The Congress for the New Urbanism releases a Top 10 list highlighting the worst, most ready-to-be-junked urban freeways. New Orleans, Syracuse, and Detroit make the list. Boulevards are a viable and much-needed alternative, says CNU.

Back in the days of Robert Moses, it became a sign of progress to thrust freeways directly into and through American cities. A handful of grassroots groups fought back and stopped some freeways at the gates, but most cities gained elevated highways and lost historic neighborhoods. But there is a growing understanding that turning urban highway stubs into at-grade boulevards restores the urban fabric, opens up new and valuable infill opportunities, and still manages to move cars efficiently.
The Top 10 Freeways Without Futures are not ranked by CNU, but Claiborne Expressway in New Orleans is presented first and makes a compelling case. New York State, Robert Moses' bailiwick, takes up 3 of the 10 top slots with freeways in Rochester, Syracuse and Buffalo. CNU selected the Top 10 by looking at factors such as the age of the freeway, the development potential, the timeliness of the project, and local support for the teardown.
Click through to cnu.org for the full list.
FULL STORY: CNU Selects the Top 10 "Freeways Without Futures" for 2014

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.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

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.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
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