The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Seven County Central Florida Region Initiates Long-Range Planning

With the seven-county Central Florida region projected to double its population by 2050, coordinated planning is critical. The think tank myregion.org will start a 15-month visioning process with a meeting May 17th.

May 18 - The Orlando Sentinel

Chicago Goes Green And Stimulates Growth

The "City in a Garden" lives up to its motto, using tons of versatile mulch to promote sustainability and improve quality of life.

May 18 - The New York Times

Neighborhood Covenants Can Legally Prevent McMansions

A neighborhood homeowner's association in Denver rejected a proposal for an out-of-scale home redevelopment, and the decision was upheld by a District Court judge.

May 18 - Denver Business Journal

A West Coast Voice Bids Farewell To Jane Jacobs

Jane Jacobs wrote little about Los Angeles, a city that might make her shudder, but she is still fondly remembered there. Sam Hall Kaplan presents his personal account of one of the 20th century's greatest urbanists.

May 18 - The Planning Report

Is Ethanol Really A Green Fuel?

Pete Letheby laments the path that ethanol production has taken in the U.S., arguing that it does not hold the promise of being the "green fuel" it was once thought to be.

May 18 - The Denver Post


California City Calls Time-Out To Reduce Stress

Poway, California, wants to take the afternoon off on May 22. In an attempt to reduce community stress and bring families together, the town will celebrate Family Focus Night between the hours of 5 and 9 p.m.

May 18 - USA Today

Tower Planned For Chicago's South Shore

Proposed 20-story tower could be first new high-rise in three decades for Chicago's South Side area.

May 17 - Chicago Sun-Times


Does Wal-Mart Increase Poverty Rates?

A new study claims that Wal-Mart raises poverty rates in the counties where its stores are located.

May 17 - Social Science Quarterly

California Misses Conservation Needs On Infrastructure Ballot Initiative

While praising California's long ethos of conservation, which separates it from most of the country, Sacramento Bee columnist Peter Schrag laments that conservation was not included in the $37 billion bond issue scheduled for the November ballot.

May 17 - The Sacramento Bee

Fast-Growing Florida County Approves Controversial Long-Range Plan

After months of discussion, St. Lucie County Commissioners approved a controversial amendment to their long-range plan. The "Towns, Villages and Countryside" plan limits growth to towns or villages instead of subdivisions, and mandates open space.

May 17 - TCPalm Local News

A New Look At Nuclear Power

Long viewed as a scourge by the environmental movement, prominent environmentalists, including Greenpeace founder Patrick Moore, now believe the time has come for nuclear power, as global warming has presented the newest menace to the environment.

May 17 - The New York Times

Small, New, Ubiquitous Design Elements Of The 2006 City

Scattered throughout the urban landscape, new design elements have emerged that identify our times.

May 17 - The San Francisco Chronicle

San Francisco Studies Effectiveness Of Congestion Pricing

While congestion pricing has proven effective in London, and now Stockholm, will it work in San Francisco? City Supervisor Jake McGoldrick, who also presides over the San Francisco Transportation Authority, suggests doing a study first.

May 17 - San Francisco Examiner

The Decline And Fall Of Landover Mall - Who's To Blame?

The Landover Mall, located next to a Capital Beltway interchange in Prince George's County, Maryland, and owned by Lerner Enterprises (a firm that has managed many successful mall centers, including Tysons Corner) has long been considered a blight.

May 17 - The Washington Post

New York City To Add Wi-Fi To Parks

In order to compete with other technologically advanced cities, New York City will add free wireless internet service by July, with other large City parks to receive the technology soon thereafter.

May 17 - The New York Times

Why Not Tell The Truth About Rising Gas Prices?

The policy director of Climate Solutions (based in Washington state and British Columbia) opines that rising gas prices have beneficial effects on the environment, and consumers need to be given the truth so as to make real changes in lifestyle.

May 17 - The Seattle Times

Al Gore's 'Slide Show' Clicks With Audiences

Al Gore's new documentary about global warming is expected to have an impact on public consciousness.

May 16 - The Los Angeles Times

Baseball Inside the Beltway

If Washington, D.C. gets a new stadium, what will the city lose?

May 16 - Chris Steins

New Urbanism Coming To Scotland

Andres Duany has been contracted to work in Scotland for the first time.

May 16 - Scotsman.com

New Bridge May Ease I-95 Congestion In D.C. Area

Soaring above the Potomac River, the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge will be completed on time and on budget, thanks to regional cooperation.

May 16 - The Washington Post

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