A local writer argues that development is putting the unique character of Palm Springs in peril by taking advantage of the city's Planned Development Districts.
Frank Tysen writes a scathing op-ed about an ongoing threat to the character of the city of Palm Springs: the Planned Development District (PDD). "The idea is to allow difficult to develop projects to proceed by providing some zoning concessions in exchange for clearly stated public benefits," writes Tysen. "Unfortunately, those benefits are usually very superficial and meaningless."
The consequence of the PDD in Palm Springs, according to Dysen, is a wave of new developers, "many from Orange County, who only see this city as a cash cow," because "We have basically become a town without zoning and planning."
Tysen supplies a list of the business and places that have disappeared from Palm Springs that he believes made the city unique. The solution to this encroachment of development, Tysen believes, is "to get the PDD monster under control."
FULL STORY: Is Palm Springs destined to become Orange County?
California Continues its Housing Policy Reinvention
It’s no longer business as usual in California when it comes to planning and developing housing.
How to Make NIMBYs Part of the Solution
A look at how to program social equity into the planning process, and balance NIMBY concerns with collective goals, by Howard Blackson, leader of AVRP SkyPort Studios Urban Design practice in San Diego.
The Theory of NIMBYism, Part 2
Homeowners' desire for more expensive land does not justify the "NIMBY veto" over new development.
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