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CityLab / March 19, 2019

The inequality of America's parks and green space

The United States displays deepening fissures across and within cities by income, education, and race. A new study published by the University of British Columbia analyzed 10 metro areas in the US—including Houston, Chicago, and New York—and found that access to green space is significantly linked to higher education and income levels.

6sqft / March 13, 2019

New York City comptroller proposes turning the BQE into a truck-only roadway with a park on top

Comptroller Scott Stringer has outlined his own proposal to save the crumbling Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Stringer proposes converting the BQE into a truck-only highway with a linear park on top that would stretch for almost two miles. The project’s scope is unprecedented in the US—nearly all capital projects seen in the country cover car-only freeways, unlike the BQE, which carries approximately 14,000 trucks per day.

Next City / March 7, 2019

Why history matters in equitable development planning

A new report published by the Urban Institute is tracking 11th Street Bridge Park’s progress on its Equitable Development Plan, which outlines strategies for affordable housing, workforce development, and cultural equity. The report addresses what it takes to achieve equity in the context of larger challenges that face any entity seeking to produce meaningful gains for historically marginalized groups.

The Guardian / March 6, 2019

Artificial archipelago: Copenhagen plans floating Silicon Valley

Denmark’s capital needs to find a way to repurpose 30 million tons of soil leftover from development projects like the city’s metro expansion. Brian Mikkelsen, head of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, wants nine new islands to form a tech hub and to create a buffer between the city and its rising coastline. Critics argue the plan will increase development and worsen the traffic congestion already present in Copenhagen’s city center.

Progressive City / March 4, 2019

Decolonial planning in North America

Decolonial planning is about critically analyzing the ways that urban planning in North America is rooted in European, colonial notions of property, ownership, and exploitation. “Economic development” and “urban renewal” have historically been achieved without consideration of local meanings of place and indigenous and minority rights. Deconstructing the colonial frameworks of urban planning calls for the restructuring of the industry’s relationship with finance, government, and for-profit ventures.

Time / February 28, 2019

Spending just 20 minutes in a park makes you happier

Spending time outdoors, especially in green spaces, is one of the fastest ways to improve health and happiness. A new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research shows that within minutes of entering a green space, stress, blood pressure, and heart rate can decrease.

CityLab / February 27, 2019

Why Hong Kong is claiming gold greens for new housing

Hong Kong’s real estate market is the least affordable in the world. In a controversial decision, the government of Hong Kong announced it will seize 80 acres of land from a golf club to build public housing.