A new solution for vacant lots in blighted neighborhood works in Philadelphia.
"The massive task requires a whole new approach to urban greening, Groman said. The community "pocket" parks of the 1960s and '70s were too expensive and rarely maintained. Community gardens are nice but require too much attention.Philadelphia Green's answer is simple and cheap. It clears lots, plants grass, and stabs a few tree saplings around the perimeter. Lucky lots get split-rail fences. It has the naked, barren look of a new suburban development. But in the city, it works. Neighbors buy the lots as side yards. Developers suddenly see the site has potential."
Thanks to Kurt Paulsen
FULL STORY: A simple plan to greener, cleaner urban lots

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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
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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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service