Owners of 19th Century homes in Chicago are seeing condo developments moving rapidly into their neighborhoods despite the efforts of preservationists.
Many of the cottages, built in the late 19th or early 20th-century for middle-class workers, are being eyed for demolition to make way for new condos. "Chicago is losing its neighborhood architecture, if we continue to allow our historic buildings to fall through the cracks like they have been, we're giving people less and less of a reason to come to our city."
Yet some argue that not everyone should wants to live in these types of homes, which tend to have small rooms and need updating to modern standards. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, a lot of people don't want 19th-century buildings. I grew up in a frame house. My bedroom was 8 by 8. People don't want that now."
Chicago has a unique way of handling zoning amendments: it's done through the aldermen. The problem arises if spot zoning is amended through an alderman who is either pro-development, or strictly adheres to a preservationist's point of view.
FULL STORY: Preservationists in Chicago Fear Losing Ground to Condos

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.

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.

USDOT Waters Down Self-Driving Car Regulations
The agency is reducing reporting requirements for autonomous vehicles and cars with self-driving features, prompting concern among safety advocates who say transparency is essential to the safe deployment of AV technology.

‘Minnesota Nice’ Isn’t so Nice When You Can’t Find a Place to Live
The Economic Development and Housing Challenge Program can help address the scourge of homelessness among Indigenous people.
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