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		Farmers can swap carbons Illinois is the first state to offer its farmers and other landowners the opportunity to earn and sell greenhouse-gas emission credits by adopting various conservation practices such as no-till and strip-tilling of crops. The nonprofit Delta Institute manages the emission credits and trades them on the Chicago Climate Exchange for up to $2 a ton. THE COURIER, January 28, 2006 IIl. Dept. of Agriculture introduces agrichemical containment program This plan addresses two emerging issues threatening to impact the effectiveness of the Agrichemical Facility Containment Initiative, First, state agrichemical facilities are starting to show their age. Second, management turnover since the inception of our program has created a need to review its history, purpose and rules with current facility employees. Clinton Daily Journal, February, 2006 Change in property assessments could hit rural landowners In some rural counties, wooded land has been valued too low for more than two decades. Assessors have not followed a 1980 change in valuation rules. A group of downstate legislators are forming a bill that would assess wooded land based on the lesser of the two amounts: the value of the timber it could produce or an assigned value of $500/acre. Daily Chronicle, Jan 18 2006 (click here for a follow-up)

	Developer eyes subdivision near Edwardsville (Madison County, Illinois) The Telegraph, January 17, 2006 O'Fallon to get new condo complex (O'Fallon, Illinois) Construction set to begin this week Belleville News Democrat, Jan 17, 2006 New firm could take over building Robinson Farms (Cortland, Illinois) The original plan called for 192 apartment units and 92 duplexes. A new firm wants to take over and change the plan to a traditional neighborhood design. Two- and three-bedroom homes with a front yard and a two-car garage in the back facing the alley. The homes are expected to average $130,000. Daily Chronicle, Jan 18 2006 Cortland commission forwards Robinson Farm plan to board (Cortland, Illinois) Daily Chronicle, Feb 7 2006 Rec complex sparks growth for southern Illinois town (Marissa, Illinois) Clinton Daily Journal, January 18, 2006 City officials put wheels of economic development in motion (Canton, Illinois) Canton City Council set the wheels in motion for economic development as they approved the concept of the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development with a unanimous vote on Tuesday. The Daily Ledger, January 18, 2006 Facts sheets in works on proposed Caledonia subdivision (Caledonia, Illinois) Village leaders are putting together a facts sheet to distribute as they delay action on the Caledonia Crossings subdivision that has ignited this community of 200. Caledonia Crossings would add hundreds of homes, and sewer, water and commercial development to the village. The proposal has drawn the ire of many residents and board members who fear the growth is too much, too fast. The Register-Mail, February 17, 2006 Mayor set to expand developer density bonuses (Chicago, Illinois) Chicago Sun-Times, February 1, 2006 (as posted on APA) Ankrom: Zoning is key to ethanol project (Pike County, Illinois) The manager of the Western Illinois Ethanol Project is proposing an enterprise zone as part of his proposed $100 million ethanol plant near Griggsville, in Pike County. Quincy Hearld-Whig, January 18, 2006 Arverne By The Sea Wins National Awards (Arverne, NY) Arverne by the Sea earns four awards in “The 2006 Nationals” by the National Association of Homebuilders. This is a 127-acre, that will consist of 2300 homes set alongside the Atlantic Ocean. As part of the Urban Renewal Program in the Rockaways, the community will also include a 30,000 sq ft YMCA community center, retail space, a refurbished subway station, a planned marina, and an abundance of neighborhood parks and natural preserves. Entire county seeing new developments (Sycamore, Illinois) The DeKalb County Economic Development Corp.'s 15th annual State of the County presentation highlighted the fact that almost every community in DeKalb County is seeing some form of new development at its outskirts or reinvestment in its downtown. Daily Chronicle, February 1, 2006 FedEx center approved (Zion, Illinois) The Zion City Council unanimously approved FedEx as the first development in Trumpet Park, the city's new industrial site. The News Sun, February 8, 2006 Antioch goes out for bids (Antioch, Illinois) TIF money to fund streetscape project The News Sun, February 8, 2006 Subdivision gets New Lenox boost (New Lenox, Illinois) Prairie Meadows: Panel supports Manhattan Township plan Hearld News, February 29, 2006 Joliet OKs annexation along U.S. 30 (Joliet, Illinois) Retail development: Traffic changes promised to ease residents' concerns Hearld News, February 8, 2006 Builder battles request (Joliet, Illinois) Joliet wants association: Group not needed for all Cumberland owners, John Leach argues Hearld News, February 7, 2006 ONE-FIFTH OF THE NATION: AMERICA'S FIRST SUBURBS Neither fully urban nor completely suburban, America's older, inner-ring, 'first' suburbs have a set of challenges very different from those of the center city and fast growing newer places, according to a new Brookings Institution report. The Brookings Institution, Feb 16 2006 (as posted on Planetizen) CLINTON, KATZ COMMENT ON 'FIRST SUBURB' REPORT The nation's older, inner-ring 'first suburbs' are often bypassed by policies that direct government assistance elsewhere, as discussed by Senator Hillary Clinton and Bruce Katz of the Brookings Institution. CNN, Feb 16 2006 Freight House development still has pulse (Davenport, Iowa) Plans to turn part of Davenport’s riverfront Freight House complex into a public market received new life Wednesday afternoon after an apparent contact involving a developer who would participate in the project. Public comments follow the article. Ouad-City Times, February 23, 2006


