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Willard Beach Playground in South Portland Dismantled Due to Safety Concerns

Willard Beach Playground in South Portland Dismantled Due to Safety Concerns

The playground equipment at Willard Beach in South Portland, Maine, has been dismantled due to significant deterioration and safety concerns. Crews were observed taking apart the play structure, which was located on the sand in front of the snack bar. The South Portland Parks and Recreation department confirmed that the equipment was no longer safe for use. The playground previously featured a slide, stairs, climbing wall, and monkey bars. By Wednesday afternoon, only the support posts remained, and the area was cordoned off with barriers, cones, and caution tape to prevent access. This action was taken to ensure public safety and prevent potential injuries.

Springfield News-Leader

Springfield Plaza developer asks for changes, extension of TIF deal

Springfield Plaza developer asks for changes, extension of TIF deal

Development along west Sunshine Street has been progressing, but a Springfield Plaza developer wants to adjust its TIF to spur more investment.

Olathe City Council Reviews $199 Million Santa Fe Street and I-35 Corridor Overhaul Designs

Olathe City Council Reviews $199 Million Santa Fe Street and I-35 Corridor Overhaul Designs

The Olathe City Council has reviewed initial designs for a $199.2 million construction project aimed at overhauling the Santa Fe Street and Interstate 35 corridor. This extensive project focuses on improving traffic safety, flow, and pedestrian access in one of Olathe's most frequently traveled areas, which has experienced numerous crashes. The proposed designs include a single-point urban interchange at Santa Fe Street and I-35, mirroring the design at 87th Street and I-35. Key improvements for pedestrians involve widening sidewalks to 10 feet on the north side of the bridge and from Ridgeview to Mur-Len roads, and five feet on the south side, along with enhanced lighting for better visibility. Aesthetic elements such as decorative brick designs, an archway on the bridge, wave patterns in fencing, and extensive landscaping are also part of the plan. The designs were presented as a discussion item and have not yet received official approval from the city council. The Kansas Department of Transportation is ...

The Knoxville News-Sentinel

Who really pays when developers get a tax break for Knox County housing? | Exclusive

Who really pays when developers get a tax break for Knox County housing? | Exclusive

Dominion Development Group abandoned its plan for 80 townhomes on Gov. John Sevier Highway after it lost a tax incentive to build.

Cleveland Extends Farmers Markets to Address Grocery Gap After Heinen's Closure

Cleveland Extends Farmers Markets to Address Grocery Gap After Heinen's Closure

Farmers markets in Downtown Cleveland are being extended into the fall season to mitigate the impact of Heinen's grocery store closure. The nonprofit Downtown Cleveland Inc., which typically hosts weekly markets in Public Square during the summer, has prolonged its schedule into October. This initiative aims to provide fresh food options for downtown residents following Heinen's departure on July 31, after nearly 11 years of operation. The City of Cleveland had previously offered over $250,000 in incentives to help keep the store open, according to Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. Additionally, the city has partnered with the North Union Farmers Market to host Tuesday morning markets on Mall B through October 6. Downtown Cleveland Inc. is also collaborating with StreetSense, a private consulting company, to attract a new grocery store to the area, with a report from StreetSense expected by early next month.

The Columbus Dispatch

As OSU fills Huntington Building, what is still vacant in Downtown Columbus

As OSU fills Huntington Building, what is still vacant in Downtown Columbus

Local real estate experts discuss examples of high-vacancy opportunities

Midwest Communities Prioritize Place-Based Planning for Rural Housing Development

Midwest Communities Prioritize Place-Based Planning for Rural Housing Development

Local leaders across the Midwest are increasingly adopting place-based planning approaches to address housing shortages in rural areas. This strategy focuses on adding housing without compromising the unique character, agricultural land, or natural landscapes of these communities. Examples of context-sensitive solutions include clustered housing developments that preserve open space, small-scale infill around commercial or community centers, and attached or detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for multigenerational living. These methods aim to provide new housing options for local workers, families, and aging residents while maintaining the rural aesthetic and community cohesion. The goal is to build housing faster and smarter, integrating it thoughtfully into existing infrastructure and long-term community visions.

