Law Commons^™

Sprawl And The Law, Michael Lewyn

Michael E Lewyn

Powerpoint used as basis for speech explaining legal issues related to suburban sprawl, focusing on legal rules (such as single-use zoning, minimum parking requirements, and subdivision regulations encouraging wide streets and long blocks) that contribute to sprawl.

How Environmental Review Can Generate Car-Induced Pollution: A Case Study, Michael Lewyn

Michael E Lewyn

The National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) requires federal officials to draft an environmental impact statement (“EIS”) describing the environmental impact of proposed federal actions that significantly affect the environment, as well as analyze the environmental impacts of alternatives to the proposed action. Almost two dozen states have adopted “little NEPA” statutes imposing similar requirements upon state and/or local governments.

This article focuses on one of the strictest little NEPA statutes: New York's State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”). While most little NEPA statutes cover only government projects,SEQRA also covers private sector projects requiring municipal permits. Furthermore, SEQRA requires the government …

Learning From Detroit, Michael Lewyn

Michael E Lewyn

Reviews a recent book about Detroit's problems.

How To Make America Walkable, Michael Lewyn

Michael E Lewyn

Review of Walkable City, by Jeff Speck

2014 Planetizen Blog Posts, Michael Lewyn

Michael E Lewyn

Suburban Sprawl: Weaker But Still Alive, Michael Lewyn

Michael E Lewyn

Review of The End of the Suburbs, by Leigh Gallagher.

How Real Is Gentrification?, Michael Lewyn

Michael E Lewyn

Some commentators argue that gentrification is turning many cities into a playground for the rich. This article rejects that view, pointing out that even relatively affluent cities are still poorer than the average suburb.