	Railroad line laid tracks for good part of Boone’s heritage (Belevidere, Illinois) The new train stop in Elburn resembles how Belvidere began to grow almost 170 years ago. In a bit of irony, Belvidere Mayor Fred Brereton is leading the effort to bring a commuter rail stop to downtown Belvidere, and possibly another near I-90 and the DaimlerChrysler plant on U.S. 20. In this day and age of modern transportation, we look once again to trains. Rockford Register Star, February 9, 2006 Added trains, stations lure thousands to Metra Thousands more commuters are taking the Southwest and North Central service lines now that Metra has added stations and is running more trains on those routes Chicago Tribune, February 20, 2006


	'Shield' for property owners (Columbia, South Carolina) Bill would restrict eminent domain The Post and Courier, February 15, 2006 (as posted on APA) Land-seizure bills advance (Richmond, Virginia) Richmond Times - Dispatch, February 15, 2006 (as posted on APA) Eminent domain battle heats up Iowa is among states considering limits on power to take property Telegraph Herald, February 13, 2006 (as posted on APA)


	Ankrom: Zoning is key to ethanol project (Pike County, Illinois) The manager of the Western Illinois Ethanol Project is proposing an enterprise zone as part of his proposed $100 million ethanol plant near Griggsville, in Pike County. Quincy Hearld-Whig, January 18, 2006 Technology used to process corn, clean air (Rockford, Illinois) As opponents and backers of a proposed ethanol plant near southwest Rockford brace for a bitter row over the $144 million Wight Lightning project, technical terms have begun to fly. But what really goes on inside an ethanol plant, and what is the effect on people who live in the area? ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR, January 10, 2006 Ethanol plan moves ahead (Rockford, Illinois) Schaumburg-based Wight Partners has filed a new application with Winnebago County to rezone nearly 60 acres from agricultural to heavy industrial to accommodate an ethanol plant. ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR, February 9, 2006 State and corn growers sponsor ethanol workshop (Bloomington, Illinois) The rapid growth of the ethanol industry has created many questions about siting, construction permits, grants, financing, and the use of different fuel sources. The IEPA teamed up with the Illinois Corn Growers Association, to host a workshop to address these issues. Clinton Daily Journal, February 2006 Vilsack: Lawmakers could miss ethanol opportunity IOWA Legislators are considering the creation of a fuel standard — a long-term requirement that renewable motor fuels make up a certain percentage of what Iowans burn in their cars, trucks and other vehicles. Quad-City Times, February 23, 2006


	Man wants to save historic bridge (Edwardsville, Illinois) An old railroad bridge turned bike trail that spanned over Route 66 is scheduled to be demolished. A local man is leading the effort to save it. Edwardsville Intelligencer, Jan 18, 2006 Church, tower razing sought by developer (Chicago, Illinois) Christian Science leaders reject plan for redevelopment of their Wacker Drive church. Developer is trying to create a buzz in order to sway opinions. Chicago Tribune, February 17, 2006 Proposal would expand historic brewery district (Quincy, Illinois) Quincy Hearld-Whig, Feb. 10


	Struggle to keep shelter Thousands living in hotels since Katrina must find housing as FEMA ends subsidies. Newsday, February 14, 2006 (as posted on APA) Katrina in numbers: the dead, the displaced, the damage More than 1,300 people killed. 2,163 still missing. Most costly natural disaster in US history. 275,000 homes destroyed. Insurance companies will pay out $34.4 billion in claims to 1.75 million victims. About 1/3 of New Orleans residents have returned. $522M paid by US to accommodate displaced families in hotels. 15% of the 117 public schools in New Orleans have reopened. Deutsche Presse-Agentur, February 16, 2006 (as posted on APA) Planner raps FEMA trailers Andres Duany suggested that FEMA, instead of tying itself to trailers, be willing to pay the $70,000 it now pays for trailers to have any builder who can quickly deliver a place to live put up safe houses for displaced people. The Advocate, Acadiana Edition, February 16, 2006 (as posted on APA) Louisiana Recovery and Rebuilding Conference New Orleans, November 10-12, 2005 The conference was presented by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), in collaboration with the American Planning Association (APA) and co-sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). (as posted on APA) APA's Response to the Devastation from Hurricane Katrina


