Verdunity

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A few things to know this week: January 20th, 2022

How US Infrastructure Plans Shrank In Ambition

This is a thorough article that discusses how the United States' approach to infrastructure has evolved, why the bulk of maintenance obligations today has landed with local municipalities, and why a combined strategy at all levels of government is needed going forward. I look forward to following the author (Jonathan English) and reading more of his work. – Kevin

Struggling Hotel Becomes Housing for People Experiencing Homelessness

I read this article and thought it was very important the role the city had in this development. Although they did not contribute to the financial aspect of the project, the city zoning regulations could have been a big factor that slowed or even canceled the project. The issue that was presented was how the zoning would allow for the hotel to transition into a residential property. The Dover Amendment was a neat tool granted by the state that allowed the nonprofit to bypass a zoning change that could have taken months. The zoning change process might also attract citizens to oppose the project and could have put the entire development in jeopardy. The support of the mayor was key in allowing this empty hotel to turn into permanent housing for those experiencing homelessness. – Karina


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