"It is ridiculous that in New York City dancing is just as illegal as it was in the fictional movie Footloose," says Councilmember Rafael Espinal of New York City's cabaret law.
Aaron Elstein reports on a possible legislative demise for New York City's cabaret law, which was enacted "in 1926, during the Harlem Renaissance, to prevent white and black people from dancing together."
"Over the years the law has been used to close clubs and bars deemed objectionable, especially during Mayor Rudy Giuliani's tenure in the 1990s," according to Elstein. "Today opponents say it is used to crack down on do-it-yourself clubs…" Of the city's 25,000 restaurants ad bars, only about 100 have a cabaret license.
The law is the target of a lawsuit by bar owner and attorney Andrew Muchmore, who believes the law violates the First Amendment. While political leadership has supported a repeal of the law in the past, Muchmore believes the lawsuit will end the law with or without the City Council.
FULL STORY: City Council moves to repeal racist cabaret law
Planning via Zoom: Legal Scrutiny for Pandemic Realities in New York City
The question of whether a public review process conducted by Zoom is sufficient to approve a sweeping rezoning plan is a matter of no small legal concern in New York City.
Lawsuit Challenges Zoom Hearings on Gowanus Rezoning Plan
Planning departments relying on online public hearing processes will want to keep monitor this lawsuit in New York City.
A New Generation of Community-Led Planning in New York
With a benchmark success in demanding rights for the community during an ongoing rezoning process in Inwood, a neighborhood in Manhattan, a new generation of community-led resistance to top-down planning is coalescing in New York City.
The California High-Speed Rail Project Illustrates America’s Transit Issues
Slow progress and a bloated budget have plagued the High-Speed Rail project linking San Francisco to Los Angeles, exposing deeper issues with American transit projects.
New White House Housing Initiative Includes Zoning Reform Incentives
The Biden administration this morning released a new program of actions intended to spur housing construction around the United States.
What Role Does Health Care Play in Community Development?
Cities are economically diverse and require accessible health care systems, but this can be challenging to implement. Urban developers are working alongside health professionals to create affordable care for city residents.
Dams on the Way Out on Two California Rivers
The largest dam removal project in U.S. history is about to commence on the Klamath River. Due to a recent development, a dam on the Eel River is also on expected for decommission.
Federal Funds Helping to Create New Parks in San Diego County
The Beyer Park project in San Ysidro and Sweetwater Park development in Chula Vista each received $5 million grants from the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Bus System Redesign Paired With New Light Rail Service Near Seattle
Community Transit, the public transit authority for Snohomish County, Washington, is redesigning its bus system to plan ahead for the Lynwood Link Extension, currently more than halfway done with construction.
Marin Transit
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
City of Claremont
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Redwood City
City of Rohnert Park
City of Hot Springs
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.
Hand Drawing Master Plans
This course aims to provide an introduction into Urban Design Sketching focused on how to hand draw master plans using a mix of colored markers.
