Gateway Communities
Many people enjoy visiting national parks and other scenic attractions. A growing number have also decided to pack up and move to the small cities and towns close to these special places.
Ed McMahon
Edward McMahon is a nationally renowned authority on sustainable development, land conservation. and urban design. He is currently a senior resident fellow at the Urban Land Institute.
McMahon previously served as director of The Conservation Fund’s “American Greenways Program” and as president of Scenic America, a national non-profit organization devoted to protecting America’s scenic landscapes.
Over the course of 15 years, Ed McMahon authored more than two dozen articles for the Planning Commissioners Journal. They are listed below. Click on the title to read excerpts. PlannersWeb members can download the articles in pdf format as published in the PCJ (click on the title first; you will then see the Download link)
Smart Growth Trends
What do suburban town centers, green space as a residential amenity, open space systems, downtown housing, and cooperation between developers and environmentalists have in common?
All Development Is Not Created Equal
Successful communities understand that when they say no to development that is contrary to the long-term health of their community, they will almost always get better development in its place, argues PCJ columnist Edward McMahon.
Bicyclists and Pedestrians Belong!
A look at the economic, health, and environmental benefits of biking and walking.
Tourism and the Environment: What’s the Connection?
Ed McMahon considers how a growing number of communities are making the connection between tourism and environmental values.
Stopping Sprawl by Growing Smarter
Sprawl is causing some of the costliest problems America faces. But, argues Edward McMahon, several myths have made it more difficult for us to come to grips with sprawl.
On-Premise Sign Regulation
Regulation of on-premise advertising signs is one important means by which a community can assert control over its physical environment. The end result is not just a more visually attractive environment, but one in which businesses can communicate more effectively to their customers.
Environmentally Sensitive Development
Edward McMahon has found that many developers and environmentalists agree on at least one thing: local zoning regulations need to be more flexible.
Historic Districts and Property Values
Historic districts can bring communities powerful economic benefits, argues PCJ Columnist Edward McMahon.
Green Enhances Growth
People care about trees, and not just because they’re pleasant to look at look and provide cooling shade. Trees also increase property values and can help boost a community’s economic development.
Design Matters
Good design can mean more jobs, more tourists, and increased property values.
Have It Your Way: Fast-Food Restaurant Design
Almost everywhere we go, stand identically designed fast-food restaurants. A look at how communities can gain control over fast-food franchise design and see that it fits the character of the community.
