups, are rightfully dismayed by Manchester's vision for a new San Diego Chargers football stadium, along with an additional smaller arena, on the site. According to Hinshaw, Manchester has been using the front page of the venerable, 144-year-old San Diego Union-Tribune, which he purchased last year, to trumpet his vision.
From the perspective of Seattle, Hinshaw sees the kerfuffle down the coast as a lesson on how to approach waterfront redevelopment: not with over-sized mega projects, but with, "lots of things and activities - both big and small, elegant and gritty, artful and funky, composed and messy, cooked and raw. Seattle's great social stewpot is all about nurturing and celebrating the glorious whole that comes from many disparate parts."
FULL STORY: San Diego: how NOT to treat a central waterfront

Norman, Oklahoma Eliminates Parking Mandates
The city made a subtle, one-word change that frees up developers to build parking based on actual need and eliminates costly unnecessary parking.

Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns
Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.

Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces
It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.

Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets
Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.

San Francisco Supervisors Punt Housing Ordinance
After hours of public comment, the zoning reform package aimed at increasing housing production and limiting red tape was delayed for further discussion.

Pittsburgh Launches Adaptive Bike Share Fleet
The new bikes include a recumbent bicycle and a front-loading cargo bike.
City of Stonecrest
City of Grand Junction Police Department
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Culver City
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.