New York
BRT Hits NYC
New dedicated lanes and limited-stop buses have entered the transportation picture in New York City.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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?"
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Park Funding Problems? Privatize
More parks in the U.S. should fight funding issues through privatization, writes John Stossel.
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.
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.
Pagination
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.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
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