Parks Alliance of Louisville’s Post

Green and blue open spaces in housing schemes - Are attitudes changing? Too often, in the past, green space and green infrastructure within housing developments has been low down the list of priorities for developers. Most tended to focus primarily on housing numbers and densities to achieve maximum profit. However, recent years have seen a positive shift in attitudes and appreciation from developers for the need to optimise green space within housing schemes. So what are the drivers for this shift? Stuart Postlethwaite discusses this and more in our article (link in comments). #RuralHousing #HousingSchemes #GreenSpace

I am delighted to finally share the news, holding off for the JR period, of BYond Homes Ltd appeal success for 446 dwellings together with a community building of 1,500 sqm, Public Open Space of 18 acres together with retained woodland (7 acres), landscaping and associated infrastructure at land to the west of Reigate Road, Hookwood. It is great to get these successes, but the journey was frustrating. An allocated Green Belt site in an advanced draft Local Plan refused under delegated powers. B.Yond requested an inquiry but it was dealt with via a two day hearing with no case put forward by the Local Planning Authority. Seemingly it was accepted that the principle of the site as an allocation for residential development and its removal from the Green Belt remained unaltered from the submitted Local Plan which had been through examination. These successes do not happen without an enormous amount of work undertaken by a Team of Consultants and advisers.  I want to thank Chris Young KC, Kim Cohen, Jane Harrison and Joseph Lynch dealing with Planning, Vaughan Anderson and Mai Huynh Nguyen dealing with urban design, David Webster dealing with Landscape at Stantec, James Stacey and Andy Moger of Tetlow King Planning, Jacqueline Mulliner of tor&co, Ian Dimbylow of RPS, Tim Wood, Stuart Michael Associates and Jan Kinsman of @EFM. This development will see much needed homes with 201 (45%) being affordable homes, 22 self-build units, together with community facilities and not to mention the specific £5m in contribution to education alone for this part of Mole Valley.

Spotlight on Vogel Building Group: Fueling Lake County's Economic Growth Vogel Building Group (VBG) stands out in Lake County's economic landscape for their exceptional custom homes and their contribution to local development. Rooted in a family legacy that began in the 1950s, VBG combines tradition with innovation, creating not just homes but enduring legacies. Key Contributions to Lake County: Innovation in Design: VBG's commitment to blending traditional architecture with modern lifestyles brings a unique aesthetic to Lake County, enhancing its appeal as a place to live and invest. Community Focus: Specializing in the exclusive Bella Collina community, VBG contributes to Lake County's reputation as a premier destination for luxury living. Economic Investment: Through our public-private partnership, VBG plays a critical role in boosting Lake County's economy, providing jobs, and fostering sustainable community growth. VBG's Impact on Lake County: Quality Construction: VBG's hands-on approach assures top-tier quality in construction, elevating the standard of living and attracting new residents to the area. Local Expertise: With deep roots in the community, VBG's understanding of Lake County's needs ensures that each project aligns with the region's economic development goals. As VBG continues to build in Lake County, their investment in our community goes beyond construction. They are a vital partner in our journey towards a prosperous and vibrant Lake County. For detailed information on Vogel Building Group’s projects in Lake County, please visit: https://lnkd.in/e2x7eWn7 Rick Vogel #PublicPrivatePartnerships #thankyou #leadinglake #bellacollina #lakecounty

