Latest news with #MasterPlan
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Unlike at Columbia, Trump's attack on UCLA is aimed at taxpayer money
President Trump's demand for a whopping $1-billion payment from UCLA sent shock waves through the UC system. For those of us on the inside, the announcement elicited a range of responses. Some faculty and staff reacted with horror, others voiced increasing fear about the ongoing assault on academic freedom, and some merely muttered in sad resignation to the new reality. I laughed. The president has decided to poke the bear — and the Bears and the Bruins, too. Whether Trump knows it or not, targeting the University of California is very different from going after private Ivy League institutions with deep historical ties to political power. Pressuring UC to pay a large sum has another dimension entirely: It's going after state tax dollars paid by the people of California. This should matter to folks on the left and the right, to those who venerate higher education and those who vote in favor of states' rights against federal overreach. Californians across the political spectrum should repurpose one of Trump's own slogans: 'Stop the steal.' Unlike Columbia and Brown, which have paid off the Trump administration, UC is a public institution. That means, as new UC President James Milliken said, 'we are stewards of taxpayer resources.' UC must answer to the people, not just to boards of trustees or senior administrators. Indeed, as a professor at UC Santa Barbara, I consider myself to be employed by my fellow Californians. My job is to contribute to the fundamental mission laid out in the state's 'Master Plan': to create new knowledge and educate the people of California. I take my responsibility even more seriously because I am also a product of UC; I earned my PhD at Berkeley and remain a proud Golden Bear. I am fully aware of what a positive effect a UC education can have on students and Californians everywhere. A $1-billion payment to the federal government would have huge consequences — not only on the people's university but also on the general welfare of our state, the world's fourth-largest economy. UC is the second-largest employer in the state. We generate $82 billion in economic activity every year. More than 84% of our students come from California, and their degrees are proven to increase their lifetime earning potential. UC health centers treat millions of people every year, providing essential medical care. According to one striking study, 'The economic output generated by UC-related spending is $4.4 billion larger than the economic output of the entire state of Wyoming and $16.1 billion larger than that of Vermont.' We accomplish that in large part with the people's money. For every dollar the state invests in us, we generate $21 of economic activity for the state. All of that activity generates $12 billion in tax revenue. We're a great engine of growth. You'd think a self-proclaimed genius and 'self-made' business tycoon would know a good deal when he sees one. To be sure, the supposed bases for demanding the extraordinary payment — antisemitism and civil rights abuses — are very serious. College students should expect to confront new ideas they may disagree with, but no one should be targeted for their beliefs. Full stop. But there are more effective remedies for addressing any failures, as have already been pursued at UCLA. For Trump, though, the accusations are the pretext for punishing institutions that he doesn't like and, as the Associated Press reports, rebuking political opponents such as Gov. Gavin Newsom. They are not reflective of a genuine concern for student rights. Many of us have already sounded the alarm about the increasing financial challenges the UC system faces. Even last year, we had reached a critical breaking point — and that was before losing federal grant money. But we haven't given up and neither should the people. We all must fight back against this attempted seizure of taxpayer funds. It's not enough to leave the task to political leaders; the people themselves must send the message. Californians can continue to resist federal incursions by making it clear to the UC Board of Regents, elected representatives and everyone else that Californians will not tolerate a federal pressure campaign to take our state's resources. There are many reasons to be alarmed by Trump's broader attack on higher education. But this time, Trump has crossed the public-private boundary and set his sights on state taxpayers' money. Because we fund it, UC and everything it produces belongs to us. That means we all — no matter where we fall on the political spectrum — must stop the steal. Giuliana Perrone, an associate professor of history at UC Santa Barbara, is the author of 'Nothing More than Freedom: The Failure of Abolition in American Law.'
