An affordable housing plan for New Jersey has been thrown out by an appeals court, arguing that the plan was based on flawed data and did not accurately predict the demand for housing. The plan has been called discriminatory by housing advocates.
"The 2004 rules called for towns to build one affordable home for every eight new market-rate homes, and one for every 25 new jobs created - an approach known as 'growth share.'"
"Housing advocates noted that this approach does not take into account a town's current need for affordable housing, and argued that towns could restrict low-income housing by passing ordinances to restrict growth. The court agreed."
"Housing advocates, who argue that the state needs 650,000 affordable homes, also said the state greatly underestimated the need in the 2004 plan. The court agreed with that as well, ordering the state to recalculate."
"The Council on Affordable Housing said in the 2004 plan that 140,000 homes were needed, but 60,000 families would be able to get housing on their own as homes became cheaper over time. The court found that housing has not gotten cheaper, and said the council's reasoning 'defies comprehension.'"
FULL STORY: N.J. plan for affordable housing is invalid

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.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

San Diego Swaps Parking Lane for Kid-Friendly Mini Park
The block-long greenway will feature interactive play equipment and landscaping.

Tracking the Invisible: Methane Leaks From LA’s Neighborhood Oil Sites
Environmental advocates are using infrared technology to monitor and document methane leaks from neighborhood oil sites, filling regulatory gaps and pushing for stronger protections to safeguard community health and the climate.

Montana Bill Promotes Parking Reform
A bill before the Montana state senate would bar cities from requiring more than one parking spot per new housing unit.
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