Though it's been expedited, the cumbersome environmental review process for a plan to raise the deck of the Bayonne Bridge has New York area leaders fuming over impediments to economic development. Others contend the review is being rushed.
"The approval process for the Bayonne Bridge reconstruction has become a case study, critics say, in the bureaucratic roadblocks imposed by decades-old federal environmental regulations," reports Sam Roberts. Even though review of the 5,000 page environmental assessment has been expedited by a presidential directive, critics such as Patrick J. Foye, the executive director of the Port Authority, have assailed the cumbersome and lengthy process (which will take up nearly half of the project's full timeline).
“The environmental process for public infrastructure is too long, costly and uncertain,” Foye said. “Public infrastructure ought to be treated differently, especially replacement of public infrastructure. And there ought to be someone in the process on the federal side who is looking at the impact of economic development and job retention.”
“In my 40 years, this is the fastest I’ve ever seen an environmental assessment get done,” project manager Joann Papageorgis said. “We’re being criticized for rushing it.”
FULL STORY: High Above the Water, but Awash in Red Tape
The Cost of Raising the Bayonne Bridge Also Rises
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey tried to raise the Bayonne Bridge by 64 feet to make room for more ships below. The price for the project has risen along with the bridge.
First Cash Announced to Jumpstart Amtrak Gateway Project
The much-needed Amtrak Gateway project to replace the century-old railroad tunnels under the Hudson River between New Jersey and Manhattan received its first financial injection plus some good planning news that will expedite the $20 billion project.
Amtrak Gateway Planning Is Coming Together
Initial planning steps toward replacement of the 105-year-old tunnels under the Hudson River between New Jersey and New York's Penn Station are underway, with New Jersey Transit, Amtrak, and the Port Authority of N.Y & N.J. all playing key roles.
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?
Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.
Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie