A proposed gated community in Los Angeles County has provoked the ire of a group of scientists concerned about its environmental impact.
Seventeen scientists signed a petition opposing the development of Hidden Creek Estates in the southern Santa Susana Mountains, Louis Sahagun writes. The scientists argue that the 188-home community will threaten local wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and California condors.
The project’s developer, Austin Texas’s Forestar Real Estate Group, says that a 19-acre public park and 122-acre nature preserve included in the proposal would mitigate any environmental damage.
The Los Angeles City Planning Commission voted unanimously to allow Hidden Creek Estates to move forward, patch.com reported. The project must next win approval from the Los Angeles City Council.
FULL STORY: Scientists fear an L.A. County gated community's environmental impact
Wetlands Bring New Life to the Salton Sea
Southern California’s Salton Sea has long struggled with environmental issues, but wetlands have been springing up and nurturing diverse ecosystems.
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
BioMap2 is designed to guide strategic biodiversity conservation in Massachusetts over the next decade by focusing land protection and stewardship on the areas that are most critical for ensuring the long-term persistence of rare and native species.
A Park Reborn: Resilience and Renewal in Fire-Stricken Altadena
Rebuilt in just two months after the devastating Eaton Fire, Loma Alta Park now stands as a symbol of community resilience and renewal, even as some residents hope recovery efforts will continue to support housing stability and long-term equity.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie