After many, many, many failures-to-launch, Auckland may finally be taking its waterfront seriously. A series of articles in The New Zealand Herald explores the waterfront's disappointing past and promising future.
Waterfront redevelopment has been a hot topic for decades in urban planning and development, and recently on the pages of Planetizen (see Washington, D.C., Seattle, Toronto, Manhattan, and even Lagos). With one of the most scenic urban waterfronts in the world, Auckland is hoping to join the above list. Despite a laundry list of failed developments and propositions, the city is finally looking to take its waterfront seriously. "'The waterfront is ready. It has been forever,' said Auckland Architecture Association spokesman Adam Mercer," reports The New Zealand Herald's Michael Dickison.
"What was required to create a vibrant waterfront was a long-term directive pushing activity to the harbour edge - something Auckland has only recently started to take seriously," [Mercer] said. "Auckland must continue to find the courage to let good architecture and urban design take the stage.'"
FULL STORY: City has a history of missing the boat

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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