Tag

Zoning

All articles tagged with #zoning

Supply Alone Won’t Solve America’s Housing Affordability Crisis
economy26 days ago

Supply Alone Won’t Solve America’s Housing Affordability Crisis

Trump’s housing approach is unlikely to fix the affordability crisis. The piece argues prices rise with incomes—especially among college-educated workers—so simply deregulating or freeing up zoning won’t rapidly bring rents and home prices down. Studies suggest adding housing stock could gradually ease prices, but at slow speeds (often decades in major cities), and even then would also raise land and construction costs. Rent control and other fixes have mixed outcomes, so broad, effective reform is more complex than cutting regulation alone.

politics27 days ago

ULURP sparks rare bipartisan moment between Trump and Mamdani on NYC housing reform

In private and public remarks, President Trump and NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani found surprising common ground on ULURP, the city’s land-use approval process, with Trump signaling support for reforms that could speed up development. The exchanges—rooted in Trump’s longstanding real-estate interests in New York—signal a potential, issue-focused opening for collaboration on housing in a city facing a severe affordability crisis, even as broader political disagreements persist.

Reviving Downtowns: The Return of Factories to Urban Areas
urban-development7 months ago

Reviving Downtowns: The Return of Factories to Urban Areas

Recent zoning reforms in various U.S. cities are enabling small-scale manufacturers like food producers, artisans, and craftspeople to return to urban neighborhoods, aiming to revitalize downtown areas, diversify local economies, and meet consumer demand for local, personalized products. These changes are part of a broader trend to recreate vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods reminiscent of earlier eras, though challenges such as rising rents and development pressures remain.

SpaceX's Starbase Faces Resident Property Rights and Community Challenges
world9 months ago

SpaceX's Starbase Faces Resident Property Rights and Community Challenges

The city of Starbase in Texas, home to SpaceX's launch site, is considering a zoning ordinance that could cause residents, mostly SpaceX employees, to lose access to their properties, as part of its development plans. The move aims to create a mixed-use space but has raised concerns about property rights and access to public beaches near launch sites, amid rapid growth and increased launch activity by SpaceX.

SpaceX's Starbase Faces Resident Property Rights Concerns Amid Zoning Disputes
world9 months ago

SpaceX's Starbase Faces Resident Property Rights Concerns Amid Zoning Disputes

Starbase, Texas, home to SpaceX and Elon Musk's ventures, is considering a new zoning ordinance that could strip some residents of their property rights, as the city plans to develop a mixed-use space aligned with Musk's vision. The move comes amid increased launch activity and local concerns over beach access and community impact, highlighting tensions between economic development and public interests.

NYC's 'City of Yes' Housing Plan Advances with $5B Boost and Compromises
politics1 year ago

NYC's 'City of Yes' Housing Plan Advances with $5B Boost and Compromises

The New York City Council has approved a modified version of Mayor Eric Adams' 'City of Yes' housing plan, which includes a $5 billion funding commitment. The plan aims to create 80,000 homes over 15 years, down from the original estimate of 109,000. Key changes include a tiered system for parking mandates, funding allocations for housing and infrastructure, and adjustments to accessory dwelling units and transit-oriented development. The plan will now go to the City Planning Commission before a full City Council vote on December 5.

"California Attorney General Backs Affordable Housing Makeover Amid Growing Opposition"
politics1 year ago

"California Attorney General Backs Affordable Housing Makeover Amid Growing Opposition"

California lawmakers are proposing legislation to reform the controversial "builder's remedy" housing law, aiming to provide clarity and rein in its use. The proposed overhaul includes new perks for developers, textual edits, and a provision to cap project sizes, while also prohibiting its use in industrial zoned areas. The bill is backed by Attorney General Rob Bonta and aims to provide clarity to local governments, planners, developers, and courts, while ensuring housing gets built in cities and counties that lack certified housing plans. The legislation is part of an effort to address legal ambiguities and concerns surrounding the builder's remedy, which has been a source of contention in California's housing politics.

"Disneyland's $1.9B Expansion Plan Clears Crucial Hurdle in Anaheim"
business2 years ago

"Disneyland's $1.9B Expansion Plan Clears Crucial Hurdle in Anaheim"

Disney's proposed theme park expansion plan in Anaheim, known as DisneylandForward, has been approved by the Anaheim Planning Commission, with the next step being City Council approval. The plan aims to revitalize the Anaheim resort with new attractions, theme parks, shops, restaurants, and parking, representing a $1.9 billion investment over the next decade. While some residents expressed concerns about employee wages and community impact, the project also includes commitments to affordable housing, street and transportation improvements, and sewer upgrades.

Massachusetts Towns Face Legal Battles Over MBTA Zoning Law Compliance
legal-housing2 years ago

Massachusetts Towns Face Legal Battles Over MBTA Zoning Law Compliance

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell is suing the town of Milton for rejecting the MBTA Communities law, which mandates zoning for more apartments and condos. The law requires communities served by the T to have at least one zoning district allowing multi-family housing. Milton's noncompliance led to the loss of a $140,000 grant, and the lawsuit seeks to compel the town to comply. Some residents opposed the plan due to concerns about traffic and autonomy in decision-making, while others emphasized the need to address the housing crisis.

"AG Campbell Sues Milton Over MBTA Housing Rejection"
legal-housing2 years ago

"AG Campbell Sues Milton Over MBTA Housing Rejection"

Attorney General Andrea Campbell filed a lawsuit against the town of Milton for failing to comply with a new state housing law, following the rejection of a plan by voters that would have allowed for more than 2,000 new housing units. The lawsuit seeks to compel the town to pass compliant zoning within three months and threatens fines or the appointment of a special master if the town fails to comply. The lawsuit represents a significant escalation in the state's efforts to enforce the housing law and could have far-reaching implications for other communities in the region.

Massachusetts Towns Face Legal Battles Over MBTA Housing Laws
regional-politics2 years ago

Massachusetts Towns Face Legal Battles Over MBTA Housing Laws

The town of Wrentham in Massachusetts is considering opposing the new MBTA Communities Law, which mandates communities near MBTA stations to allow more affordable housing. Wrentham officials will vote on sending letters of opposition to Governor Maura Healey. The law aims to facilitate the construction of multi-family housing in communities with T service, but some towns are pushing back against the density requirements.

Massachusetts Governor Revokes Milton Grant Over MBTA Housing Law Rejection
politics2 years ago

Massachusetts Governor Revokes Milton Grant Over MBTA Housing Law Rejection

The Healey administration has revoked state grant funding for Milton, Massachusetts, due to the town's noncompliance with the state's MBTA Communities Law, following the rejection of a zoning change that would have allowed for the addition of 2,500 housing units. This decision means Milton will lose out on grant opportunities and face a competitive disadvantage for state funding. State officials have expressed disappointment and threatened legal action, emphasizing the mandatory nature of compliance with the law.

Milton Residents Reject Multifamily Housing Plans
politics2 years ago

Milton Residents Reject Multifamily Housing Plans

Voters in Milton, Massachusetts rejected a state-mandated zoning plan that would have allowed for the construction of up to 2,400 new homes in the town, highlighting a sharp divide among residents. The plan, aimed at addressing the housing crisis in Greater Boston, was opposed by many who felt it would unfairly burden certain neighborhoods and lead to increased traffic. The rejection has raised questions about compliance with the state's housing law and sparked debate about the role of government in local zoning decisions.