The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Seattle May Revise Bike Plan, Already

Mike Linbom cites the popularity of greenways for why the city is considering spending $100,000 more than the original plan's cost to update it, after just four years.

November 3 - The Seattle Times

Parking Companies Fight Back Against Congestion Tax

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's plan to tax parking downtown is not the solution to a regional problem primarily affecting highways, the industry says.

November 3 - Chicago Tribune

"Blueway" Could Connect Lewes and Rehoboth Beach

Delaware residents are asking for a new, environmentally friendly transportation link: a "blueway," says Molly Murray. Many feel that a water taxi would be a great way to connect the two resort cities because "the infrastructure already exists."

November 2 - Delaware Online

The High Line Memorialized in Print

Alexandra Lange reviews a new book documenting the creation of The High Line, finding it "chatty and accessible" and filled with beautiful photographs but low on new revelations for those who have been following the project.

November 2 - Design Observer

Redevelopment Along The Waterfront

In Washington, D.C., a huge parking lot that parallels the southwest waterfront is slowly being transformed into a 4.2-acre park. Developers and architects are "turning community input into actual park concepts and designs," said to The Dirt.

November 2 - THE DIRT


Will Withdrawal of U.S. UNESCO Funding Endanger World Heritage Sites?

A long-standing Congressional ban on U.S. funding for any U.N. agency that recognizes Palestine will mean a $60 million hole in UNESCO's budget in the wake of its decision to admit the nascent state.

November 2 - Green Prophet

BLOG POST

Why I Gave Up the Bus...For a Bike

<p> In August, I moved into a high density apartment complex just 1.5 miles from my office and a five minute walk to a bus stop. One of the central advantages of the building&#39;s location was its access to alternative transportation modes. While I could park my car for &quot;free&quot; (the real cost is built into the lease), I was interested in keeping it parked as much as possible. Now, after nearly three months of experimentation, I&#39;m ready to give up the bus, and the reasons are central to understanding the future of transit in the US. </p>

November 2 - Samuel Staley


New CA HSR Estimates: Double the Cost, Twice As Long To Build

According to preliminary reports on the new business plan, the California High Speed Rail Authority's new estimate for the 800-mile system will be $98.5 billion - initially pegged at $43 billion, and will take an additional 13 years to build.

November 2 - Los Angeles Times

How Energy Efficient are the World's Tallest Buildings?

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai has one of the world's largest condensate recovery systems that diverts and reuses water from air conditioning. One World Trade Center in New York will use 30% less water and 20% less energy.

November 2 - The Infrastructurist

Nations Largest and Most Expensive Expansion Program

Seattle's East Link light rail extension project is said to be completed in 2023 and will attract about 50,000 riders a day, says Yonah Freemark. In addition, the city council wants a section of the line to be tunneled under Downtown Bellevue.

November 2 - the transport politic

New Football Stadium in Los Angeles Faces Opposition

The Mayor has proposed a $1.5 billion plan to build a football stadium, named Farmers Field in L.A.'s downtown with the goal of boosting the region's overall economy.

November 2 - newgeography

Less Crime Through Urban Design

Environmental criminology may not be the most well-known field, but in this profile of Nikki Filipuzzi and her work throughout Calgary, Tamara Gignac shows how even the right amounts of shrubbery and light can make the city safer.

November 2 - The Vancouver Sun

California HSR Figures Released, Leaving Project's Fate Shaky

On Tuesday, the California High-Speed Rail Authority announced that the cost of the project has tripled to nearly $99 billion, and federal funds for it don't exist yet--prompting some legislators' support to fizzle.

November 2 - San Jose Mercury News

BLOG POST

Preservation, Planning and Process: Manhattan’s Little Syria

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November 1 - Barbara Knecht

Union Station Undergoes A Facelift

Union Station in Washington, D.C. has "about 29 million people" pass through the station each year. An 18-month reconstruction project is in the works to improve walkability and safety for the massive number of visitors.

November 1 - City Parks Blog

A New Light for Motor City

How grassroots entrepreneurs and inspired religious leaders are working to erase urban blight in Detroit.

November 1 - Urban Faith

Ferry Service Worried About Losing Ridership

A ferry service across New York's East River that launched in June is worried about losing ridership as soon as winter begins. Summer usage was twice as many as planners had expected.

November 1 - The New York Times

Are Americans Ready to Live in Smaller Homes?

As the world population reaches 7 billion some U.S. builders are working on smaller, compact homes.

November 1 - NPR Morning Edition

Longtime Defender of California Coastline Steps Down

After 34 years on the California Coastal Commission, Peter Douglas is ceding his post due to poor health. The San Jose Mercury News looks back at his long career at the powerful public agency.

November 1 - San Jose Mercury News

Speed Bumps Could Do More Than Slow You Down

A technology company in Maryland has developed a speed bump that captures the kinetic energy of the cars driving over it and sends it back into the grid.

November 1 - SmartPlanet

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