Massachusetts
Easing Development Approval By Changing Zoning
Revised zoning laws in the town of Amesbury, Massachusetts, look to finally get some development on long-ignored land by making it easier for developers to gain approval from planners.
Boston Tries Its Hand At Artist Housing
A new development in Hyde Park aims to revitalize its business district by attracting artists who are being priced out of Boston's formerly affordable neighborhoods.
Boston Metro Plan Calls For Smart, Dense Growth
A new report from a metropolitan planning organization in Boston has outlined the severe land shortages that will face the growing area between now and 2030, and proposes a smart growth plan to preserve open space by growing densely.
Online Wiki Unveiled For Boston Bike Safety
In an effort to help Boston bikers ride safely, an online "wiki" has been unveiled that uses mapping software to identify the safest and most dangerous routes in the city.
Bill Would Allow Extra Units To Be Priced Affordably
The Boston suburb of Boxford is on the verge of approving a measure that would allow residents to rent extra housing space at state affordable housing prices. Boxford and other suburbs are looking to reduce their low stock of affordable housing.
The 30-Year Development Of Public Space
A small pedestrian alleyway in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that developed slowly over more than 30 years reminds that architecture's placemaking abilities are not only seen in huge projects and iconic buildings.
Governor Looks At Tax Solutions For Struggling Small Towns
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is pushing a plan to allow struggling communities to bring in more taxes from local businesses and to lower the amount of property taxes owners have to pay.
Rising Costs Of Big Dig Has State Looking For Deeper Pockets
Despite many claiming it has been completed, Boston's Big Dig continues to put a strain on the state budget. The latest estimates have the costs rising $333 million more than previously expected.
New Greenhouse Gas Rules For Massachusetts Developers
New rules have come into effect in Massachusetts that will require developers of large-scale projects to estimate and reduce their greenhouse gas production.
Thoreau's Walden May Become A Soccer Field
This report from NPR looks at a Massachusetts school's efforts to build soccer fields in part of the forest Henry David Thoreau wrote about in his book Walden.
Is The Worst Over For The Massachusetts Housing Market?
Market research shows that though buyers still have an advantage, the Massachusetts housing market will shows signs of stability over the next six to twelve months.
Bouncing Back After The Big Dig
After years in the dust of the Big Dig, Boston's North End is looking to bring in the tourists that have avoided the former construction zone for so long.
Officials Look To Increase Ridership By Posting More Bus Maps
Transit officials in Boston are hoping that a new program to install detailed bus maps at subway stations will increase ridership on the city's bus system by helping more people understand it.
Beantown's Housing Crunch
How the housing crisis -- from unaffordable housing and the subprime scandal -- is affecting Boston.
Boston's Brewery Housing
In Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood, modern condos are replacing Boston's oldest brewery buildings.
Harvard-Adjacent Neighborhood Holds On To Its Character
Even with the constant threat of Harvard's ongoing expansion and new attention from developers, the Riverside neighborhood of Cambridge, Massachusetts, still manages to preserve its quirky atmosphere and charm, though affordability has declined.
X-Rated Businesses Move Into Town With No Zoning
The prospect of X-rated businesses opening up near homes has residents of the Southern Massachusetts town of Berkley up in arms. With no zoning laws, the location of any new businesses depends on approval by a local governing board.
Proposed Improvements To Boston's Pedestrian Shopping Center
Plans have been proposed to expand downtown Boston's pedestrian-only shopping district with the hopes of improving the area's economic viability. Despite high pedestrian traffic, the shopping center has not been as successful as others in the city.
The Architecture of Light and Sound Comes to Logan Airport
An architect sculpts ever-changing atmospheres with light and recorded sound. Everything from jungle birds to ocean breezes to wind chimes enhance the experience of the built environment.
Massachusetts Historic Mill Cities Struggle For Job Growth
A new report highlights the struggles of historic mill cities in Massachusetts as they lose thousands of jobs and strain to attract high-tech industries.
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
