Regular reader, Bill forwarded this article from the New York Daily News calling it an "outstanding collection of anti-density and anti-market propaganda presented (as always) as objective journalism." The article is riddled with misconceptions (aka Urbanism Legends) about zoning and development … [Read more...]
Urban[ism] Legend: Zoning Creates Density
This post will be the first of many of an ongoing feature at Market Urbanism entitled Urbanism Legends. (a play on the term: "Urban Legends" in case you didn't catch that) In many public forums and in the blogosphere, I consistently encounter myths about land development and Urban Economics. These … [Read more...]
Demographics + Transportation Costs + Lower Crime = More Urbanization
WSJ: Suburbs a Mile Too Far for Some Demographic Changes, High Gasoline Prices May Hasten Demand for Urban LivingMessrs. Boseman and Wells embody trends that are dovetailing to potentially reshape a half-century-long pattern of how and where Americans live: The drivable suburb -- that bedrock … [Read more...]
EcoDensity: Scary Name, but Not-so-Bad
Vancouver's City Council has approved an "EcoDensity" policy.How is EcoDensity different from regular density, which already comes pre-equipped with environmental benefits?Well, its just an environmental-sounding catch-prefix and comes with less bureaucracy for green … [Read more...]
Carroll Gardens, Choose Only One: Setback or Height Restriction?
NY Times - Carroll Gardens: The Big Front Yards That Rob the StreetsAlthough the yards serve as leafy margins to the streets, creating ample open space between the rows of brownstones arrayed on either side, they also put those streets into the “wide” category for zoning purposes. This means … [Read more...]
Over 200 Illegal Hotel Buildings in NYC
From AMNY: Report: 200 illegal hotels exist in the cityThere are more than 200 apartment buildings in the city that have been illegally converted to hotels, according to a report released Sunday, significantly reducing the number of rent-stabilized units available. ... Illegal hotel operators … [Read more...]
Rent Control Part 4: Conclusion and Solutions
Welcome to the final post in the series discussing the consequences of rent control. Thank you to the subscribers who have patiently awaited each new post. I hope everyone found it enlightening. If you haven't read the entire series, you can catch up with these links: Rent Control Part One: … [Read more...]
Watch as “Expediters” Become Scapegoats of Corruption and Incompetence
It's easier to look at the symptom: corruption, than treat the disease: government over-regulation:Chicago Tribune: Role of expediters under scrutiny as federal probe targets City Hall corruptionThe unsung and highly specialized role these private individuals play in the workings of city … [Read more...]