If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

The mall conversion trend is picking up steam around the country. Now, reports Stacy Wescoe in Central Penn Business Journal, a bill making its way through the Pennsylvania state legislature “would authorize cities, boroughs, incorporated towns and townships to provide developers special tax incentives for redeveloping languishing shopping malls.”
The bill, which heads to the state Senate, was introduced as a way to revitalize underutilized commercial space that seems increasingly unlikely to bounce back as consumer preferences and land use patterns change.
According to Wescoe, “The legislation would create a committee that would provide guidance for the redevelopment of shopping malls. This board would be composed of members with expertise in areas such as real estate development, municipal planning, economic development and land use planning.”
FULL STORY: Bill to aid in adaptive reuse of vacant mall space passes Pa. House

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.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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