A Politico article describes the Far Rockaway neighborhood as still reeling from the effects of Superstorm Sandy and a history of underinvestment. The city is ready to launch a $91 million redevelopment effort to change all that.
Emily Julia Roche reports on a recently announced $91 million investment by the city of New York intended to revitalize Downtown Far Rockaway, "by widening sidewalks and adding amenities such as benches and trees, replacing storefront signage and installing free public wi-fi."
"Money will also be used to expand community programming, connect local residents to job training and opportunities, including at nearby John F. Kennedy International Airport and build below-market housing," adds Roche.
As Roche notes, the redevelopment proposal will include rezoning, which will require approval through the city's land use application process. Local City Councilmember Donovan Richards is quoted in the article anticipating potential controversy over questions of density, promising careful community engagement and an end to a tradition of unfulfilled promises from the city. According to Roche, a "public information session will be held next month to introduce the new plan to local residents. After that, it will enter the city’s land use application process to approve changes to zoning in the low-density neighborhood."
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
New Park Opens in the Santa Clarita Valley
The City of Santa Clarita just celebrated the grand opening of its 38th park, the 10.5-acre Skyline Ranch Park.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
How Urban Form Impacts Housing Affordability
The way we design cities affects housing costs differently than you might think.
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