In Maine, a group of residents are hoping to start a new community based on the principles of urban design advocated by Nathan Lewis at New World Economics and J.H. Crawford at Carfree.com. The group, led by Tracy Gayton, is hoping to attract enough individual investors to buy 125 acres of land … [Read more...]
“Upzoning means up yours!” Links
1. The title quote comes from this gem of an LA Weekly article about proposed changes to Hollywood's zoning code which would allow for taller buildings and denser development. According to the Weekly, "For decades, zoning that governs height and size has preserved thousands of affordable, low-slung, … [Read more...]
Market Urbanism Flickr Group
Small streets are all over urban planning blogs right now. Nathan Lewis at New World Economics is leading the way with beautiful images of really narrow streets along with Charlie Gardner at Old Urbanist, Small Streets, and Cap'n Transit. They have all compiled photographs of pedestrian-centric … [Read more...]
“Battle for Brooklyn” playing this weekend. Meetup?
For readers in the DC area, the movie Battle for Brooklyn is playing at the Dome Theater in Arlington this weekend. The film explores eminent domain in the Forest City Ratner development at Atlantic Yards. It will be playing Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with a Q&A with the directors Michael … [Read more...]
The Coase Theorem in Land Use
On a recent post about property rights in the land market, commenter David Sucher brought up the issue of transaction costs. He commented here and at his blog City Comforts: The "least intrusive means" should be always kept in mind. The only issue for me is the huge transaction costs which, I … [Read more...]
NYC Taxi Reform Doesn’t Go Far Enough
This post originally appeared at Neighborhood Effects, a Mercatus Center blog where we write about the economics of state and local policy.Next week, New York Governor Cuomo is likely to sign a bill that will marginally increase competition in the NYC cab market. The new rule will allow … [Read more...]
Tea Partying at Planning Meetings
At the Atlantic Cities, Anthony Flint writes on recent Tea Party activism in urban development arena. Tea Party groups across the country have spoken out against all manner of urbanist plans, from CAHSR to Smart Growth in Florida. Flint opines: What’s driving the rebellion is a view that government … [Read more...]
Two Notes
1) Commenter Mike Chlanda: I've randomly picked you to receive my copy of The Heights. Please email me at [email protected] with your shipping information so that I can send it to you. Thanks all for your interest in the book.2) Russ Roberts gave a fantastic and humbling talk at the … [Read more...]