The planning approvals process took a black eye in Boston last year, when a bribery scandal sent a Boston Planning and Development Agency staffer to jail.
Tim Logan and Milton J. Valencia report: "Six months after a bribery scandal rocked Boston’s Zoning Board of Appeal, Mayor Martin J. Walsh on Monday detailed changes that he hopes will prevent such an incident from happening again."
The changes, implemented by way of executive order, "strengthen conflict-of-interest and financial disclosure rules for the seven-member board, which governs small and midsize development projects across the city," according to Logan and Valencia. The mayor promised continue to push for additional reforms that will require state approval.
"The move comes following the revelation in August that a veteran City Hall aide — then-Planning & Development Agency staffer John Lynch — took bribes from a developer to influence a project before the ZBA. Lynch pleaded guilty and was sentenced in January to 40 months in federal prison."
FULL STORY: Following bribery scandal, Walsh revamps zoning board policies
L.A. Officials Wrestle With Future of Projects Approved in Corruption Case
Some high-profile projects, including a 77-story tower, hang in the balance of a federal corruption case, but it's unclear whether Los Angeles can undo the approvals, whether they were achieved through bribes or not.
Boston Gets a New Planning Department
After 67 years since its formation, the Boston Planning and Development Agency is no more.
Zoning Board of Appeals Overhaul One Step Toward Approval Process Reform in Boston
Mayor Wu recently overhauled the makeup of Boston’s Zoning Board of Appeals, but bigger changes will be necessary to depoliticize the city’s development approvals process.
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National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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