Great piece by David Beach. Timely as Planning Commission staff members bring forward the Form-Based Code and Transportation Demand Management program this Friday at Planning Commission: “For 100 years, well-intentioned studies have warned about urban sprawl in Northeast Ohio. They’ve documented how new suburbs draw population and wealth from the region’s urban core and then use exclusionary zoning to enforce social and economic segregation. Other studies have shown that sprawling, automobile-dependent land uses are the region’s biggest environmental problem, causing increased air and water pollution, energy use, and habitat loss harming wildlife. … To make matters worse, for decades Cleveland allowed the destruction of the walkable urbanism that is the antidote to sprawl. Cleveland’s urban renewal projects cleared out more neighborhoods — an estimated 6,000 acres, or more than 10% of the city’s land area — than any other city in the country. Interstate highways bulldozed through additional neighborhoods. Densely developed places were replaced with suburban-style homes and strip shopping centers. More and more of the city became a car-dominated landscape cluttered with parking lots. There are signs, however, that the city has learned it can’t compete with the suburbs on suburban terms. The only way for the city to save itself is to become a better city — more urban, dense and walkable. … So Cleveland is experimenting with form-based zoning, which should make it easier to develop dense, mixed-use buildings that promote vibrant streets and allow more people to live close to public transit service. It’s reducing parking requirements for new development. It’s promoting bike lanes, traffic calming and pedestrian safety. … Cleveland, along with the region’s other core cities and some inner-ring suburbs, can offer real urbanism. By doing so, these places can provide more housing choices, since building lots of housing at high density is the best way to make housing more affordable overall. And they can give more people the option of living where it’s convenient to drive less and use less energy, which is critical as we face the challenges of climate change. In the long run, the redevelopment of great cities is our best hope for curbing the ruinous impacts of sprawl and making our entire region more sustainable.”

New York City Hall, in collaboration with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), announced plans to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Fulton Elliott-Chelsea renovation project in Manhattan. This ambitious project focuses on reconstructing four NYCHA housing developments: Chelsea, Chelsea Addition, Elliott, and Fulton Houses, all situated in the Chelsea neighborhood. The initiative aims to address the housing needs of approximately 4,410 residents across two campuses separated by a quarter mile. The Fulton Elliott-Chelsea renovation project includes the phased demolition of existing residential units and public spaces, followed by the construction of new mixed-use buildings. These buildings will feature a mix of affordable and market-rate apartments, new public spaces, and retail facilities, including supermarkets. Additionally, the project proposes the enhancement of public facilities space managed by Hudson Guild and the addition of parking spaces. Central to the project's execution are two potential paths: the "Rezoning Alternative" and the "No Rezoning Alternative." These options will be thoroughly examined in the EIS to determine their impacts and viability. Through NYCHA's PACT program, the project will transition Section 9 housing subsidies to Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) via the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) and Title 18 USHA. NYCHA plans to enter a long-term lease with Elliott Fulton LLC and Essence Development or their affiliates for the project land, necessitating an environmental permit and EIS due to HUD's involvement. This project has sparked open discussions and opportunities for public and stakeholder feedback, emphasizing community engagement in the redevelopment process. The Fulton Elliott-Chelsea renovation project is set to be a significant undertaking, aiming for completion by 2040, with a focus on enhancing living conditions, modernizing facilities, and fostering community development in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. #FultonElliottChelsea #NYCHA #ManhattanRenovation #NYCHousing #EIS #UrbanDevelopment #AffordableHousing #CommunityEngagement #PACTprogram #NYCDevelopment Contact me to discuss the latest scoop in real estate! #manhattanrealtor #brooklynrealtor #queensrealtor #bronxrealtor #westchesterrealtor #nyrealtor #nycrealtor #realtist #nyrealestate #douglasellimannewyork

The The Florida Times-Union I Jacksonville.com picked up this opinion article today. I really was trying to tease out in this article two perspectives. 1 - the reality that areas like San Marco Square that we think of as being here “for ever” are actually less than 100 years old. Everything in Florida was at one point developed. Which means we have such a dynamic chance to continue to shape the state as we harness this current wave of growth. 2- details matter and it’s the little things that together become big things. These little things are everything from the sidewalk to the landscaping to the unseen infrastructure. Not all details are expensive, they just take focus. Get the details right and the place will become a community. Let’s harness the current growth of the state for a dynamic future! England-Thims & Miller, Inc.

Some wise words on the benefits of Legacy development from Hugh with the publication of Placemaking 2.

