The saga of the Gowanus Neighborhood Planning Study, approved by New York City at the end of 2021, continues into the summer of 2022. Opponents claimed the Gowanus rezoning ran afoul of the state’s environment law. A county judge dismissed the case.

“The Kings County Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to overturn the Gowanus Rezoning,” reports Kristyn Brendlen for Brooklyn Paper.
The lawsuit, brought by community groups Voice of Gowanus and Friends and Residents of Greater Gowanus along with individual community members, was dismissed due to a technical error. The lawsuit alleged “that the city’s environmental review of the massive upzoning was inadequate and that the respondents had violated state environmental law,” according to Brendlen.
The Gowanus Neighborhood Planning Study, in the works for years before final adoption at the end of 2021, has already spurred a wave of development investment interest in this corner of Brooklyn, according to previous Planetizen coverage. The rezoning would allow up to 8,000 new residential units.
FULL STORY: Brooklyn Supreme Court tosses lawsuit against Gowanus rezoning

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.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.

Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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