As the Portland City Council considers the Central City 2035 plan, downtown residents, many of whom live in high-rises, are actively opposing regulations that would allow new high-rises.
Rachel Monahan reports on the "skyscraper backlash" emerging in Portland. The controversy centers around a proposal for a 17-story glass and concrete tower in the Pearl District called the Fremont Place Apartments. The leading opponents of the skyscraper: residents of a nearby 28-story skyscraper called the Cosmopolitan.
The opposition actions have been lead by the Pearl District Neighborhood Association, which has gained support for residents of other high-rises in the neighborhood. Monhan quotes residents of high-rises blaming plans for new high-rises with "losing our Oregon soul" and "sacrificing the integrity" of the city.
Added to all this irony and controversy, the Portland City Council is expected to set height limits in the Central City 2035 plan, with consequences beyond the Pearl District in and around downtown Portland. Planners have recommended a height limit of 250 feet. "Citizens are begging commissioners to amend the planners' proposals so that current views are preserved," according to Monahan.
Monahan concludes the article by presenting a counter argument that supports a supply-side approach to improving the city's housing shortage.
Portland 2035 Comprehensive Plan Clears Legal Hurdle
The portion of Portland's Comprehensive Plan devoted to missing middle housing spurred a lawsuit that held up the plan until January of this year.
Portland: Homes for Everyone, or Not in My Neighborhood
Even progressive Portland wrestles with conservatism when it comes to housing in single-family neighborhoods
Multi-Family Development in Portland Stalls at a Controversial Crossroads for the City
On the one hand, the city of Portland is facing pressure to add new housing and development to meet the needs of a growing population and an expensive real estate market. On the other hand, change is never easy.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
How Community Science Connects People, Parks, and Biodiversity
Community science engages people of all backgrounds in documenting local biodiversity, strengthening connections to nature, and contributing to global efforts like the City Nature Challenge to build a more inclusive and resilient future.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”
Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service