Nate Berg reports on the legal problems that can arise when a good Samaritan tries to create a park on a vacant lot.
More cities are beginning to utilize vacant lots and properties in their communities for a variety of social and economic benefits, but a similar effort in Philadelphia may not have such a happy ending. After a local businessman invested his own money into turning the vacant lot adjacent to his shop into a park, the property owner (the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority) threatened legal action unless he restores the lot to its original condition.
"This is a clear instance of good Samaritanism," writes Berg. "But it's also a clear case of someone illegally using land that does not belong to them." Berg contends that such cleanup efforts could decrease crime rates in the area and draw more visitors, but in this instance the penalty for bypassing the administrative process to achieve these benefits could undermine the entire effort.
In the end, it's a lesson learned for this local businessman and other communities about the legal issues surrounding the use of vacant land.
FULL STORY: The Tricky Politics of Vacant Lots

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions