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		Hog Wars (northern Missouri) Missourians raise stink over giant operations Chicago Tribune, March 12, 2006 Report faults development in Wicomico (Wicomico County, Md.) Wicomico County is quickly losing its farmland to development and is doing a poor job managing growth, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation says in a report to be released today. The report, "Vanishing Lands: The Erosion of Rural Character in Wicomico County,"... Chicago Tribune, April 6, 2006 Kane seeks federal money to preserve farmland (Kane County, IL) The Farmland Preservation Program is Kane County receives federal and state money as well as money from the county riverboat fund. The Geneva Sun, April 24, 2006 Emerson puts brakes on hog facility (PALMYRA, Mo.) Plans for a 7,490-hog confined animal feeding operation near Emerson ground to a halt. Quincy Hearld Whig, December 5, 2005 Health officials propose ordinance on CAFO (HANNIBAL, Mo.) The Marion County Health Department is proposing a health ordinance to monitor large confined animal operations Quincy Hearld Whig, February 25, 2006 Planting of 2006 Illinois corn crop hitting full stride (CHAMPAIGN, Il.) Corn planting in Illinois is behind the pace set over the past three years, but soil conditions are good for growing and farmers can be confident they'll get their seed in the ground on time, a University of Illinois expert said Monday. The Daily Register, April 24, 2006 County's 2025 rezone proposal under fire (Blane County, Id.) Most citizens support overall concept, reject details. The county hired Clarion to assist in a public outreach campaign and develop a strategy to deal with the anticipated growth surge. Residents believe that the plan was hastily put together and does not meet the County's goals. One particular concern is regarding downzoning. Idaho Mountain Express & Guide, April 14, 2006 (posted on Smart Growth Online) Developer has plans for town's last farm (Libertyville, IL) Industrial development has been proposed for the last 63 acres of farmland in Libertyville. The City looks forward to the jobs and tax base it will provide. The Lake County Farm Bureau states that almost all farmers who sell their land just move their farms to central or southern Illinois. Chicago Tribune, April 28, 2006 Sensible Growth the Key to Illinois’ Agricultural Future? (Monmouth, Illinois) Many farmers resist countywide zoning, but trends in some counties suggest it may be the key to preserving Illinois’ farmland acreage. Daily Review Atlas, April 24, 2006 Inmates In The Garden: Feeding Philadelphia's Hungry (Philadelphia, Pa.) An unlikely partnership between community gardeners and local prison inmates will help feed the over one fifth of the city living below the poverty line. Started by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and called City Harvest. The ultimate goal is to funnel about 7,000 pounds of fresh lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes and other produce to families in each of the next two growing seasons." Philadelphia City Paper, Apr 27, 2006 (as posted on Planetizen) Learning About Agriculture Through Farm Water Run-Off Testing (Ventura County, California) Farmers in Ventura County, California, can now split the cost of testing run-off, and recent tests reveal positive surprises. Los Angeles Times, Apr 27 2006 (as posted on Planetizen)

	Livable Delaware or Miserable Delaware? (Delaware) Governor Minner is taking a stand on sprawl. The News Journal, April 6, 2006 Aqua could be Chicago's most sensuous skyscraper (Chicago, Il.) Architect Jeanne Gang, one of the city's rising design stars, has shaped a dazzling 83-story, $300 million, residential tower that looks like a hipper version of Bertrand Goldberg's twin corncobs at Marina City. The tower is to be built along Upper Columbus Drive, on the site of the old golf course where the big Lakeshore East development is rising west of Lake Shore Drive and south of the Chicago River. Chicago Tribune, March 12, 2006 (for images click here) Measure 37 question: Is land-use law usable? (Oregon) Despite court affirmation, Oregon's property law is bogged down in wrangling over development rights. The Oregonian, March 26, 2006 Recycling America's industrial past (New York, New York) Old mills, factories and warehouses are being turned into prime residential spaces. CNN Money.com, March 21, 2006 What Urban Sprawl Costs You (Central Florida) If Central Florida grows as it always has, Orlando-area taxpayers will shell out $44,955 each in taxes during the next 20 years to pay for roads, water and sewer lines and other services that governments provide Orlando Sentinel, March 27, 2006 Coastal housing markets still overvalued Some improvement seen, but many costal cities are still far more costly than they should be. CNN Money.com, April 7, 2006 Save the Burbs! (New York, New York) Is the movement a valid attempt to stop 'Home Depot moderne' from infiltrating historic older suburbs, or simply another mechanism to control property rights? Village Voice, Apr 11, 2006 Seniors find `first suburbs' are a natural place to retire (Cook County, IL) The Brookings Institution released a study showing suburban Cook County has a higher percentage of elderly than the national average for suburbs and for cities. Among first suburbs, Cook County's percentage of elderly was higher than all others. Little did you know we helped coin the term "NORC". Chicago Tribune, April 9, 2006 Tinley house sits in the path of $65 million development (Tinley Park, IL) Peter Dennis was so in love with his small, turn-of-the-century Tinley Park home that when he took a job as a mechanic at O'Hare International Airport, he endured the hour long commute for 16 years rather than uproot his family. Chicago Tribune, April 14, 2006 Officials object to size of mall plan (Elmhurst, Il) Chicago Tribune, April 12, 2006 Florida county aims for `affordable' housing (Palm Beach County, FL) Palm Beach County's affordable housing talk is growing teeth, as county commissioners recently agreed to force developers to limit some new-home prices. After months of negotiations with the housing industry failed to produce a deal, county commissioners... South Florida Sun-Sentinel, April 8, 2006 A great spot for new tower facing the park (Chicago, Il) The development team that built the Heritage at Millennium Park, the 57-story condominium that towers over the Cultural Center for a bird's-eye view of the city's front yard is trying for another home run. Mesa Development LLC is planning a 72-story... Chicago Tribune, April 8, 2006 Village is planning more development (Romeoville, Il) The Village Board took an initial look Wednesday night at a plan to add a significant amount of commercial development to the southeast corner of Airport and Weber Roads. Chicago Tribune, April 7, 2006 Building rules irk lakefront residents (Crystal Lake, IL) Bent by semantics, dozens of beachfront property owners this week told officials at a public hearing that the city is going too far in trying to regulate fences, boathouses, playhouses and satellite dishes along Crystal Lake's shore. Chicago Tribune, April 7, 2006 Builder turns toward inner city (Chicago, IL) Kimball Hill Homes, based in Rolling Meadows, is part of a group redeveloping large chunks of land into new housing in some of the city's poorest and most crime-ridden areas. Chicago Tribune, March 26, 2006 Conflicts continue over Lakeview Dominick's site (Chicago, IL) Use of lot at issue nearly a year after fire gutted grocer Crain's Chicago Business, April 10, 2006 CLINICS NEEDED BUT UNWELCOME PROPOSED DOWNTOWN (Pittsburgh, Pa) METHADONE CENTER LATEST TO BE OPPOSED AND DENIED APPROVAL Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, March 20, 2006 (as posted by APA) Jewel poised to become Sugar Grove's first big retailer (Sugar Grove, IL) Beacon News, April 3, 2006 Measure 37 question: Is land-use law usable? (Oregon) Despite court affirmation, Oregon's property law is bogged down in wrangling over development rights The Oregonian, March 26, 2006 Coastal housing markets still overvalued Some improvement seen, but many costal cities are still far more costly than they should be. CNN Money.com, April 7, 2006 River Street Plaza approved (Aurora, IL) Sewer Fix OK'd, too: City splits $15 million cost with Fox Metro Beacon News, March 29, 2006 Riverfront redevelopment conference on tap (Aurora, IL) A joint event developed with the Chicago-based National Brownfield Association and the International Council of Shopping Centers to spur brownfield development in the city, specifically along the riverbank. Beacon News, March 31, 2006 Raise cash to finish harbor cleanup (Waukegan, IL) $23 Million in federal grant money is available to help finish removing PCBs from the Waukegan Harbor, but is available only if local and state sources can put up $12 million of their own and only if local and state officials submit a plan and have the money lined up within a little over a year, by July of 2007. Daily Herald, April 30, 2006 Tip-top tapped: Views vanishing (Chicago, IL) An overabundance of office space has created a buyers market - except for space above the 25th floor. Lake views are becoming scarce. Chicago Crain's, April 23, 2006 Joliet OKs housing development (Joliet, IL) 70-acre site: Nearby residents voice concerns Hearld News, April 19. 2006 Thornwood and Randall retail are growth areas (South Elgin, IL) Now, with just a handful of high-end lots yet to be built on, Thornwood is a subdivision of nearly 1,200 single-family homes, most in the $300,000 to $400,000 range. Residents were skeptical when the subdivision first began. Now, Thornwood is home to some of the most expensive houses in South Elgin. The St. Charles Sun, April 24, 2006 Farnsworth corridor likely to see more development (Aurora, IL) Premium Outlets were expected to be a success - but what it has done is jumpstarted development along the Farnsworth Avenue corridor. Swamp land and a lack of developer interest still pose a problem. The Fox Valley Villages, April 24, 2006 Developer Takes a Financial Deal for Ground Zero (New York, NY) The developer Larry A. Silverstein announced yesterday that he had accepted the economic terms of a new deal at ground zero. The proposal reduces his overall role on the 16-acre site and clears the way for construction of the Freedom Tower, the tallest and most symbolically important of five towers planned for the site. New York Times, April 26, 2006 Developer has plans for town's last farm (Libertyville, IL) Industrial development has been proposed for the last 63 acres of farmland in Libertyville. The City looks forward to the jobs and tax base it will provide. The Lake County Farm Bureau states that almost all farmers who sell their land just move their farms to central or southern Illinois. Chicago Tribune, April 28, 2006 City leaders say keeping downtown on top is hard part As new retail developments form Naperville needs to be certain that it will continue to be a destionation. Naperville Sun, April 25, 2006 New Study Suggests Some Smart Growth Policies Are Not So Smart A new study from the National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education indicates that building moratoria may work against growth interests. (as posted on The Campaign for Sensible Growth listserv) Yorkville increases fees for builders (Yorkville, IL) With an eye toward paying for a new police station, a new city hall and two new parks and public works buildings, the Yorkville City Council has voted to charge developers more than 20 times its previous municipal building fees. The building permit fee has gone from $150 to $3,288 up front or $5,331 at the time the developer applies. Beacon News, April 4, 2006 Condo Boom Bringing Homes, Shops and Restaurants to Philadelphia's Center City -- But No Schools With Philadelphia's condo boom, which may bring another 10,000 residents to its Center City by 2010, planners and developers are working on shops, restaurants, garages and almost everything except schools, while the two best, the Independence Charter School and the private Philadelphia School, are already bursting. Philadelphia Inquirer, April 16,2006 (posted on Smart Growth Online)


	Alabama Legislators Pass One Bill Restricting Land-Taking for Urban Revival Projects; Constitutional Amendment Fails in House Chamber Despite an all-out lobbying campaign, property rights interests chalked up only a partial success during this year's legislative session, with the Alabama Association of Realtors pushing through a bill that tightens the definition of "blight" in rules on land takings for urban revival projects, but the Alabama Farmers Federation lacking enough votes for a politically popular constitutional amendment that would have restricted eminent domain further and effectively "gutted the use of blight seizures." Press-Register, 4/19/2006 (as posted on Smart Growth Online) Limits for Pa.'s eminent domain The Senate approved stricter guidelines for taking property. Philadelphia Inquirer, April 26, 2006 N.Y. Mayor Vigorously Defends Eminent Domain N.Y. Mayor Bloomberg believes that limiting eminent domain powers will have serious negative consequences for cities. New York Times, May 3, 2006 (as posted on The Campaign for Sensible Growth listserv) APA's Eminent Domain Legislation Across America Since last year's Kelo decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, 45 states have considered eminent domain reform. Seven states have adopted legislation already this year.


	Buzz. backers, bucks for ethanol The latest word on ethanol - the buzz is out but is it for real and how long will it last? Chicago Tribune, May 7, 2006 Bio Fuels, Is it the key to Indiana's future? A new national campaign called “25 x 25” is the goal of having 25 percent of America’s energy consumption coming from alternative fuel sources by the year 2025. Nuvo, April 12, 2006 Adams County may get ethanol plant (Adams County, IL) Energy Resource Partners LLC hopes to build a 100 million-gallon, dry grind natural gas fired ethanol plant in the Adams County area. Quincy Herald Whig, April 20, 2006 Ethanol makers have room to grow (Toledo, OH) Farmer-owned co-ops built most of the plants during the 1990s, but now only six of the 42 new or expanded ethanol plants under construction nationwide are farmer-owned, according to the Renewable Fuels Association trade group. Courier News, April 18, 2006 Pennsylvania Close to Getting Ethanol Plant (Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania is close to getting its first ethanol plant and could become the nation's largest producer of soy-based fuel additives within a year WCBS Newsradio 880, April 14, 2006 Former Brewery to Become Ethanol Plant (Barrie, Canada) $100M to make a former Molson brewery into the province's largest ethanol manufacturing facility. After the brewery closed, the building gained international attention in January 2004 when police uncovered what was reported to be North America's largest indoor marijuana operation. Ontario Business News, Sept. 1, 2005 GOV PATAKI, SENATOR WRIGHT ANNOUNCE $4 MILLION FOR NEW BIOFUEL PLANT IN FULTON Nearly $160 Million Will be Invested in the Former Miller Brewery in Central New York NY Star, June 17, 2006 Wisconsin, Illinois Possible Leaders in Wind and Solar Energy? A new analysis of the renewable energy industry suggests more investment in renewable energy would make local jobs boom. (as posted on The Campaign for Sensible Growth listserv) Gregg: Kennedy’s opposition to wind farm is suspicious (Cape Cod, MA) Columnist contemplates why U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy would hide veto powers for the proposed Cape Wind energy project in Coast Guard authorization bill. Metro West Daily News, April 30, 2006 Construction slated to begin on central New York windfarm (Tug Hill, NY) Construction is slated to begin this week on Maple Ridge Wind Farm in Lewis County, in central New York. Twenty towers will be erected by June, with another 55 units slated to be put up by the end of the year. The farm will be used to convert wind power into electricity. Several other locations in upstate New York are being surveyed for potential wind farm development in the future. Channel 6 Albany, April 30, 2006 IGCC: IT KICKS THE SOOT OUT OF COAL (Illinois) A new breed of power plant that chemically converts sooty, black coal into a synthetic gas, stripping out most pollutants before the fuel is burned. The Southern Illinoisan, March 28, 2006 Coal Rush: The Illinois Recovery Illinois has the largest reserve of bituminous coal in America; millions and millions of tons of the stuff lie under every county in the central part of the state. In this series, the Journal Star explores the market changes, research and economic incentives that are reviving the Illinois coal industry. Peoria Journal Star, April 23, 2006


	Using Historic Preservation To Block Suburban Renovations (Queens NY) Is the movement a valid attempt to stop 'Home Depot moderne' from infiltrating historic older suburbs, or simply another mechanism to control property rights? Village Voice, Apr 11, 2006 Recycling America's industrial past Old mills, factories and warehouses are being turned into prime residential spaces. CNN Money.com, March 21, 2006 Madison downtown named historic landmark district (Madison, IN) The size of the area covered, about 2,000 acres, makes it one of the largest National Historic Landmark districts in the nation. Madison Courier, April 12, 2006 Saving the city's historic graystones (Chicago, IL) Chicago's historic homes may get the same kind of help that has renovated the city's bungalows. Chicago Tribune, April 20, 2006 Save the Burbs! (New York, New York) Is the movement a valid attempt to stop 'Home Depot moderne' from infiltrating historic older suburbs, or simply another mechanism to control property rights? Village Voice, Apr 11, 2006 Soldier Field loses landmark status (Chicago, IL) Soldier Field's controversial renovation, which critics dubbed a "flying saucer" and "a fish bowl," has stripped the stadium of its national historic landmark designation. Chicago Tribune, April 22, 2006 Soldier Field gets what it deserves (Chicago, IL) "If you obliterate a building's form, the government's decision suggests, you obliterate its meaning." Chicago Tribune, April 24, 2006


	Soaring real estate hampers efforts for California homeless (California) Sky-high real estate prices are making things hard for more than just first-time home buyers--they're hampering efforts by groups seeking to house the long-term homeless. Chicago Tribune, April 15, 2006 Elderly newcomers pose challenge; Children are often a lure to Triangle (Raleigh, North Carolina) Children moving around the Research Triangle have been bringing their parents along with them. The News & Observer, April 21, 2006 (as posted on APA) HIGH GAS PRICES DRIVE UP COST OF HOUSING (Minneapolis-St. Paul, MI) Twin Cities residents are realizing that the seemingly affordable homes bought far from the region's core are not quite as affordable when transportation costs -- which have escalated as a result of high gas prices -- are taken into account. Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune, May 02 2006 (as posted on Planetizen)


	Plan allows entire Big Easy to be rebuilt Flood plain advisory calls for new levees for the city, but protection for outlying areas is less clear. The Christian Science Monitor, April 14, 2006 Wait Ends On Rules For Katrina Rebuilding The government has released rebuilding guidelines and proposed spending an additional $2.5 billion for New Orleans levee construction. The announcement also leaves unresolved the fate of lower Plaquemines Parish. Washington Post, April 13, 2006 FEMA to Prep Gulf Coast for Hurricanes The destruction from the last hurricane season makes disaster planning in the Gulf Coast very difficult. Chicago Tribune, March 27, 2006 Storm Evacuees Are Straining Texas Hosts With the influx of residents from hurricane ravaged areas, Texas has undergone a huge population influx. Now Texas is trying to get federal reimbursements and assistance for its growing pains. New York Times, April 20, 2006 A Hazy Horizon for New Orleans Public Housing; Few have returned to the Iberville projects, and six others remain closed. As the city rebuilds, some fear the black poor are being left out. Today, no one is sure what the future will hold for most of the city's 10 major housing projects. Six of them remain shuttered, whereas others, such as the Iberville, are being fixed up in stages. The poor are afraid of being left out of redevelopment efforts. Los Angeles Times, April 21, 2006 FEMA Trailer Park Fails to Survive Storm From Residents There will be no FEMA trailer park in Lakewood Estates, a collection of solid, spacious homes behind a high locked gate in the Algiers section. New York Times, April 6, 2006 (as posted on APA) Abita Springs Sets Moratorium on PUDs; New Code Amendments Require Grid Network to Manage Growth, Fit Town's Character As displaced New Orleans residents continued their search for homes north of Lake Pontchartrain and St. Tammany County's construction market heated up, Abita Springs Mayor Louis Fitzmorris set a moratorium on planned unit developments (PUDs) late last month, staffers began work on stricter regulations, and the Board of Aldermen followed with several code amendments, under which PUDs and subdivisions must be built in 300-foot grids, a requirement that will help manage growth and make new infrastructure fit the town's character. Times-Picayune 4/20/2006 (as posted on Smart Growth Online) Lafayette City-Parish Council Endorses 11 Developer Applications for Affordable Housing Funds Although some northern Lafayette residents feared the impact on schools and roads, and even a possible ghettoization of their neighborhoods, the Lafayette City-Parish Council endorsed a total of 11 developer applications for affordable housing funds under the post-hurricane federal Gulf Opportunity Zone Act this month, with Louisiana Housing Finance Agency Greg Gachassin confident the developers won't let the complexes deteriorate, because they would lose tax credits and could face $10 million in penalties during the first 10 years. Daily Advertiser 4/19/2006 (as posted on Smart Growth Online) The Shifting Landscape of New Orleans While planners and developers redraw the city map, displaced residents struggle to have a role writes Kenneth Reardon. National Housing Institute, Spring 2006 In Rebuilding as in the Disaster, Wealth and Class Help Define New Orleans Even now there is no gas or drinkable water in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. In a gated community home to many wealthy New Orleanians, the neighborhood association was relatively prepared for the disaster. The New York Times, April 25, 2006 APA's Response to the Devastation from Hurricane Katrina


	A tale of two airports Lawmakers need to encourage innovative ideas for Illinois aviation--not halt them. Chicago Tribune, April 19, 2006 Peotone is still best airport idea A letter written by John Geils, Village President and Craig Johnson, Mayor of Elk Grove Village asking why the Tribune has seemed to side with Chicago politics. Chicago Tribune, April 6, 2006 Midway safety push Four months after a plane slid off a runway at Midway Airport, Chicago submitted plans to the federal government Tuesday to build beds of crushable concrete at the ends of Midway's runways to slow planes that overrun their landings. The city's request to... Chicago Tribune, April 5, 2006 Bill reins in land grabs State deal would aid private owners, allow O'Hare expansion Chicago Tribune, April 20, 2006 Suburban O'Hare Commission Modernization O'Hare Gary Chicago Airport Master Plan


	Plano considering hike in impact fees (Plano, IL) Current impact fees are $1,500 per new dwelling. Officials would like to see the fees raised to $3,000 or $4,000 for each new dwelling. The Beacon News, March 31, 2006


	Smelter plans fixes for Pilsen emissions (Chicago, IL) Owners of a Pilsen smelter that is the largest source of toxic lead in the Chicago area will spend at least a half-million dollars to curb air pollution in the neighborhood. Chicago Tribune, April 7, 2006 Grundy measures could spur industry growth (Grundy County, IL) Project areas planned: Rebates also may draw companies and jobs Hearld News, April 19. 2006 Channahon considers distribution center (Channahon, IL) Developer proposal: Asks for five-year tax abatement Hearld News, April 19. 2006 Landfill appeal process is complex (Peoria, IL) Overturning the Peoria County Board's decision against expansion of the hazardous waste landfill at Pottstown will require complex litigation before the Illinois Pollution Control Board, which often upholds decisions of elected officials. Peoria Journal Star, May 5, 2006


	Kane seeks federal money to preserve farmland (Kane County, IL) The Farmland Preservation Program is Kane County receives federal and state money as well as money from the county riverboat fund. The Geneva Sun, April 24, 2006 The Big Apple takes the plunge (New York, New York) New York City takes another step toward commercialization with plans for a 26-acre water park which will have wave pools, action rivers, wading pools, slides and a 7-acre indoor beach. The St. Petersburg Times, April 30,2006 Inmates In The Garden: Feeding Philadelphia's Hungry An unlikely partnership between community gardeners and local prison inmates will help feed the over one fifth of the city living below the poverty line. Started by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and called City Harvest. The ultimate goal is to funnel about 7,000 pounds of fresh lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes and other produce to families in each of the next two growing seasons." Philadelphia City Paper, Apr 27, 2006 (as posted on Planetizen)


	Bus service to debut Chicago will be the hub of an intercity express bus service to be launched April 10 by London-based Stagecoach Group. The company says it will offer fares as low as $1 via the Internet. Details will be unveiled Wednesday at a news conference at Navy Pier. Chicago Tribune, March 22, 2006 Find a parking spot—online (Chicago, IL) A new web site gives information on downtown garages - phone numbers, entrances, hours, payment and number of spaces. Chicago Tribune, March 22, 2006 Downtown parking 6th highest in nation (Chicago, IL) Commuters who park downtown pay about $289 a month in parking fees. That is more than twice the national average. Chicago Tribune, April 17, 2006 Traffic signal goal is perfect timing (Chicago, IL) Chicago transportation officials say technology will help synchronize current poorly coordinated lights at intersections throughout the city. Chicago Tribune, April 17, 2006 Rail yard rattles neighbors(Chicago, IL At night, while most of Chicago sleeps, families near the CSX Intermodal rail yard in West Englewood lie awake, their homes shuddering from something that sounds like trucks falling from the sky. Chicago Tribune, April 10, 2006 Railroads on track to revival (Chicago, IL) Railroads are booming and since Chicago is in the middle of it all, stands to gain the most. Chicago Tribune, March 27, 2006 Village backs plan for big interchange (Matteson,IL) Village officials passed a resolution Monday night supporting a expressway interchange that would connect Interstate Highways 294 and 57 in the south suburbs. Chicago Tribune, April 5, 2006 Environmental issues shift Prairie Parkway plans (Yorkville, IL) Preliminary plans show the preferred route deviating from the protected route mostly for environmental reasons. Beacon News, April 4, 2006 Construction work possible in 2009 on far-west highway Progress of road plan linked to state study Chicago Tribune, April 4, 2006 Potholes fill Ryan-rehab plan (Chicago, IL) Motorists already venting over scant information, multiple road projects Chicago Tribune, March 27, 2006 Pace eyes roadsides to shoulder capacity Suburban bus agency commissions a study that will look at using breakdown lanes on major area interstates to speed its services Chicago Tribune, April 20, 2006 Americans commute longer, farther than ever In the most recent U.S. Census Bureau study, 2.8 million people have commutes over 90 minutes. Longer commutes are more common with people commuting suburb to suburb. Reuters, April 20, 2006 South Shore trains feeling the strain (Chicago, IL) As more and more passengers take advantage of rail line, one official says `we simply don't have the capacity.' Chicago Tribune, April 24, 2006 Miami-Dade County Pays To 'Exercise' Unused Train System (Miami-Dade County, Fl.) As delays continue in the construction of Miami International Airport's new American Airlines terminal, Miami-Dade County is forced to pay $54,000 a month to maintain a people mover train system in Japan. Because the train was finished on time but terminal wasn't, the airport now pays Japanese manufacturer Sumitomo to 'exercise' the 20 automated cars. And so, 7,000 miles away in Mihara, Japanese engineers drive the trains up and down a specially designed $600,000 track to nowhere. On Tuesday, the County Commission reluctantly approved spending $1.98 million over the next two years on train workouts. Miami Herald, Apr 26, 2006 (as posted on Planetizen) Circle Line routes narrowed (Chicago, IL) Chicago Transit Authority officials said Tuesday that they have narrowed the possible routes for the proposed Circle Line project to three corridors that would run west of the Loop. They said they plan to spend the coming months whittling the options and will choose a final route early next year. Chicago Tribune, May 3, 2006 AMTRAK CAPITOL CORRIDOR WILDLY SUCCESSFUL DESPITE UNION PACIFIC WOES Amtrak's Capitol Corridor, connecting the Bay Area to the state capitol, Sacramento, is the third busiest Amtrak route in the country. Yet it faces formidable obstacles -- because it runs on Union Pacific tracks. San Francisco Chronicle, May 02 2006 (as posted on Planetizen) $100,000 grant set to fund rail study (Chicago Heights, IL) The city is in line to receive a $100,000 grant next year to study and plan for commuter railway stations in the downtown area, according to the director of South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association. City officials are hoping that a planned SouthEast line, one of two potential commuter lines that could come through Chicago Heights, will revitalize the downtown. Chicago Tribune, April 14, 2006 Crossing fix seen as bad for business (Bensenville, IL) All proposed crossing upgrades at Irving Park and York Road are seen as having a negative impact on businesses. Unfortunately, IDOT doesn't agree. Chicago Tribune, April 13, 2006


	Wal-Mart site hunt toughens (Asheville, NC) Big box stores fine a loophole in zoning regulations. Ashville Citizen-Times, April 13, 2006 Town fears Wal-Mart loss (East Dundee, IL) When the tiny village of East Dundee landed one of the first Wal-Mart stores in the Chicago area 15 years ago, officials gave the retail giant a tax break as a welcome present. Now it seems Wal-Mart Co. is planning to pack up and leave. Chicago Tribune, April 7, 2006 Wal-Mart targeting inner city for buildup (Chicago, IL) Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it will build 50 stores in urban neighborhoods distressed by high unemployment and other social problems in cities around the country. Chicago Tribune, April 5, 2006 Guess Who's Got His Back Through its Sam's Club division, a chain of 570 club stores, Wal-Mart helps them process credit-card transactions, build Web sites, pay employees and take out loans, all at bargain prices. New York Times, May 1, 2006


	Construction halted for code revision (Carpentersville, IL) Trustees took the unusual step this week of suspending development in Carpentersville's residential areas for six months while administrators update what one official termed an archaic set of building codes. Chicago Tribune, April 6, 2006 County's 2025 rezone proposal under fire (Blane County, Id.) Most citizens support overall concept, reject details. The county hired Clarion to assist in a public outreach campaign and develop a strategy to deal with the anticipated growth surge. Residents believe that the plan was hastily put together and does not meet the County's goals. One particular concern is regarding downzoning. Idaho Mountain Express & Guide, April 14, 2006 (posted on Smart Growth Online) Petoskey, MI, Leaning Toward “Form-Based” Development Rules (Petoskey, MI) Efforts could yield new zoning ordinances that focus far more on how buildings look and fit into their surroundings, and far less on what goes on inside of them. (as posted on The Campaign for Sensible Growth listserv)


	Disconnected black youth plight worsens (Washington, D.C.) An editorial by Clarence Paige describes a demographic left behind - undereducated black males. The real jobless rate for black male high school dropouts in their 20s was 65% in 2000 and by 2004 72%. Among black dropouts in their late 20s, there are more in prison on a given day than working. Chicago Tribune, March 22, 2006 The Urban Eye: The flaneur is alive and sauntering in the modern metropolis The art of the flaneur -- wandering aimlessly around the city, observing its daily rhythms -- has been revived by photobloggers. Maisonneuve, Apr 17, 2006 (as posted on Planetizen) Regional board's 1st boss is veteran planner from IDOT (Illinois) The Regional Planning Board named Randy Blankenhorn as its first executive director. Chicago Tribune, April 13, 2006 Kane County Board loosens speaking rules (Kane County, IL) Signing up to speak before the Kane County Board could be as simple as sending in an e-mail. Beacon News, March 30, 2006 Money Magazine's 50 Best Jobs in America Urban Planner beats out lawyer, dentist, account, and RN for number 36. Tilden to change regulations that control outdoor lighting: Amendments will be aimed at protecting what an astronomy society member calls one of the state's best dark-sky areas. (Reading Eagle, Pa.) Tilden Township, after a 3-0 vote by supervisors, will get new outdoor lighting regulations aimed at minimizing and controlling light pollution. Reading Eagle, April 3, 2006 (as posted on APA) One-Room Schools Holding on in Rural America One room schools are steadily decreasing, from 190,000 in 1919 to fewer than 400. Most are in rural, western parts of the U.S. These schools are more than a place to get an education though, they are also centers of the community. NPR, December 22, 2006 THE MODERN URBAN WASTELAND (London, England) Slate publishes a series of articles on human waste, descending to the depths of London's massive and mysterious sewer system and visiting a restored 1865 sewage works, a "sewage school", and the polluted Thames. Slate, Apr 27 2006 (as posted on Planetizen) FOUR CALIFORNIAS? AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME? (California) A columnist who has advocated for the division of California into several states takes the idea a step further, examining potential political and demographic conditions as he divides California into fourths. The Lookout, Apr 28 2006 (as posted on Planetizen) EVALUATING URBAN SPRAWL FROM SPACE A team of researchers use satellite data to create a grid of 8.7 billion data cells tracking the evolution of land use in the continental United States. The findings are surprising TerraDaily, May 03 2006 (as posted on Planetizen) TIME-CNN International-Shell program, Principal Voices Eleven Principal Voices in the areas of environment, urbanization, corporate responsibility, and economic development. TIME, dated May 8, 2006 The Cubs 2005 Neighborhood Protection Plan Annual Report summarizes community efforts for the 2005 neighborhood protection and improvement program. In all, countless hours and significant funds were devolted to address issues such as traffic, off-street parking, litter collection and other needs of the Wrigley Field neighborhood.