The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Intercity Hi-Speed Rail Can Solve California's Traffic Woes

Why Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa should join San Francisco Mayor Newsom to push for high-speed rail connecting California's major cities.

July 7 - The Los Angeles Times

Friday Funny: Could A Goldfish Survive In Water From L.A. River?

The Los Angeles Times sets up a Goldfish cam and two goldfish -- Little Antonio and Little Ed -- named after the mayor and a city councilman) to see if fish can live in a tank filled with water from the Los Angeles River.

July 7 - The Los Angeles Times

'Bamboo Trains' -- Cambodia's Ride Of Choice

Cambodians frustrated with shoddy trains and inconsistent service have taken transportation into their own hands, constructing and operating trains made primarily out of bamboo. The trains run at nearly 25 mph and are largely meeting transit needs.

July 7 - BBC

Cleveland Properties Could Face Eminent Domain

As a developer sets his sights on redeveloping some of Cleveland's Cuyahoga Riverfront, the state of Ohio is considering the use of eminent domain to secure the land and ensure the economic development it promises.

July 7 - The Cleveland Plain Dealer

Push-Pull Commuter Trains OK'd For Now

A bill to ban push-pull commuter trains in California was amended to include an independent study after commuter rail operators and their advocates objected to the costs the ban would impose.

July 7 - The Los Angeles Times


Soho Developer Tackling Boston's Wharf Area

A team of developers from New York City plan to add to Boston's already up and coming Fort Point Channel Neighborhood.

July 7 - The Boston Globe

One Of The Last Company Towns In America Is For Sale

Residents of Scotia, CA, hope that their community can retain its unique after the sale.

July 7 - The New York Times


Small Town PA Luring New Residents From The Big City

All Things Considered's Ann Murray reports on Easton, Pennsylvania's revitalization strategy.

July 7 - National Public Radio

Syndey's Transit Smart Card Stalled

Six years and millions of dollars later, Sydney's public transit users are still without a universal fare card system.

July 7 - The Sydney Morning Herald

9 Tips For Achieving Energy Independence

A North Carolina based weekly has published a helpful list of ways for residents to reduce their energy consumption.

July 7 - The Independent

A Model For Eco-friendly Development

A visionary development plan promises transit villages, solar energy, local farms, water recycling, sensitive architecture, and walkable neighborhoods. Will it be a model for other communities seeking eco-friendly development?

July 6 - The San Francisco Chronicle

The Interstate Highway System: What Worked, What Did Not

It's been 50 years since President Eisenhower signed the bill creating the Interstate Highway System, one of the most successful federal programs ever. Randal O'Toole offers a few indicators of the success of the Interstate Highway System.

July 6 - The Thoreau Institute

Flexcar Exec Discusses The End Of Portland Subsidy

Bill Scott, director of the Flexcar car-sharing program in Portland, discusses the city's decision to end its subsidies to the company and to charge Flexcar for all the parking revenue the program denies the city.

July 6 - Nate Berg

Seasonal Workers Hit The Hay

A farmworker advocacy group is working with Virginia farmers to provide housing for the seasonal workers that tend their fields. Houses made of hay are the affordable and energy-efficient solution to this need for seasonal housing.

July 6 - Richmond Times-Dispatch

Georgia Plans 23-Lane Freeway

By ignoring rail, federal and state plans for building America's transportation infrastructure through private investments will only serve to promote massive freeway projects, writes Neil Peirce.

July 6 - The Seattle Times

Home(less) From The War

Veterans of America's wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are increasingly finding themselves at risk of homelessness.

July 6 - Yahoo News

Is Mexico Running Out Of Oil?

Mexican oil production could be headed for a sharp decline, causing major energy problems for the United States.

July 6 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Miami's Preeminent Suburb Turns Ten

Meticulously planned down to the last cul-de-sac, Weston, Florida continues to be Miami's most sought after suburb.

July 6 - The Miami Herald

The Growing Demand For Gay Retirement Communities

Gay and lesbian seniors are increasingly seeking retirement communities that fit their lifestyle.

July 6 - USA Today

The Business Of Building New Urban Town Centers

One ambitious developer is taking on numerous town center projects as it struggles to complete one of its most high-profile developments.

July 6 - The Orlando Sentinel

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