A local marina owner's plan to build a floating marsh in Baltimore's Inner Harbor to help clean up the city's main tourist attraction is being viewed skeptically by officials, who have raised a number of questions and concerns.
Inspired by experimental wetlands placed in the harbor two years ago, local "marina magnate" Dan Naor has proposed what he believes could be a critical step in helping to clean up the foul smelling and trash-strewn environment in which he runs his businesses, reports Timothy Wheeler. He would like to build floating beds of rosemallow, sea lavender and salt grass in water that he controls, along with a walkway and viewing platforms.
According to Wheeler, it's this last element that has federal, state and city officials concerned. "Jay Apperson, spokesman for the Maryland Department of the Environment,
said state officials generally favor building floating wetlands, but
want to avoid or minimize any environmental impacts from building piers
and platforms over the water."
"'It's a neat concept,' said Thomas J. Stosur, the city's planning
director. But City Hall wants to be sure the harbor's first large
floating wetland is done in a way that doesn't interfere with continued
development of the Inner Harbor waterfront."
FULL STORY: Large harbor floating wetland project stirs debate
The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
Shifts in Shopping: Transforming Malls Into Parks
Maybe zombie malls still have a second life — one with a little greenery.
Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline
Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.
GM Nixes Robotaxi Division
The company suspended the Cruise self-driving taxi service late last year after a vehicle struck and seriously injured a pedestrian.
Oklahoma Housing Agencies Face Major Budget Gaps
Housing authorities around the country will have a shortfall of $400 million by the end of this year.
Survey: Americans Finding it Harder to ‘Age in Place’
While many people over 65 would prefer to stay in their homes and communities, high housing costs and a lack of accessible infrastructure make it difficult.
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 Prescott
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Village of Glen Ellyn
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
CORP - COnsulting Research Projects
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners