Greg Allen argues that Kansas City's light rail plan, influenced by "trendy" ideas such as "Smart Growth" and "New Urbanism" won't work.
"In isolation, light rail may sound like a great idea. The plan is based on all the trendiest ideas in urban development -- 'smart growth,' 'the New Urbanism' and so on -- and it's supposed to improve air pollution, traffic congestion and other urban problems...our city is not densely populated, and we prefer it that way... Light rail is the castor oil of urban development: They say it's good for you, but almost no one ever takes it if they have a choice."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: Light rail would create $1 billion boondoggle
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
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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.
Washington State Plans Ambitious ‘Cycle Highway’ Network
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Homeowners Blame PG&E for Delays in ADU Permits
The utility says it has dramatically reduced its backlog, but applicants say they still face months-long delays for approvals for new electrical work.
Rethinking Wildfire Defense: How a Landscape Approach Can Protect Neighborhoods
Post-fire analysis of the Eaton Fire reveals that a landscape approach — including fire-resistant vegetation, home hardening, and strategic planning — can help reduce wildfire risk, challenging assumptions that trees and plants are primary fire hazards.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
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Harvard GSD Executive Education
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NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
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