Successful urban waterfronts come in a variety of forms, but only those with good connections to their downtowns are able to support intense commercial activity.
This week concludes an execellent series of articles in the Philadelphia Inquirerthis addressing the revitalization of Penn's Landing: "Despite all its ambitious goals over the last 30 years, Philadelphia has done less with its waterfront than most major American cities... In the last 20 years, while Philadelphia was running through four developers and four plans for Penn's Landing, two other places - Louisville, Ky., and North Jersey's Hudson River towns - were doggedly pursuing unique visions for their riverfronts and creating dynamic public spaces. Philadelphia can learn a lot from both waterfronts." The series concluded on Sunday, November 20, 2002, with a wrap-up of the stories and recent developments as a result of the coverage.
Thanks to Planner's Network
FULL STORY: Online Extras | More on Penn's Landing

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.

Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground
Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.

From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program
The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.

Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time
Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.
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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.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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