Law

Urban law issues

Federal transit funding is threatened

The House Ways and Means Committee would kick transit out of the Highway Trust Fund, jeopardizing its financial backing.

Posted by Philip Langdon on 03 Feb 2012

NY traffic deaths hit historic low

"Neighborhood slow zones," bike lanes, and pedestrian crossing countdown signals have helped reduce fatalities to the lowest in a century.

Posted by Philip Langdon on 30 Dec 2011

Bigger tax break for motorists than transit riders

Unless Congress acts by Dec. 31, workers will get a bigger tax benefit for parking expenses than for taking the bus or train to their jobs.

Facilities for pedestrians survive Senate vote

The US Senate rejects a proposal to shift funds from "transportation enhancements" such as pedestrian facilities to bridge repair.

Posted by Philip Langdon on 01 Nov 2011

Big-box input from community associations?

Montgomery County, Maryland, is considering requiring big-box retailers to negotiate with civic organizations before opening a store.

Despite social media, protesters still need a physical place

The protest movement in Zucotti Park shows how essential a civic gathering place is, says the new architecture critic of The New York Times.

How Occupy Wall Street will decide privately owned public space law

The movement established camp in Zucotti Park, a privately owned public open space in New York, much to the chagrin of Brookfield Properties Inc.

Menendez introduces Livable Communities bill

New Jersey Democrat calls for restoring funding for HUD's Office of Sustainable Housing and communities and other programs.

The bitter fruits of the Kelo case

A State Supreme Court justice says he would not have upheld use of eminent domain in the controversial New London, Connecticut, case if he'd known more.

Posted by Philip Langdon on 21 Sep 2011

Good news and bad on federal funding

Continued federal funding for HUD's Sustainable Communities planning grants wins praise, but elimination of money for high-speed rail causes disappointment.

Posted by Philip Langdon on 20 Sep 2011

Law