A proposed gated community in Los Angeles County has provoked the ire of a group of scientists concerned about its environmental impact.
Seventeen scientists signed a petition opposing the development of Hidden Creek Estates in the southern Santa Susana Mountains, Louis Sahagun writes. The scientists argue that the 188-home community will threaten local wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and California condors.
The project’s developer, Austin Texas’s Forestar Real Estate Group, says that a 19-acre public park and 122-acre nature preserve included in the proposal would mitigate any environmental damage.
The Los Angeles City Planning Commission voted unanimously to allow Hidden Creek Estates to move forward, patch.com reported. The project must next win approval from the Los Angeles City Council.
FULL STORY: Scientists fear an L.A. County gated community's environmental impact
Wetlands Bring New Life to the Salton Sea
Southern California’s Salton Sea has long struggled with environmental issues, but wetlands have been springing up and nurturing diverse ecosystems.
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
BioMap2 is designed to guide strategic biodiversity conservation in Massachusetts over the next decade by focusing land protection and stewardship on the areas that are most critical for ensuring the long-term persistence of rare and native species.
Expanding Green Spaces in Greater LA: Challenges and Solutions
Creating parks and open space in L.A. County requires overcoming land scarcity, high costs, and other challenges through strategic partnerships, innovative multi-benefit designs, and policy reforms to ensure equitable access and sustainability.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service