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The case for turning golf courses into affordable housing

The case for turning golf courses into affordable housing

A major housing project in Nevada used to be a fairway. Other states should take a swing.
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Rising Sea Levels Highlight Urgency of Climate Change Mitigation Efforts

Rising Sea Levels Highlight Urgency of Climate Change Mitigation Efforts

Recent studies indicate that global sea levels have risen significantly, with an increase of approximately eight to nine inches since 1880. This rise is attributed to factors such as global warming, which causes seawater to expand and glaciers to melt. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that human-induced climate change is accelerating this trend. The melting of ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica is particularly concerning, as it contributes to rising sea levels and impacts biodiversity. Projections suggest that sea levels could rise by an additional six to seven inches by 2050, leading to increased flooding and pressure on coastal ecosystems.
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Opposition Grows Against Manresa Island Redevelopment in Norwalk

Opposition Grows Against Manresa Island Redevelopment in Norwalk

Plans to redevelop Manresa Island in Norwalk into a public park and event space are facing opposition from local residents. The project, led by philanthropists Austin and Allison McChord, aims to transform a defunct power plant into a community space. While initially supported by public officials and local institutions, recent proposals for a hotel, amphitheater, and other facilities have raised concerns about traffic, noise, and environmental impact. Residents are calling for further evaluation of the project's implications, particularly regarding access and infrastructure.
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UND Seeks PILOT Agreement to Prevent Closure of Ray Richards Golf Course

UND Seeks PILOT Agreement to Prevent Closure of Ray Richards Golf Course

The University of North Dakota (UND) is pursuing a 20-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with the city to redevelop the Ray Richards Golf Course. The course has been operating at a financial loss, averaging $467,000 annually between 2021 and 2025. The proposed redevelopment includes a 169-unit apartment building and a Toptracer driving range/clubhouse facility. UND President Andrew Armacost stated that without the PILOT agreement, the project is not viable, and the likelihood of the course closing is high. The course, which was previously closed from 2016 to 2020, has struggled to increase revenue due to the lack of amenities like a clubhouse or restaurant.
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Future of Historic Bryant School in Kansas City Under Review

Future of Historic Bryant School in Kansas City Under Review

The future of the historic Bryant School in Kansas City is under consideration, with a survey closing on July 31 for public input. The school, which closed in 2009 as part of a 'right-sizing' initiative by Kansas City Public Schools, has been vacant and the subject of redevelopment discussions. The building, dating back to 1915, is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, but deed restrictions have complicated redevelopment efforts. Three proposals are currently under review: one to demolish the building for single-family homes, another to preserve it as an early education center, and a third to demolish it for fewer homes.
Ventura County Star, Camarillo Ventura County Star, Camarillo
Port Hueneme buys $600K parcel toward affordable housing

Port Hueneme buys $600K parcel toward affordable housing

Port Hueneme purchased for $600,000 a parcel the city plans to develop eventually into low-income housing.
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Brooklyn Center's Opportunity Site Sees New Development Proposal with Community Ownership Focus

Brooklyn Center's Opportunity Site Sees New Development Proposal with Community Ownership Focus

A new development proposal for Brooklyn Center's Opportunity Site has been introduced by Novarum Development Partners. The plan aims to transform the 80-acre area into a vibrant, mixed-use community with a focus on owner-occupied housing, retail, and green spaces. Novarum, in collaboration with RiverNorth Development Partners and DJR Architecture, envisions a community-driven development where multiple developers and residents contribute to the project. This approach is designed to foster local investment and prevent land speculation. The proposal has received positive feedback from city leaders, who see it as a potential game-changer for the area.
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Excavation Begins for 1,162-Foot Mixed-Use Skyscraper on Manhattan's Upper East Side

Excavation Begins for 1,162-Foot Mixed-Use Skyscraper on Manhattan's Upper East Side

Excavation Begins for 1,162-Foot Mixed-Use Skyscraper on Manhattan's Upper East Side
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Chicago Officials and Developer Break Ground on $162 Million Michigan Avenue Housing Conversion

Chicago Officials and Developer Break Ground on $162 Million Michigan Avenue Housing Conversion

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the commencement of a significant office-to-residential conversion project on the Magnificent Mile. The project, located at 500 N. Michigan Ave., aims to transform a 25-story office building into 320 residential units, including 256 market-rate and 64 affordable units. This $162 million initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalize downtown Chicago by repurposing underutilized office spaces into housing. The building will retain retail and commercial spaces on its lower floors, and additional features will include 68 below-grade parking spaces, a green roof, and enhanced landscaping. The project has received the necessary zoning approvals from the Chicago Plan Commission and the City Council.
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1823 Cadiz Street in Dallas Offers Rare Development Opportunity with No Height Limits

1823 Cadiz Street in Dallas Offers Rare Development Opportunity with No Height Limits

1823 Cadiz Street in Dallas Offers Rare Development Opportunity with No Height Limits
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UN Report Highlights Global Shortfall in Meeting 2030 Biodiversity Targets

UN Report Highlights Global Shortfall in Meeting 2030 Biodiversity Targets

A draft report from the UN Convention on Biological Diversity reveals that countries are not on track to meet 22 of the 23 targets set for 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The report, which will be finalized before the COP17 summit in Armenia, indicates that while there is unprecedented interest in tackling biodiversity loss, the pace of implementation is insufficient. The targets include restoring ecosystems, addressing pollution, and increasing financial support for biodiversity. The report highlights gaps in ambition and implementation, with countries failing to align national targets with global goals. Financial mobilization for biodiversity is also falling short, with only $186.4 billion raised over four years against the $200 billion annual target.
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Dublin Community Pitch Saved as Development Plan Rejected

Dublin Community Pitch Saved as Development Plan Rejected

An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused permission for a housing development on a community pitch in Dublin's north inner city. The plan, proposed by Tuath Housing Association, included 49 housing units at 'The Strand' pitch near Portland Row. The decision follows an appeal by local residents and notable figures, including Olympic Gold Medalist Kellie Harrington and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. The campaign to preserve the pitch emphasized its importance as a community space and its role in local sports.