Planners and design organizations are criticizing "the lack of vision" in the design for the Wharf District section of the Surface Artery in Boston.
EDAW, a design firm, and the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority have come under fire from city officials, planners, designers and some members of the community, for their "lackluster design ideas for a prime piece of the new Surface Artery." Boston's chief planner "charged that city officials were being shut out of the important park's design process and said authority officials are failing to coordinate work with the other two areas: the North End and the Chinatown/Leather districts." City officials "have never liked the broad control the Turnpike Authority has exercised over the design of 30 acres of land the city eventually expects to control. Years of efforts to determine who will own, maintain, and control the space, to be known as the Rose Kennedy Greenway, have failed, leaving the Turnpike Authority in control, by default."
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: Handling of Surface Artery hit

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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