How have office building design and security measures been affected by the events of 9/11?
"In the immediate wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, managers and owners of high-rise office structures across the country scrambled to design and implement improved security measuresfrom turning lobbies into security checkpoints to surrounding buildings with concrete barriers originally designed for use as highway medians. (See Customizing Security, page 42, June 2002 Urban Land.) Now that a year has passed, however, many tenants are becoming less tolerant of the disruption and unsightliness of these safeguards. "Since 9/11, the perception has changed. Originally, tenants needed to see the added security, but as of late, they are starting to swing back to wanting value for their dollar. In addition, they are beginning to complain about delays," reports Joe Geist, director of property management for Thomas Properties Group in Philadelphia."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Office Checkpoints

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Half of Post-Fire Altadena Home Sales Were to Corporations
Large investors are quietly buying up dozens of properties in Altadena, California, where a devastating wildfire destroyed more than 6,000 homes in January.

Opinion: What San Francisco’s Proposed ‘Family Zoning’ Could Really Mean
Mayor Lurie is using ‘family zoning’ to encourage denser development and upzoning — but could the concept actually foster community and more human-scale public spaces?

Jacksonville Launches First Autonomous Transit Shuttle in US
A fleet of 14 fully autonomous vehicles will serve a 3.5-mile downtown Jacksonville route with 12 stops.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont