The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Traditional Neighborhood Development Soars In Popularity

TND -- often previously relegated to suburban communities like Celebration and Seaside -- is reappearing in inner cities, with positive results.

March 9 - Wall Street Journal via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Kunstler's 'Long Emergency' Online Video

Orion Online offers up James Howard Kunstler's 5-part video series on 'peak oil' based on his book 'The Long Emergency.'

March 9 - Orion Online

Central Mumbai Gets Land Windfall From Government

India's Supreme Court has approved the controversial sale of prime government-owned land in the heart of the financial capital, Mumbai.

March 9 - BBC News

Exxon Denies 'Peak Oil'

According to the gasoline giant, 'Contrary to the theory, oil production shows no signs of a peak.'

March 9 - Exxon Mobil

How To Fix Iraq’s Electricity Grid

The executive editor of the magazine of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers has some bright ideas about how to improve electricity provision in Iraq.

March 9 - The New York Times


Traffic Tickets: Untapped Millions For Highway Upkeep

In Philadelphia alone, $250 million in unpaid traffic tickets could be put to use; new collection techniques are now beginning in earnest.

March 9 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Former CA Governors Speak On Urgent Infrastructure Needs

The four living former state governors call on policymakers to draft a bond initiative to pay for the state's critical infrastructure needs, including its trade transportation infrastructure, and levees in Northern California.

March 8 - The Metro Investment Report


High Property Taxes Driving A New Revolt

Several states are eyeing moves to cap tax growth after property values have soared.

March 8 - The Christian Science Monitor

Time To Change American Zoning

Washington Post columnist Roger K. Lewis argues that antiquated zoning laws, often written by lawyers instead of planners or designers, need an extensive makeover.

March 8 - The Washington Post

WSJ's Insider's Guide To Wal-Mart's Home Town

Bentonville, Ark., is the home of Wal-Mart and an "A-list destination for top executives." The economic power of of the County is belied by its rural history, although that is changing as it hurtles "rapidly toward an urban renaissance."

March 8 - The Wall Street Journal

Organic Farm Evicted For Wal-Mart?

L.A.'s South Central Farm, hailed as a model for sustainable living, faces destruction in the face of questionable motives.

March 8 - From the Wilderness

Bratton, Kelling Defend 'Broken Windows'

The police chief and criminologist-theorist argue that the crime-prevention theory really works, despite recent criticism.

March 8 - National Review

Bitter Development Conflicts Flare In Los Angeles

Property rights advocates clash with those who seek to preserve open space over some of Los Angeles last undeveloped land.

March 8 - The Los Angeles Times

Squatter Skate Park Becomes Official

Searching for fast disappearing skateboard space in Seattle, two activists took matters into their own hands and created a fully functioning park before the city caught on.

March 8 - The Seattle Stranger

'Planet of Slums'

Mike Davis previews his new book in a lengthy article in Orion Magazine.

March 8 - Orion

Life Post-Measure 37: Beyond Land Use Planning

Measure 37 dramatically altered the planning and development landscape in Oregon. Now community-based environmental planning may be the only alternative for environmentalists.

March 8 - The Oregonian

San Francisco Eyes Stockholm, Congestion Pricing Success

San Francisco's Transportation Authority director views the initial results of Stockholm's congestion pricing as a good omen for his city's plan to implement a similar program.

March 7 - San Francisco Examiner

Urban Renaissance Continues In America's First Planned Industrial City

Since the 1970s, city officials in Lowell, Massachusetts, have been open minded to redevelopment strategies. Today, their patient efforts are paying off as condominium and apartment construction is helping to reinvent this former great textile city.

March 7 - The Boston Globe

Infill Mansions -- Sprawl Control Or Compromised Community Character?

A suburban Rochester town halts demolitions of older homes to be replaced with large 'McMansions'.

March 7 - Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

Kotkin Discusses Creative Class, New Book

Michael Duffy, host of 'Counterpoint' on Australia's Radio National, interviews Joel Kotkin about Richard Florida's creative class theory and Kotkin's new book, "The City: A Global History."

March 7 - Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Radio National - Counterpoint

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