The Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles has seen plenty of chic newcomers in recent years—high-end cafes, restaurants, and expensive lofts. But a recently revealed plan that would allow new, dense construction has sparked controversy.
Catherine Saillant reports on "proposed guidelines that could add up to 1,500 residential units and potentially double the population of [the Arts District] community" in Los Angeles.
"Planners at City Hall have been working on the draft law for about a year, said Patricia Diefenderfer, a senior city planner. It would allow for residential projects that are not permitted today, she said." Saillant also writes: "Unveiled last month, the draft plan permits construction of apartment buildings that are taller and denser than the low-slung brick warehouses and vacant manufacturing plants that artists and gallery owners have converted into airy lofts and workspaces over three decades."
The "Arts District Draft Live/Work Interim Zone" [pdf], as it's called, has already sparked controversy during hearings with the Planning Department, according to the article. There's even a petition of opposition on Change.org. The neighborhood to the east of the Downtown central business district and next to the Los Angeles River has seen an influx of high end retail and residential in recent years, but usually through adaptive reuse of historic industrial buildings.
FULL STORY: Some fear Arts District development plan would ruin the neighborhood
LA Times: City Council Should Take Responsibility for Lack of Transit Oriented Development
The Los Angeles Times editorial board has strong words for the Los Angeles City Council about planning for transit oriented development.
Controversial Comprehensive Plan Update Moves Forward in Charlottesville
Residents have had a chance to oppose the new residential density proposed by the "Charlottesville Plans Together" comprehensive planning process.
A Comment for the L.A. River Master Plan
Five themes proposed to achieve justice and sustainability for the Los Angeles River and its surrounding communities.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions