In the quest for density and infill, preservationists often stand beside those who want static cities. But both preservation and density can be ideologies, and thoughtful land use demands a nuanced middle ground.
In a piece for MinnPost, Claire VanderEyk writes, "It seems the only time we hear about preservationists is when they are fighting with someone and they're often depicted as 'not in my backyard' fanatics. [...] As a preservationist, I think of our viewpoint more on the side of advocating for thoughtful land use."
There are varying degrees of concern for preservation. Not all buildings are historic and worth saving, but some are. The key may be to focus on the character of neighborhoods, both as they exist now and what they could evolve into. "This will give way to a new type of preservation that is less about saving individual buildings and more about planning for a city's evolution that supports growth and change while preserving what makes it special."
According to VanderEyk, "preservationists have a right to be a part of these conversations. We're not a nuisance, an afterthought or a 'nice to have' part of city planning. Our voice matters and should not be discounted solely based on a misconceived idea of who we are as group."
FULL STORY: Why preservationists are an integral part of — not an obstacle to — good city planning
Editorial Board: The Suburbs Need to Make Room for New Residents
Utah has generally made room for single-family homes in the past, but the Salt Lake Tribune thinks its time for new plans as the state faces demographic changes and worsening affordability.
How SB 827 'Cleaved the California Environmental Movement'
Even before the bill was defeated, it exposed a major generational divide between anti-development environmentalists and their pro-density, pro-housing heirs.
When Environmental Goals Collide
Using the movie titled "When Worlds Collide" as a metaphor, environmental attorney Richard Opper describes how environmental regulations can get in their own way to defeat density and infill development—and NIMBYs are not just residents.
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.
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