Planners and residents are concerned about the lack of green space requirements in the booming area of Uptown in Dallas. Instead of delivering amenities, some say, developers are often engaged in battles over density.
According to an article by Melissa Repko, planners and city officials in Dallas say the city "must strike a better balance between buildings and open space." In Dallas, explains Repko, "the idea of impact fees and dedication ordinances hasn’t gained traction."
"Dallas caps the maximum lot coverage of a building, but the remaining land can be paved for parking. Many new buildings offer just a thin frame of shrubs and maybe a pool deck. And city parks officials say they don’t have money to buy public land, especially in pricey neighborhoods."
The article takes a turn into a discussion about density, including a quote from City Plan Commissioner Bobby Abtahi (after employing the American Planning Association's definition of "excessive" density), who claims that public fear of density is one of the big causes of the lack of green space.
FULL STORY: Green space is sparse amid boom in Uptown

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

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk
Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.

How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’
The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.

Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places
Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with 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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions