New York
Big Changes, Additions for Citi Bike
Big changes are taking place at Citi Bike as the Big Apple looks to improve on its earliest efforts at bikeshare.
The MTA Released an RFP for TOD—What Happened Next Will Make you OMG
A true tale of two press releases, separated by more than five years.
Pricey AirTrain To Oakland Airport Proves Popular with Riders
The eight-minute elevated, driverless tram costs twice as much as the AirBus shuttle it replaced, which riders aren't happy about, but you wouldn't know it from the ridership numbers. The new connector service opened just over four months ago.
Diversity Leads to Tranquility in Astoria, Queens
The community was long known as predominantly Greek and Italian, but tensions existed with the African-American community. As whites moved to the suburbs, they were replaced with a "poly-glot mix" without the tensions. Next challenge: gentrification.
Grassroots Activists Take On Evictions, Displacement
On the ground, combating gentrification means putting a stop to cost-driven displacement and evictions. Grassroots organizations in some of the hardest-hit cities have dedicated themselves to that task.
New York Will Phase Out C Train 'Brightliners' By 2017
Once the subway's pride, R-32 'Brightliner' trains that operate on the C line will soon disappear from service. Mid-century promo videos notwithstanding, the line's rolling stock was in dire need of an update.
Op-Ed: Time to Take Planning Power Back from Communities
In light of the current housing crisis, argues Stephen Smith, the community-based land use controls created as a response to urban renewal policies of the 20th century should be for forfeited to more development friendly political forces.
The Huge Potential for Passive Buildings in the Big Apple
In NYC, unlike most areas in the United States, buildings, rather than transportation, are the major source of carbon emissions. Passive buildings, with their negligible heating and cooling costs, could help meet carbon reduction goals.
Weisbrod Op-Ed Makes the Case for Proposed Zoning Changes
An op-ed by Carol Weisbrod, chairman of the NYC Planning Commission, makes the case for the de Blasio Administration's zoning policy as the key mechanism in its housing policy.
Buffalo: Retrofitting a Rust Belt Capital
Author Catherine Tumbler writes on how this Rust Belt city on Lake Erie is attempting to capitalize on its past, reverse its mistakes, and build a greener economy.
Mental Maps Yield to GPS for Taxi Drivers
In the old days, every taxi driver in New York City was required to prove at least a basic working knowledge of the city's streets and landmarks. A new licensing exam does away with geography, assuming that taxis will rely on GPS.
On a Potential Mile-High Skyscraper
A New York magazine article examines the idea of the mile-high skyscraper. Once imagined by Frank Lloyd Wright but impossible to build, the idea is not science fiction anymore.
Planning for Climate Change on the Shores of the Great Lakes
Two academic researchers explain the planning and landscape architecture opportunities offered by the "dramatic fluctuations" and "emergent shorelands" of the Great Lakes Coasts.
New York Unlikely to Receive Federal Support in Solving Housing Crisis
Crain's New York Business examines recent statements by New York Planning Commission Chair Carl Weisbrod about the need for federal support if New York is to hit its affordable housing targets.
Groundbreaking for 'Plaza De Las Americas' Public Market Space in New York
New York City broke ground recently on the Plaza de Las Americas—a designed public space that will support market uses and pedestrian activity while replacing an existing roadway in the Washington Heights neighborhood.
North Carolina Struggles to Prevent Deep Gas Tax Cut
The News & Observer's "road worrier" (not a typo!), Bruce Siceloff, provides ongoing coverage of the sad saga of North Carolina's gas tax, set to be adjusted downwards by statute.
New York Subway Fares Jump to $2.75 Today
The $2.50 subway fare is set to rise by a quarter, but will service improve? This New York Times article focuses on problems plaguing the 110-year-old New York subway (second oldest after Boston's), but fares are increasing for all MTA services.
Uber Cars Now Outnumber Yellow Taxis in New York City
Looking for evidence of the new world order? Here's some from New York City: Uber cars now outnumber yellow-cabs.
'Brooklyn Strand' Designed to Connect Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights
A vision concept called the Brooklyn Strand would create a more integrated and connected system of pedestrian and green spaces. Can local stakeholders convince the city to support the project?
Estimated Cost of Fixing the Port Authority Bus Terminal: $10 Billion
For those keeping track at home, the Port Authority report that estimated the cost of a new bus terminal in Midtown came in at ten times the original estimate a year ago.
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
