The "World's Most Famous Arena" has seen many title fights in its day. But a looming decision about the renewal of the venue's special permit, and the future of Penn Station, has New York's political and real estate heavyweights entering the ring.
"After decades of complaints about increasingly cramped conditions in Penn Station, a loose coalition of civic groups, transit advocates and political leaders is gaining traction in its efforts to force the Garden to move so that the station down in its basement can expand," reports Matt Chaban. "In recent weeks, an effort to limit the permit to 10 years has been embraced by a group snowballing in size, ranging from The New York Times editorial page to Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and some powerful builders."
"This heavyweight bout pits the Dolans, owners of the Garden, against the Bloomberg administration for the second time in a decade, with the final round likely to take place in the summer, when the permit application finally comes before the City Council for a decision."
FULL STORY: Monster fight looms at Madison Square Garden

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
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Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
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Los Angeles County Invests in Wildfire Recovery for Parks, Trails, and Open Space
The $4.25 million RESTORE Program supports the recovery of parks, trails, and open spaces damaged by the January 2025 wildfires through targeted grants that promote community healing, wildfire resilience, and equitable access to nature.

Nevada Bills Aim to Establish Home Insurance Assurance Amidst Wildfire Risk
Republican sponsor hopes the FAIR plan would be “a true market of last resort.”

Virginia Law Allows Judges to Mandate Speed Limiters
The law could set a new precedent for speed limiting tech on U.S. vehicles.
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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.
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