As part of a monthly series, we present a summary and analysis of some of the most interesting news to appear on Planetizen over the month of November 2006. This is the transcript of an audio segment that originally aired on the nationally syndicated radio program "Smart City".
Listen to the audio podcast version of this summary and analysis.
In an effort to reduce traffic, cities across the globe are considering charging drivers to enter their most congested areas. Cities like London have implemented Congestion Pricing, which imposes a daily fee on drivers who enter certain high-traffic parts of the city. The New York Times reports that environmental and community groups in New York are pushing to impose congestion pricing in lower Manhattan during the busiest times of the day. The plan was originally proposed a year ago, and despite a rejection from Mayor Michael Bloomberg, proponents have regained momentum. Meanwhile, in Stockholm Sweden, a discontinued congestion pricing system is on the verge of being reintroduced. The proposal plans to appease drivers by using the proceeds to fund highway improvement. And in London, the city looks to build on its congestion pricing system, which is often cited as one of the best in the world. London's Mayor Ken Livingstone has proposed increasing the flat 8-pound-a-day rate up to 25 pounds for highly polluting cars. The cleanest burning cars, on the other hand, would be allowed to travel for free.
And another traffic reduction experiment is currently being tested in various cities in Denmark, Scandinavia and Britain to surprisingly successful results. Der Spiegel Magazine reports that a new method of removing road signs, traffic signals and guardrails and letting cars, bike and pedestrians mix freely has shown improved safety records and cross-city travel times. The restriction-free transportation system is intended to increase attentiveness in drivers and to require a more humane interaction between drivers and pedestrians based on eye contact and friendly gestures.
And in China, plans have been approved and construction has begun to expand Beijing's subway into the world's most extensive metro system, according to China Daily. Covering more than 350 miles on 19 lines, the length of the system is expected to surpass that of London's Underground system in 2020. Three lines currently under construction are expected to be operational when the city hosts the 2008 Olympic Games.
In New Orleans, rebuilding slowly continues after the devastation of last year's hurricanes Katrina and Rita. But as the city plans to demolish more than 5,000 units of its low-income housing developments to make way for New Urbanist projects, local housing advocates and residents have challenged the plan in federal Court. The New York Times reports that low-income residents in New Orleans fear being pushed out of the city by the newer, mixed-income developments. In contrast to the typical low-income housing projects built grossly out of scale, housing advocates argue that the New Orleans developments are some of the finest examples of low-income housing built in the country, and that they don't need replacement.
A new trend developing in the world of planning is placing increased importance on the consideration of children during the planning process. A recent conference in Sydney, Australia looked at ways to make cities and urban places more child-friendly. Speakers at the conference said that by planning cities to cater more to children, effects such as depression, criminal behavior, and obesity can be minimized. A recent article in Metropolis magazine also highlighted the importance of creating inclusive places like parks and playgrounds for children and families in urban areas as a method of improving a city's safety.
And finally, results from a new study fly in the face of the common perception that suburbs are socially alienating. A report released by the University of California at Irvine concludes that suburban areas are actually less socially isolating than dense urban areas. According to the study, the chances of people talking and interacting with their neighbors increases by 10 percent for every 10 percent decrease in population density. Jan Brueckner, the UC Irvine professor who led the study, says that while most of the criticisms against suburban sprawl remain accurate, at least one is no longer valid.
Below are links to summaries of the articles highlighted in this month's analysis:
New York City Groups Consider Congestion Pricing
Congestion Pricing Returning To Stockholm
London's Congestion Charge May Increase For Heavy Polluters
Where Have All The Traffic Signs Gone?
Controlled Chaos In Transportation Planning
Beijing To Build Biggest Metro System In The World
HUD's Public Housing Plan For New Orleans Challenged
Urban Improvement Through Child's Play
The Psychological Effects Of Urban Planning On Children
Suburbs Not Socially Alienating?
The audio segment originally aired on the nationally syndicated radio program "Smart City", which is broadcast in cities across the U.S.
Learn more about "Smart City" and listen to archived shows.

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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?
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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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