AltWeeklies Wire
The Duffel-bag Classnew
Memphis city residency requirements sound good in theory, but for some, it can lead to an economic nightmare. Here's one man's story.
The Memphis Flyer |
Chris Davis |
12-07-2009 |
Housing & Development
Two years after a foreclosure disaster, one Colorado county is still stuck with a messnew

The phenomenon of squatters staying in bank-owned homes has been widely reported. In Colorado Springs, it's rare. But here, some have even twisted the model, living reclusively in what should be a government-owned home.
Colorado Springs Independent |
Anthony Lane |
11-30-2009 |
Housing & Development
How Artsy Renegades Reignited a Movement to Reclaim the Urban Environmentnew
Increasingly, the tactics and spirit of outlaw urbanists, designers, and artists are being adopted inside San Francisco City Hall, and the result is starting to look like a real urban design revolution -- one that harks back to a movement that was interrupted back in the 1970s.
San Francisco Bay Guardian |
Molly Freedenberg and Steven T. Jones |
11-18-2009 |
Housing & Development
Downtown Phoenix is Full of Gleaming Progress Surrounded by Vacant Lots -- Now What?new

With boring old suburban McMansions commanding a half-million dollars, you can see why developers decided that downtown Phoenix would be the next big thing. And then the bottom dropped out.
Phoenix New Times |
Sarah Fenske |
10-20-2009 |
Housing & Development
Homeland Security Wants Eminent Domain Over a Vermont Farm at the Bordernew
The federal government may invoke the doctrine of eminent domain to appropriate as much as 10.5 acres of the Rainvilles' cropland, which an impact study calls "negligible." Brian Rainville, son of farm owner Clement Rainville, says those acres are essential to the small dairy farm's livelihood.
Seven Days |
Lauren Ober |
10-05-2009 |
Housing & Development
Dallas' Homeless Turn To The Bridge for Food, Shelter and a New Startnew
Dallas' homeless shelter is a city-subsidized success story. From its troubled beginning, The Bridge faced fierce opposition, criticism and nagging doubts. Yet in its first year of operation, it placed more than 400 people into housing and assisted nearly 800 with finding jobs.
Dallas Observer |
Sam Merten |
08-31-2009 |
Housing & Development
Anti-'High Rise' Initiative Sparks Lawsuitnew
A Santa Barbara architect has filed a 95-page lawsuit challenging the use of the term "high-rise" by supporters of Measure B, a proposed Santa Barbara charter amendment that purports to save downtown Santa Barbara from "high-rise" development.
Santa Barbara Independent |
Nick Welsh |
08-03-2009 |
Housing & Development
Life And Death on the Pajaro River Leveenew

Hidden along the banks of the Pajaro River in the brush and high grass, you'll find the casitas -- little houses -- built from tarps, bungee cords, tree limbs and blankets, constructed and tended to by a chronically homeless population of monolingual Spanish speakers.
Good Times Santa Cruz |
Jessica Lussenhop |
07-17-2009 |
Housing & Development
Despite Hopes, Incoming Soldiers Won't Bolster Colorado Springs' Housing Marketnew
Take close to 6,000 soldiers -- many with families -- and make them move to Colorado Springs. Add a federal program meant to help troops with reassigned units sell their homes, and sprinkle in some hope that the local housing market has bottomed out. You have the makings for a healthy local housing boom, save for one crucial thing: Many soldiers are in no position to buy.
Colorado Springs Independent |
Anthony Lane |
07-14-2009 |
Housing & Development
Learning From Denver: More Insights from the Congress for New Urbanismnew
Denver was the host city for CNU 17, and it's a good city to take lessons from. What has Denver gotten right? Adept planning, linked to new code, linked to new transit.
Austin Chronicle |
Katherine Gregor |
07-02-2009 |
Housing & Development
Who Makes the Rules for Vermont's Earth-Friendly Homes?new
As more Vermonters seek sustainable homes, who makes the rules, and certifies the results?
Seven Days |
Ken Picard |
06-26-2009 |
Housing & Development
Tags: Vermont, green building
Foreclosure and Its Aftereffects in East Oaklandnew

The wave of foreclosures affecting East Oakland and other low-income neighborhoods has been accompanied by a related wave of blight, decay, and crime.
East Bay Express |
Sam Levin |
06-24-2009 |
Housing & Development
South Florida's Housing Crisis Leaves Behind Ghost Towersnew

During the past decade, South Florida's landscape was transformed by a real estate frenzy, part of the biggest home-price boom in American history. But the only thing more stunning than the housing market's steep climb was its precipitous fall.
New Times Broward-Palm Beach |
Lisa Rab |
06-23-2009 |
Housing & Development
A Dubious Development Project in Orlando Sits Idlenew
Almost three years after the city approved a sweetheart development deal for a political ally, the the 3.5-acre property sits idle, used only for overflow parking. There's no sign of construction, much less the slew of single-family homes and offices that were supposed to be finished by year's end.
Orlando Weekly |
Billy Manes |
06-19-2009 |
Housing & Development
Why is Andy Ives Biking Across America?new
The recent graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and member of Bike and Build is biking cross-country to raise awareness for the affordable housing crisis in America.
INDY Week |
Shanae Auguste |
06-18-2009 |
Housing & Development