In the intricate dance of urban development, land use planning and zoning regulations move in lockstep, guiding the growth and transformation of our communities. Understanding this relationship is crucial for anyone involved in real estate, development, or community planning. Land use planning lays the groundwork for a city's vision, setting long-term goals for how land should be utilized to meet community needs, foster sustainable growth, and enhance quality of life. Zoning regulations bring this vision into reality, providing the legal framework that dictates the specific uses of land in different areas—be it residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural. These regulations ensure that the development aligns with the community's overall plan, safeguarding public health, safety, and welfare while promoting orderly growth. They influence everything from the density of new housing developments to the preservation of green spaces and the location of industrial sites. For developers and property owners, understanding zoning laws is essential for navigating the complexities of land development and making informed decisions. It's about seeing beyond the present, anticipating how zoning changes can impact future projects, and aligning investments with the evolving landscape of community needs. Let's engage in a deeper discussion about how effective land use planning and zoning regulations can shape vibrant, sustainable communities. It's a testament to the power of strategic foresight and collaboration in creating spaces that reflect our collective aspirations and values. #LandUsePlanning #ZoningRegulations #UrbanDevelopment #SustainableGrowth #RealEstateDevelopment

Planting trees reduces the urban heat effect. As summer approaches and our cities are heating up, MKSK continues to address the urgent need to mitigate urban heat island effect through a simple and impactful solution – plant trees. One project where this is highlighted is Grandview Yard. Grandview Yard is the first project in the State of Ohio and the largest project in the U.S. to achieve LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, in part by planting shade trees to mitigate any heat island effect. With 17,576 linear feet of streets lined with 766 trees, 75% of the neighborhood’s streets and sidewalks are shaded with an average of 30’ between trees. By comparison, the City of Columbus has an average of 56% tree coverage on streets according to the City of Columbus Street Tree Inventory Summary Report. MKSK leveraged the power of trees not only to shade and reduce urban heat effect in this neighborhood, but also their power to improve health, livability and equity and create both human and natural communities. Projects like these exemplify efforts that can impact challenges facing the larger landscape community serving urban areas across the country. Last summer, the US Forest Service published an article highlighting the growing threat of extreme heat and identifying the great benefits of planting trees to not only reduce heat on our streets and sidewalks but also benefit air quality, flood mitigation, physical and mental health, equity, and overall quality of life. As record-setting temperatures continue to threaten public health, organizations like the American Society of Landscape Architects are working with Ohio's Senator Brown and Arizona's Representative Gallego to pass the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act. #MKSK #ShapePlace #PlacesforPeople #LandscapeArchitecture #UrbanDesign #Planning #Design #ASLA #APA #ULI #GrandviewYard #LEED #UrbanHeatIsland #MKSKPlantCommittee

For this year’s final #BlackHistoryMonth community spotlight, KAI looks to the Arlington Grove Apartments project. Located in the City of St. Louis, this special project included the redevelopment of the William B. Ittner designed Arlington School, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Established under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register of Historic Places, managed by the National Park Service, aims to facilitate public and private initiatives in identifying, assessing, and safeguarding America's historical and archaeological assets. KAI was chosen by the St. Louis Housing Authority to perform Design-Build services and transform the block into a $34 million, 162,000 square foot mixed-income and mixed-finance residential development that includes 112 units of apartments, townhouses, and semi-detached housing as well as a mixed-use building and renovated school. The 91 construction housing units included a heavy emphasis on sustainability that positively impacts both the residents and the community for years to come. The opportunity to help provide people in underserved areas with a meaningful place to live and a starting point for a better future is something on which we’ve built our legacy. Our mission of transforming communities is part of every project we take part in and is a mission we strive for with each step we take into the future. Read more about this historic and meaningful project in the link below. https://lnkd.in/g-m-VSSp #TransformingCommunities #CommunityImpact #AEC #Design #Engineering #CommunityInvestment #Construction #CommunityDesign #ResidentialDesign #EducationDesign