MARTA Expands StationSoccer Program with New Project at HE Holmes Station for FIFA World Cup Legacy

MARTA Expands StationSoccer Program with New Project at HE Holmes Station for FIFA World Cup Legacy

MARTA Expands StationSoccer Program with New Project at HE Holmes Station for FIFA World Cup Legacy

Chicago Aldermen Pressure Amtrak Over Maintenance Facility Amidst White Sox Relocation Plans

Chicago Aldermen Pressure Amtrak Over Maintenance Facility Amidst White Sox Relocation Plans

Chicago City Hall is increasing pressure on Amtrak regarding its plans to construct a new maintenance facility in the Bridgeport neighborhood. This development is intertwined with a larger vision to potentially relocate the Chicago White Sox as part of a new development spearheaded by Justin Ishbia, a prospective future owner of the team. Ishbia has an option to acquire the franchise in 2034, while current owner Jerry Reinsdorf's sell option aligns with the team's lease expiration at Rate Field in 2029. Ishbia's 'Railyards' development proposes a hypothetical stadium at the Amtrak 14th Street railyard, across from the 78 megadevelopment. Alderman Nicole Lee and a supermajority of the City Council oppose Amtrak's proposal, which would see Bridgeport lose the White Sox and gain a 24-hour maintenance facility. Amtrak, however, plans to utilize a federal exemption to bypass City Council approval and local zoning regulations for its $900 million maintenance facility, which it intends to build near Rate Field.

Tennessee Officials Approve Plan to Seek Master Developer for Capitol-Adjacent Lots, Including Boring Tunnel Site

Tennessee Officials Approve Plan to Seek Master Developer for Capitol-Adjacent Lots, Including Boring Tunnel Site

Tennessee state officials have approved a waiver to proceed with finding a master developer for approximately 10 acres of parking lots located near the State Capitol in downtown Nashville. This decision, made by the Tennessee State Building Commission, allows the Department of General Services to bypass its standard disclosure process and solicit bids for a master developer. The lots include the site where Elon Musk’s Boring Company is constructing the initial phase of an underground tunnel intended to connect parts of downtown Nashville to the airport using Tesla vehicles. The state aims to transform these parking lots into a mixed-use development featuring housing, hotels, and retail spaces. Additionally, the selected developer will be granted an option to redevelop the James K. Polk building, which currently houses the Tennessee Performing Arts Centers, and construct a new garage for state employees. The agreement will be structured as a land lease, ensuring the state retains ownership of the land. Gove...

Moorhead and West Fargo Initiate Multiple Road Construction Projects

Moorhead and West Fargo Initiate Multiple Road Construction Projects

Several new road construction projects have officially commenced in Moorhead and West Fargo. In Moorhead, work is underway on 22nd Avenue South, spanning from Rivershore Drive to 6th Street South, which is projected to take three to four weeks. This particular project will temporarily restrict driveway access for homes located on 22nd Avenue South between Rivershore Drive and 8th Street South. Additionally, construction has begun on 12th Street South, from Main Avenue to 2nd Avenue South, with an expected duration of two to three weeks. Concurrently, in West Fargo, 9th Street between 47th Avenue West and Mulberry Lane has been closed to facilitate road and utility work. This West Fargo project is scheduled for completion by October 10. These initiatives aim to address infrastructure needs and improve road conditions in both cities.

Birmingham City Council Approves Repairs for Village Creek Pedestrian Bridge and Pratt-Ensley Rezoning Plan

Birmingham City Council Approves Repairs for Village Creek Pedestrian Bridge and Pratt-Ensley Rezoning Plan

The Birmingham City Council has approved an agreement to renovate a wooden pedestrian bridge over Valley Creek. This bridge connects the residential area along Blocton Avenue and Sugar Ray Drive to the Roosevelt City Recreation Center. The current bridge, built in the late 1990s, has deteriorated, necessitating repairs. An interlocal agreement with Jefferson County was required because a portion of the site extends into unincorporated land outside city limits. Council President Wardine Alexander, whose district includes the bridge, expressed excitement about the long-awaited repairs, highlighting its importance for community access. In other business, the council also approved zoning changes related to the Pratt-Ensley Framework Plan after a public hearing. This plan is one of nine developed under the city’s 2013 Comprehensive Plan, aiming to guide Birmingham’s future growth, investments, and neighborhood revitalization. Additionally, an intergovernmental agreement was approved, allowing the city of Mounta...