To attract buyers, developers are spending vast sums of money to give new subdivisions a sense of place and community.
"No longer are subdivisions simply distinguished by signs affixed to walls...Now there is a wide range of landscape features designed to impress potential home buyers. Dramatic waterfalls, traditional gatehouses, custom signage and landscaped parks are considered as essential as the pricey houses...Their purpose is to transform bulldozed acreage into established neighborhoods with a lived-in look...Such attention to detail is becoming more common as suburban developments increase in size and price, while incorporating such amenities as golf courses, clubhouses and shopping centers.
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: Staging a Grand Entrance

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

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.

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.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
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