Market Urbanism MUsings: Feb 5, 2016

1. This week at Market Urbanism:

Nolan Gray‘s second article at Market Urbanism:  Return to Sender: Housing affordability and the shipping container non-solution

the belief that these projects could address the growing affordability crisis hints at a profound misunderstanding of the nature of the problem and distracts policymakers from viable solutions.

2. Where’s Scott?:

Scott Beyer is spending Friday in Mobile, AL, to celebrate Mardi Gras where it was invented. His article this week was at Forbes:  Washington, DC Reformed Its Zoning Code; Now Time To Ditch The Height Limits

The DC zoning code changes are a testament to this growing consensus favoring deregulation. If it can happen in America’s center of governance, it means similar zoning overhauls may be awaiting other cities.

3. At the Market Urbanism Facebook Group:

Alex Tabarrok of Marginal Revolution‘s Quora response to “What do economists think about buying vs renting a house?” via Nolan Gray

It’s Superbowl Weekend, and John Morris had coffee with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist, Brian O’Neill to explain why he wants to ‘Tear down Heinz Field’ (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Krishan Madan informed us that Cincinnati Built a Subway System 100 Years Ago–BUT NEVER USED IT

Sandy Ikeda shared a Guardian piece on the role of cities in shaping musical genres

Speaking of music, let’s all sing the “Monorail Song” with Nolan Gray

4. Elsewhere:

Alon Levy, Pedestrian Observations:  Why Costs Matter

Joe Cortwright at City Observatory:  Don’t demonize driving—just stop subsidizing it

Justin Fox: Why parking your car for free is actually expensive (h/t Donald Shoup) see this too

Floating cities in Tokyo Bay??  (h/t Jeff Wood)

RIP Bob Elliott:  Bob and Ray on Urban Planning  (h/t Michael Strong)

Chicago may eliminate the Clybourn Planned Manufacturing District.  A move Adam Hengels called for in 2014.

5. Stephen Smith‘s Tweet of the Week:

SF & NYC’s experiences w/density bonuses/mandatory IZ suggest to me that urbanists are naïve to think that aff hsg will buy upzoning support

— Market Urbanism (@MarketUrbanism) January 30, 2016