	Man aims to beat IDOT to airport site (Will County, Illinois) Potential conflict?: Land is in footprint of the proposed Peotone airport Hearld News, February 7, 2006 Airports rebuffed in bid for subsidy A bid from downstate airports to launch daily air service to Chicago’s Midway Airport from Decatur, Marion and Quincy has hit some turbulence. During meeting, lawmakers said doling out $3.3M to the three facilities might anger airport officials in six other communities, including the Quad-Cities, Bloomington-Normal and Carbondale. Quad-City Times, February 11, 2006 Suburban O'Hare Commission Modernization O'Hare Gary Chicago Airport Master Plan


	County discusses fees to brace for development (Chicago, Illinois) La Salle County has introduced its voluntary transitional development fees ordinance. If approved, developers will have to prove in writing, before the development committee approves building permits that they contacted each taxing district within the site of the proposed development and offered to pay the fees based on the calculation method. News Tribune, February 10, 2006 Boone again eyes higher home fees (Boone County, Illinois) Boone County is considering raising fees it charges developers by about 25 percent to offset the cost of rapid growth. If adopted, impact fees would be more than $5,250 for every new four-bedroom home built in Boone County. Fees in neighboring communities are also discussed. Rockford Register Star, February 9, 2006


	Feasibility study asks, 'Should we build?' (Lincoln, Illinois) The Lincoln Area YMCA is conducting a feasibility study to help determine whether to build a permanent home for the Y, and, if so, whether the community would support a facility. THE COURIER, January 28, 2006 Coyotes on the prowl in the city (Chicago, Illinois) John Ruberry enjoys his daily jog through Chicago's tree-filled parks. But he doesn't like the half dozen coyotes he's had to run around in the last few years. The Sun Times, February 19, 2006 New bicycling park part of river project (Batavia, Illinois) After 5 years of work, the Batavia Park District plans to start work this spring on a $400,000 face-lift for Clark Island and nearby areas that will include a bicycle motocross park, wheelchair-friendly fishing platforms and lights for a baseball field. Chicago Tribune, February 24, 2006

The News Sun, February 8, 2006


	Navy Pier 10 years later (Chicago, Illinois) What's working, what's not and what's next Critics and clout aside, fans say pier lives up to its promise Chicago Tribune, August 28, 2005 Navy Pier redo in the works (Chicago, Illinois) Hotel, marina and more among the possibilities Chicago Crain's, October 17, 2005 Makeover floated for Navy Pier (Chicago, Illinois) Water park, hotel, bigger Ferris wheel among proposals Chicago Tribune, January 6, 2006 Navy Pier's cheesy makeover plan is full of holes (Chicago, Illinois) Chicago Tribune, Jan 22, 2006


