A private foundation is buying up prime downtown real estate Portland, OR, and will donate it to the city for use as parks. But preservationists worry the gift will destroy historic buildings.
"Retailers in the area worry about their future and preservationists fret about the potential loss of historic buildings.City government is caught in the middle. Political leaders aren't sure whether they want to accept a gift that could end up costing big money for park development and maintenance and that perhaps might harm rather than help downtown...The costly maneuvering in the midtown blocks could profoundly affect the future of the entire downtown, particularly its fragile retail sector."
Thanks to Nathan Banks
FULL STORY: 'Free' Parks Come with Price Tag of Uncertainty

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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