A unique zoning law and carefully kept historical records in Massachusetts have created a loophole that is being exploited by developers.
The 'approval not required' process, a unique zoning law in Massachusetts, contains many loopholes and "is routinely exploited" by developers by allowing them to build along old streets, or cartpaths that have never been officially discontinued, without approvals or conditions from the local planning board. Many of these old cartpaths are barely recognizable, overgrown, and in some cases, go right through buildings. "Because an 'approval not required' designation means quick and painless construction, it is sought by developers who scour old maps and local historical records, hunting for paper streets....There has been no definitive statewide study, but planners say 'approval not required' development easily constitutes 30 percent of all development--and much more in rural areas. In many cases, developers need only show a map or two to prove that a street exists, in subdivision plans filed as long ago as 1920....A bill is currently before the state Legislature that would eliminate 'approval not required' and other aspects of the Massachusetts statewide zoning law."
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: Ancient way divides neighborhood
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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