One of Austin's historically black neighborhoods, Clarksville, could lose its historical designation after a home was destroyed by arson in May.
The 1920's house had been purchased by a Dallas real estate development firm to be remodeled or torn down and replaced. "Austin firefighters this week got a warrant for the arrest of a Dallas developer on charges of arson. They say he hired a worker to torch the house on May 31 after learning that the city likely wouldn't allow him to tear it down to build a triplex. Such limitations on redevelopment are among the benefits of being in an historic areas."
Thanks to Jeff Linwood
FULL STORY: Two face arson charges in Clarksville home fire

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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