New York

BRT Hits NYC

New dedicated lanes and limited-stop buses have entered the transportation picture in New York City.

January 5, 2011 - The New York Times

The Evolution of Bollards

After 9/11, lower Manhattan became a tangle of makeshift roadblocks and security measures. Architect Rob Rogers was tasked with redesigning the bollards to be more pleasing to the eye while still serving as secure barriers to entry.

January 3, 2011 - Metropolis Magazine

The Taxi of Tomorrow

The New York Taxi and Limousine Commission solicited proposals for a more fuel efficient vehicle that could serve as New York taxis. Three finalists have been chosen.

January 3, 2011 - AutoBlogGreen

Taking New York City's Parks Through Tough Times

New York City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe talks with Next American City about the city's increased emphasis on creating active public spaces and how his department is handling budget cuts.

December 29, 2010 - Next American City

A Testing Ground for Affordable Housing Policy

Westchester County, a predominantly white and wealthy area of the New York City region, is trying out an array of techniques and zoning policies to ensure that its stock of affordable housing is dramatically increased in the coming years.

December 27, 2010 - The New York Times

The Challenge of Preserving Interiors

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission lists only 110 interiors worthy of preservation. This article in Metropolis says the challenge is the "temporal nature of interior spaces."

December 27, 2010 - Metropolis Magazine

What Do Good Public Spaces Look Like?

Deborah Marton, Executive Director of the Design Trust for Public Space, asks, "Obviously public space should be beautiful and well designed for circulation, but what else should it do?"

December 26, 2010 - Glass House Conversations

Niagara Falls, New York: The Epitome of Bad Urban Planning

An extensive piece in Bloomsburg BusinessWeek uncovers the bad ideas and worse decisions that led to the downfall of Niagara Falls, New York. Step one? Replacing the historic downtown with "a bunch of modernist follies."

December 25, 2010 - On Street Level

The Head of New York's Streets Revolution

Grist's Sarah Goodyear talks with New York City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan about her work in the city -- and what other cities can learn from it.

December 23, 2010 - Grist

High Line, Part Two

The next section of New York City's elevated linear park known as the High Line is expected to open next spring. The New York Times offers a preview.

December 21, 2010 - The New York Times

Walmart vs. New Yorkers

Walmart has met enormous opposition in its attempts to open stores in New York City in the past, but that isn't stopping the big box behemoth. The City Council is hearing new arguments this week.

December 14, 2010 - The International Herald Tribune

Outside Interests Spell Change for Harlem

An influx of chain stores and new development in Harlem has many residents worried about retaining the historical character of the nation's so-called "African American 'Main-Street.'" Not everybody minds the changes though.

December 14, 2010 - The Columbia Daily Spectator

Following the High Line

December 13, 2010 - Lynn Vande Stouwe

Bridge Tolls Critical Missing Part Of NY Transit Funding Package

The Post's transit reporter looks at the substantial MTA budget shortfall resulting in major service reductions and fare increases, but one MTA board member regrets the state senate's refusal to do away with the 'free ride' to Manhattan.

December 13, 2010 - New York Post

The Rise And Fall of Cities

Victor David Hanson uses a broad historical perspective to examine the causes of the rise and fall of former world cities. He argues that the computer driven, global age will accelerate the process of growth and decline.

December 11, 2010 - City Journal

Linking Infrastructure and Environmental Concerns

In a part of Staten Island largely developed before formal sewer systems were in place, the effort to address both logistics and environmental issues offers lessons for other urban areas.

December 9, 2010 - Urban Omnibus

New Prospect Park West Bike Lane Increases Road Capacity

New data show that a controversial bike lane in Brooklyn has allowed more people to use the street to get to work despite taking away one motor vehicle lane. And while dangerous speeding is down, so are travel times.

December 9, 2010 - Streetsblog

Park Funding Problems? Privatize

More parks in the U.S. should fight funding issues through privatization, writes John Stossel.

December 8, 2010 - Reason

Renewable Energy A'Plenty On New Ellis Island Ferry

Billed as the world's first hybrid ferry, the new ships will run on a combination of wind, solar and hydrogen power (and diesel in a pinch). Service begins in April 2011.

December 3, 2010 - Popular Science

Preserving Weeksville, The First Community of Free, Black Americans

Three buildings have survived from Weeksville, despite being located in bustling Brooklyn. A $32 million museum and community center will open next summer at the site.

December 2, 2010 - Fast Company

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.