The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Meet the Historic Oddities of the Los Angeles Zoning Code's Use List

With the city of Los Angeles amidst its first comprehensive overhaul of its Zoning Code since 1946, the Planning Department's outreach efforts include a new post explaining the regulated land uses of yesteryear.

May 28 - Re:Code LA

Before I die

What is the New American Dream?

The new American Dream is about place, and that brings people and communities together. The 20th Century American Dream tended to pull cities and towns apart.

May 28 - Better! Cities & Towns

FLV California train

California High Speed Rail Update

The San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Center offers good news about California's slow-to-start high speed rail.

May 28 - SPUR Blog

Tough Times Falling on Detroit's Casinos

First floated as a redevelopment strategy in 2007, Detroit's gamble on casinos has yielded a mature market. Now come reports that even a big name investor hasn't been able to turn around the Greektown Casino.

May 28 - The Detroit News

Boston Mayor's Agenda Prioritizes Middle Class Housing Affordability

Boston is experiencing a period of brisk residential construction—most of which will enter the luxury market. New Mayor Martin Walsh has set the creation of middle class housing as a top priority for the city.

May 28 - Boston Globe


EPA to Release 'Cornerstone' of President's Climate Initiative

On June 2, one of the most important and far-reaching programs to reduce carbon emissions will be unveiled by the EPA: a rule to require reduction of carbon emissions from existing power plants using a number of options, including cap and trade.

May 28 - The Wall Street Journal

Wind Turbines Gaining Traction in New York City

With two new wind turbine installations at the tops of buildings in New York and dozens more in the pipeline, will turbines be as ubiquitous as water towers on the New York skyline?

May 28 - New York Times


Supply and Demand: Debating the Blame for Gentrification

Jim Russell and Daniel Kay Hertz are engaged in an ongoing debate about how supply and demand in markets of so-called "superstar metros" influences processes of gentrification.

May 28 - Pacific Standard

Washington D.C. Metro

On the Legacy of the Great Society: the Washington, D.C. Metro

As part of an ongoing celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Great Society, the Washington Post examines the urban focus and mass transit benefits of President Lyndon B. Johnson's unprecedented programs.

May 27 - The Washington Post

Pittsburgh's Mellon Square Reopens this Week

Diane Nelson Jones report that Pittsburgh's famous Mellon Square, called the city's "emerald oasis," will reopen this week after closing for renovations in 2011.

May 27 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Deep Flaws Found in California's Water Use Reporting

The special status of "senior rights holders" among California water interests is well documented. Not as well documented is the system which allows errors in water use reports to protect the interests of a fortunate few.

May 27 - Associated Press

Report Recommends $850 Million to Eradicate Detroit's Blight

The Detroit Blight Removal Task Force released its highly anticipated "Every neighborhood has a future...And it doesn't include blight" report today.

May 27 - MLive

The Lay of the Land in the Columbus Success Story

Aaron Renn recently explored Columbus, Ohio, where he found a city fueled by growth and doing many things right, but lacking the differentiation it merits among the country's urban marketplaces.

May 27 - Urbanophile

Report Details the Role of Infrastructure Jobs in the U.S. Economy

A new report from the Brookings Institute examines the details employment in infrastructure jobs in the United States—as well as making a case that infrastructure jobs can address ongoing concerns in the economy.

May 27 - Brookings Institution

How are California’s Bullet Train and Affordable Housing Connected?

California Gov. Brown’s support of high speed rail contrasts sharply with his gutting of affordable housing. Michael Russell, real estate developer and advisor, reviews pending bills and potential fixes for affordable housing.

May 27 - UrbDeZine

Controversy Over Wrigley Field Renovations Heating Up

Paul Sullivan reports on the brewing controversy over the planned revisions of a renovation proposal for Wrigley Field that will pit the team against nearby rooftop owners.

May 27 - Chicago Tribune

Amsterdam Electric Car 2

Electric Vehicles Not Welcome in Europe

It may seem odd that the continent of high gas taxes and strong environmental ethos would not take to electric vehicles. Focusing on the news that Renault will delay the release of a new EV, AutoblogGreen explores the poor sales of EVs in Europe.

May 27 - AutoBlogGreen

NYC-crosswalk

Public Space as Pedestrian Facility: Comparing New York City and Paris

Paris and New York City are two of the world's more successful pedestrian cities, with each boasting several kinds of data that show the predominance of alternative transportation. An article compares public space in each for lessons.

May 27 - Project For Public Spaces

After Five-Year Wait, Keystone XL Builder Exploring Rail Options

Keystone XL pipeline builder TransCanada is in the business of transporting oil to its customers, preferably by pipelines, but it's CEO has stated for the first time it will turn to "more costly and and controversial rail" to fill the pipeline gap.

May 26 - Reuters

Parking Propels Real Estate Bubble in Beijing

What's causing underground parking spaces to go for $160,000 in Beijing? Quartz reports that demand, narrow roads, resident disenfranchisement and old zoning law give developers the upper-hand.

May 26 - Quartz

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