The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

'Canadian Town' Vision Derailed In Shanghai

<p>Intended to be one of 9 Shanghai suburbs evoking architecture and culture from other countries, the pseudo-Canadian "Maple Town" suburb bears little resemblance to its original plans.</p>

January 11 - The Globe & Mail

Atlanta's Core Builds 'Up' Instead Of 'Out'

<p>A host of multi-million dollar intown mega-developments -- all mixed-use and pedestrian-oriented -- promise to remake Atlanta into a more walkable, urban city. However, the suburbs are in "no danger of emptying."</p>

January 11 - The Wall Street Journal

Can Existing Buildings Be Renovated 'Green'?

<p>While using green building practices has become popular in new construction, the same is not true for renovation projects.</p>

January 11 - The New York Times

Saving The Third World From Sprawl

<p>The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy helps cities in the developing world address traffic and congestion with creative, cost-efficient solutions. Executive Director Walter Hook shares some strategies for the US as well.</p>

January 11 - The Planning Report

Undaunted Developer Pursues Air Rights Over Boston's Turnpike

<p>In a third and perhaps final attempt, developer John Rosenthal submitted plans to locate 668 housing units, 57,000 square feet of retail, 1,200 parking spaces, and a redeveloped transit station in Boston's Kenmore Square neighborhood.</p>

January 11 - The Boston Globe


Historic Streetcars : Urban Investment And A Smart Transit Choice

<p>Historic streetcars are on a comeback in the USA. Cheaper than light rail, they also are an asset in encouraging reinvestment in older parts of downtowns as illustrated by Tampa's 2.5 mile line that connects neighborhoods.</p>

January 11 - USA Today

Downtown Raleigh Debates Relaxing Parking Requirements

<p>The city council is considering letting developers decide for themselves how many parking spaces to build, though many worry the change could harm downtown.</p>

January 10 - The News & Observer


Public Space And The Urban Library Renaissance

<p>With plush furniture, coffee shops, rock concerts and meeting spaces, public libraries are reinventing themselves as the city's primary public place.</p>

January 10 - The Globe & Mail

Cities Benefitting From Decking Highways With Parks

<p>U.S. cities are increasingly utilizing below-grade freeway to cover with parkland. Some 20 highway-deck parks are already open, with more in the pipeline.</p>

January 10 - Governing

Auto Emissions In Europe Increasing Along With Sprawl

<p>In Europe, vehicular emissions are increasing while emissions from industry and the population growth rate decline. More people throughout the world are driving, especially in those countries where the "newly rich" enjoy their new mobility.</p>

January 10 - The New York Times

Kingston Struggles To Prepare Itself For Cricket World Cup

<p>In March, the Cricket World Cup will be held in nine Caribbean locations. Preparations are underway in Kingston, Jamaica, and though the pitches are almost ready for the world's best bowlers and batsmen, much of the city itself is in shambles.</p>

January 10 - Jamaica Gleaner

Despite Costs, Light Rail Chosen For Atlanta's Beltline

<p>In response to public demand, The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority has adopted a resolution designating light rail as the transit of choice for the city's expansive Beltline park and transit project.</p>

January 10 - DeKalb News

Will Sarasota Pass The Duany Test?

<p>Six years ago Andres Duany helped craft a new 20 year masterplan for the City of Sarasota, Florida, which prides itself on being a city with a small town feel. This week he returns to gauge the city's progress.</p>

January 10 - Bradenton Herald

Seoul's River Restoration Becomes A Model For Many Cities

<p>The restored Cheonggyecheon river, which once was reduced to a sewer capped by a six-lane highway, now serves as a focal point for urban recreation in the South Korean capital.</p>

January 10 - Mail & Guardian Online

In Conservative Utah, Salt Lake City's Progressive Mayor Wins Acclaim

<p>Mayor Rocky Anderson has used his office to transform the way the city does business, winning him support even when his policies run against the political mainstream.</p>

January 10 - AlterNet

Using YouTube As A Planning Advocacy Tool

<p>Advocates for the preservation of historic homes in Houston's 6th ward, east of downtown, have posted video testimonials on the Web to help gain support for their cause.</p>

January 10 - The Houston Chronicle

Nashville Wrestles With Issue Of Low-Income Housing

<p>While programs for moderate-income first-time homebuyers are popular with residents, support for low-income rental housing remains low.</p>

January 9 - The Tennessean

The Rise of the Megapolitans

<p>Megapolitans are regions that combine at least two, and often several, metropolitan areas. Researchers Robert E. Lang and Arthur C. Nelson developed the megapolitan concept in part to depict where the next 100 million Americans will live.</p>

January 9 - Planning magazine, American Planning Association

Housing That Works For Everybody

<p>In the first large scale residential building to incorporate universal design principles, integration of disabled residents and mixed income households are keys to success.</p>

January 9 - The New York Times

A Interactive Look At Lower Manhattan's Planned Transit Hub

<p>The New York Times offers an online tour of the Fulton Street transit hub, which planners hope will straighten out the tangle of platforms and mezzanines below Lower Manhattan.</p>

January 9 - The New York Times

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