In the quest for density and infill, preservationists often stand beside those who want static cities. But both preservation and density can be ideologies, and thoughtful land use demands a nuanced middle ground.
In a piece for MinnPost, Claire VanderEyk writes, "It seems the only time we hear about preservationists is when they are fighting with someone and they're often depicted as 'not in my backyard' fanatics. [...] As a preservationist, I think of our viewpoint more on the side of advocating for thoughtful land use."
There are varying degrees of concern for preservation. Not all buildings are historic and worth saving, but some are. The key may be to focus on the character of neighborhoods, both as they exist now and what they could evolve into. "This will give way to a new type of preservation that is less about saving individual buildings and more about planning for a city's evolution that supports growth and change while preserving what makes it special."
According to VanderEyk, "preservationists have a right to be a part of these conversations. We're not a nuisance, an afterthought or a 'nice to have' part of city planning. Our voice matters and should not be discounted solely based on a misconceived idea of who we are as group."
FULL STORY: Why preservationists are an integral part of — not an obstacle to — good city planning
Editorial Board: The Suburbs Need to Make Room for New Residents
Utah has generally made room for single-family homes in the past, but the Salt Lake Tribune thinks its time for new plans as the state faces demographic changes and worsening affordability.
How SB 827 'Cleaved the California Environmental Movement'
Even before the bill was defeated, it exposed a major generational divide between anti-development environmentalists and their pro-density, pro-housing heirs.
When Environmental Goals Collide
Using the movie titled "When Worlds Collide" as a metaphor, environmental attorney Richard Opper describes how environmental regulations can get in their own way to defeat density and infill development—and NIMBYs are not just residents.
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.
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