	NY firm picked to develop RTA's strategic plan (Chicago, Illinois) The Regional Transportation Authority last week authorized hiring a consultant to devise a new strategic plan for integrating the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace. The last strategic plan was authored 10 years ago. Chicago Tribune, January 20, 2006 2006 marks the 50th anniversary of the interstate highway system. The Illinois Department of Transportation will participate in a ceremonial convoy later this summer on Interstate 80 near Ottawa. Daily Southtown, January 26, 2006 (for original article click here) I-GO, the car cooperative in Chicago, is expanding to the Illinois Institute of Technology campus in Chicago's Bridgeport community. Members in I-GO share cars stored in 20 different neighborhoods. The cars, typically Hondas, cost $6 an hour, with no charge for gas, insurance, parking and maintenance. For more information, visit http://www.igocars.com or call (773) 278-4446. Daily Southtown, Feburary 9, 2006 (for original article click here) CTA riders soon can track buses on Web (Chicago, Illinois) Chicago Sun Times, January 31, 2006 (as posted on APA) Kane County approves roundabout engineering (Kane County, Illinois) Kane County will pursue reviewing roundabouts instead of traditional intersections in some developments. Beacon News, February 17, 2006 South Shore line to test wireless service (Chicago, Illinois) The South Shore will be the first commuter rail line in the nation to offer wireless service if a test this summer is successful. Chicago Tribune, January 30, 2006 CTA reports big gain in ridership (Chicago, Illinois) The Chicago Transit Authority provided 492.4 million rides last year, its highest total since a nosedive 1992. Chicago Tribune, January 30, 2006 Tollway funding still hazy I-355 extension: Group has questions on special tax idea Hearld News, February 9, 2006 Wilmington considering bike trails (Wilmington, Illinois) None in city yet: But grant money, guidebook program might make possible Hearld News, February 6, 2006 Traffic control (Plainfield, Illinois) Plainfield works to resolve congestion on Illinois 59 and other roadways Hearld News, February 5, 2006 BIG DIG SUCCESSFULLY CUTS COMMUTE TIMES (Boston, Massachusetts) A new report shows that Boston's Big Dig has reduced commute times, improved access to Logan International Airport, and will continue to create thousands of jobs for the seven billion dollars worth of private investment expected to occur in its wake. Boston Globe, Feb 16 2006 (as posted on Planetizen) Is City Traffic Killing Your Love Life? (New York City, New York) "According to a new study by the advocacy group Transportation Alternatives, people who live on highly trafficked streets tend to go out less and have fewer friends and acquaintances than people who live in less congested parts of the city." The Village Voice, February 14, 2006 (originally posted on Planetizen) Illinois workers call Amtrak unreliable (Springfield, Illinois) Despite possible savings to taxpayers, state employees are largely shunning Amtrak as a means of travel between Chicago and Springfield because they say it is not reliable, a new audit shows. Quad-City Times, February 17, 2006 Added trains, stations lure thousands to Metra Thousands more commuters are taking the Southwest and North Central service lines now that Metra has added stations and is running more trains on those routes Chicago Tribune, February 20, 2006


	West welcomes new Wal-Mart (Danville, Illinois) Commercial-News, January 31, 2006 Wal-Mart miffs Chicago officials (Evergreen Park, Illinois) THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, January 27, 2006 Wal-Mart annexation hits a snag (Murphysboro, Illinois) THE SOUTHERN, February 2006


	Glen Carbon to check other cities' sign limits (Glen Carbon, Illinois) Small business owners are challenging the village's current sign ordinance restrictions. Business owners would like more flexibility in displaying temporary signs. Belleville News Democrat, Jan 18, 2006 Council awaits pre-annexation agreement (Galesburg, Illinois) The proposed Galesburg Commons shopping center at U.S. 34 and Henderson Street has neighbors wondering if the development is too big. Plan Commission has denied rezoning and City Council doesn't seem to be listening. The Register-Mail, January 18, 2006 Peru leaders still fight county zoning (LaSalle County, Illinois) Afraid of loosing jurisdiction over the 1.5-miles outside of city limits, Peru leaders are fighting La Salle County's new zoning ordinance. News Tribune, January 18, 2006 County zoning OK'd (LaSalle County, Illinois) Amid debate, controversy, and recent accusations of harassment, La Salle County Board members approved with a supermajority vote its countywide zoning ordinance. News Tribune, January 18, 2006 Zoning approved 23 members vote yes, 6 vote no (LaSalle County, Illinois) Streator Times, February 10, 2006 Metcalf wants strong ordinances (Metcalf, Illinois) Paris Beacon News, 07 Feb 2006 Ankrom: Zoning is key to ethanol project The manager of the Western Illinois Ethanol Project is proposing an enterprise zone as part of his proposed $100 million ethanol plant near Griggsville, in Pike County. Quincy Hearld-Whig, January 18, 2006 Big book pulls ordinances together (Woodstock, Illinois) This 1" thick book incorporates 5 ordinances, new regulations, information and sections based on priorities and wishes of the council and plan commission. It's one single book with all the rules and regulations of the city pertaining to the development and use of property and put it in a single, organized document. The Woodstock Independent, February 7, 2006


	Eyesores trouble council member (Lincoln, Illinois) A Lincoln alderman wants to start a crusade to rid the city of unsafe and unsightly buildings. Other city council members and officials think such a campaign would be a drawn-out process through the courts with an unaffordable price tag. THE COURIER, January 25, 2006 Area sees dip in job numbers The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported that unemployment rates have dropped in 11 metro regions in the past 8 months. Six metro regions saw their lowest December unemployment rates in five years. The biggest gaining fields of employment, were leisure and hospitality and retail trade, financial activities and professional and business services. Edwardsville Intelligencer, February 1, 2006