All articles tagged with #land development
Originally Published 13 days ago — by BBC
A real estate developer in Gainesboro, Tennessee, is creating a community marketed to right-wing values, attracting controversial Christian nationalist tenants whose extreme views have sparked local resistance and national attention, highlighting broader political battles over ideology in rural America.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by The New York Times
The Trump administration announced plans to revoke the 2001 roadless rule, opening 58 million acres of national forests to road construction and development, arguing that the regulation was outdated and restrictive, thus allowing more resource management flexibility.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CBS Sports
The Baltimore Orioles and the City of Baltimore have encountered another obstacle in their lease agreement negotiations, as Governor Wes Moore has "paused" the agreement due to concerns raised by State Senate President Bill Ferguson. Ferguson objected to a provision that would grant the Orioles franchise owners, the Angelos family, developmental rights on state-owned property around Camden Yards. This development comes amidst uncertainties about the future ownership of the team, including recent talks of a potential sale to private equity entity David Rubenstein. The Orioles have faced ownership and location-related questions in recent years, and the team is coming off a successful season on the field.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CBS News
The western gray squirrel population in Washington state has been reclassified as endangered due to climate change and land development, with the species now "seriously threatened with extinction." Despite a recovery plan implemented in 2007, the squirrels' primary habitat has declined by over 20%, and there are now only three isolated populations remaining. Climate change, including increasing wildfires and warmer temperatures, is a major factor in their decline. This reclassification highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species in the face of environmental challenges.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by POLITICO
California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed curiosity about the controversial "California Forever" project, a plan by prominent tech investors to develop a new city in farmland outside San Francisco. Newsom criticized the secretive rollout of the proposal and plans to meet with representatives of the development to learn more. The success of the project, which faces challenges due to local land use laws, environmental regulations, and public skepticism, may depend on the governor's support. The investors, including prominent figures from Silicon Valley, have acquired 50,000 acres for the development. However, their acquisition methods and lack of transparency have raised doubts and mistrust among the public and political leaders.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NBC News
Residents of Maui are rallying behind Kaleo Manuel, a top water official who was reassigned after wildfires devastated the area, claiming he is being scapegoated. A land developer accused the water commission, of which Manuel was a member, of delaying additional water resources during the fires. However, Manuel's advocates question the accuracy of the claim and the motives behind it. Native Hawaiians, including taro farmers, are demanding Manuel's reinstatement, arguing that the developer is using the fires as an excuse to tap into their streams. The cascade of decisions and statements from government officials has alarmed and angered farmers and activists, who contest the argument that water diversion could have helped fight the fires. Two Maui residents have sued the Commission on Water Resource Management, seeking to reverse Manuel's reassignment.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Washington Post
Native Hawaiians in Maui are engaged in a long-standing battle over water rights, with recent wildfires intensifying the conflict. Developers and government officials argue that water needs to flow more freely for fire protection, while Native Hawaiians emphasize the importance of water for cultural and agricultural purposes. The aftermath of the deadly Lahaina fire has led to accusations of scapegoating, with the government seeking to relax stream flow limits and developers requesting water to fill reservoirs. The dispute highlights the struggle to restore a less-flammable landscape that was destroyed by plantation farming, and the increasing vulnerability to wildfires due to climate change. The ongoing demand for housing and development in fire-prone areas further complicates the issue.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Hawaii News Now
Two Maui residents have filed a lawsuit against the state Land Board chair over the reassignment of the state executive responsible for regulating surface water on Maui. The lawsuit alleges that pressure from developers led to the removal of Kaleo Manuel, who was relieved of his duties after a landowner complained that he withheld permission to recharge reservoirs during the Lahaina wildfire. Environmental and water rights advocates argue that only the water commission should have the authority to decide who acts as its chief regulator. The Land Department has not provided an explanation for the decision.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNN
A 93-year-old woman, Josephine Wright, is embroiled in a legal battle over her family's land on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with a property developer seeking to build a residential development next door. The developer filed a lawsuit claiming that Wright's structures were encroaching on their land and causing delays. Wright filed a counterclaim, accusing the developer of intimidation and harassment. The case highlights the historic expropriation of Black-owned land, and Wright hopes her fight will inspire other Black landowners to defend their property. Celebrities, including Kyrie Irving and Tyler Perry, have shown support for her cause.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Yahoo Finance
Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis are in a legal battle over the use of land surrounding Walt Disney World, with both sides seeking jurisdiction where their arguments have the best chance of victory. Disney is arguing before a federal judge, while DeSantis is pursuing claims before a state judge. The dispute began when Disney opposed a parental rights bill in Florida, and the state passed a series of bills that stripped the company of power it held for 55 years to self-govern a special tax district home to its world-famous resort and roughly 25,000 acres surrounding it.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by ABC News
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' appointees to Disney World's governing board are seeking to expand their authority over land development decisions for the 27,000 acres that make up Walt Disney World, including two Disney-controlled cities in the district. This comes after their Disney-controlled predecessors abdicated most powers to the company. The proposal is likely to lead to legal tussles between the new board and Disney. The new supervisors replaced a board controlled by Disney for the previous 55 years, which operated as the Reedy Creek Improvement District.