A development controversy in Louisville centers on the definition of a conservation subdivision and an environmental threat in the form of an insect known as the emerald ash borer.
James Bruggers reports on a controversy outside Louisville over logging in an area targeted for a conservation subdivision.
"Photographs taken Monday from an airplane show hundreds of logged trees near Floyds Fork on land where developers have been planning to seek approval for a "conservation" subdivision that emphasizes protection of natural areas," according to Bruggers.
Subsequently, city officials "determined that unapproved logging occurred in a zone that's designed to protect Floyds Fork" and ordered the logging to stop.
The area is a hot topic for local planners, after developers "submitted a preliminary application for zoning changes in mid-January on 135 acres of the 448-acre parcel slated for single-family homes. A design map identifies nearly 1,400 lots and an 18-acre commercial area."
The developers purchased the site last fall and entered into a logging contract shortly after. The article quotes developer's attorney saying that the loggers might have gone beyond a simple removal of dead or dying trees under attack by the emerald ash borer. There is also some speculation that the logging might be a threat to the approval fo the pending conservation subdivision.
FULL STORY: City halts logging at Floyds Fork development

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

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)