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
SG60: Reading between the lines of the Draft Master Plan 2025
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Even as it tackles hard economic questions, the Draft Master Plan 2025 doesn't lose sight of softer, human-scale priorities. Singapore's urban and economic planning has long been pragmatic, but the Draft Master Plan 2025 signals something new: boldness. In response to shifting global and domestic fundamentals, the plan reframes land use through emerging tools such as polycentric gateway corridors, and a more agile, layered approach to decentralisation. This isn't a wholesale reinvention, but a quiet recalibration, adapting Singapore's planning ethos to meet an era of slower growth, more complex trade-offs, and heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Decentralisation under pressure The once-ambitious model of decentralising offices beyond the Central Business District (CBD) is slowing. As companies right-size and consolidate their operations, many are returning to the city core, drawn by cost-efficiency, branding visibility, and a concentration of talent and services. The traditional rental premium once commanded by the CBD has eroded, narrowing the cost differential and weakening the incentive to decentralise – unless firms are tightly woven into local supply chains or talent pools. This trend is not entirely new, but Covid-19 accelerated it. Hybrid work has reduced the average office footprint per firm. Large tenants are less willing to anchor fringe locations unless there are compelling ecosystem advantages. Meanwhile, commercial confidence has been tempered by global uncertainty, from US-China tensions to regional trade realignments. In this context, even flagship decentralisation projects are evolving. Jurong Lake District, once envisioned as a major commercial node, saw the planned commercial quantum of the white site on the reserve list reduced by 30 per cent. While the long-term vision remains, near-term market sentiment is clearly influencing land release strategies. The return – and repositioning – of industrial land Beyond the commercial office market, Singapore's industrial landscape is entering a new chapter. Since 2022, roughly 36 hectares of industrial land have been returned to the state annually, a scale not seen since the 2015-2017 wave that preceded the last Master Plan. Then, as now, this land return reflects deeper structural shifts. Manufacturing is becoming less land-hungry. As companies digitalise and relocate lower-value operations to neighbouring countries, plots once allocated for logistics, clean tech or light manufacturing are being reassessed. The Draft Master Plan 2025 aims to stay ahead of this curve. While there are no radical rezoning moves in the downtown, the government is signalling flexibility. Incentives such as the CBD Incentive Scheme and the Strategic Development Incentive Scheme make it easier for older office buildings to be converted into mixed-use formats, shrinking pure office space while boosting residential and lifestyle offerings. The shift is also evident in the Government Land Sales (GLS) programme. There are no new confirmed downtown office sites, and only three white sites remain on the reserve list. This absence is likely intentional – a quiet nudge for landlords to explore adaptive reuse and a cue to the market that office decentralisation will now take a more tempered, organic form. Bishan returns to the spotlight One of the most intriguing updates is the re-designation of Bishan as a sub-regional centre, a role proposed initially in the 1991 Concept Plan. Back then, the idea was radical: decentralise Singapore's economic core and anchor new business activity in the heartlands. Today, Bishan already boasts strong transport connectivity, public agencies and community infrastructure that serve the broader Toa Payoh-Ang Mo Kio region. Its central location and direct access to Raffles Place via MRT make it an ideal candidate for polycentric growth. Together with Novena, Serangoon, and Toa Payoh, Bishan helps form a north-east arc of business activity – a 'string of pearls' that mirrors the southern belt stretching from Alexandra to one-north. Beyond convenience, this distributed model reflects a future in which live-work-play ecosystems are embedded into the islandwide urban fabric, rather than concentrated in a single hub. Vertical zoning: The next planning frontier Among the more speculative but intriguing concepts to emerge from the 2022 Long-Term Plan Review is the idea of 'vertical zoning'. The notion, layering light industry on the lower floors, offices above that, and residences at the top, was not formally proposed in the Draft Master Plan 2025. Still, it offers a glimpse of how Singapore might evolve its planning logic in response to changing economic and spatial realities. Seen in this light, vertical zoning is a conceptual provocation that asks whether future urban productivity might come not from expanding outwards, but from layering uses in smarter, more synergistic ways. If Singapore is serious about remaining spatially efficient and economically agile, this could be a frontier worth exploring further. While no specific developments have been announced, the pilot in Woodlands, which raises the allowable proportion of non-industrial uses from 40 to 70 per cent, may be an early signal of willingness to experiment. It echoes previous 'Business White' trials, which allowed greater flexibility in land use within designated business zones. If taken seriously, vertical zoning could represent a significant shift away from the traditional horizontal separation of uses that has long defined Singapore's land planning. It reflects a recognition that manufacturing today is cleaner and quieter, and that modern services are increasingly mobile and less reliant on sprawling floor plates. Sustainable and inclusive urban living In line with Singapore's push for environmental sustainability, new housing areas are being explored across the island, with a strong emphasis on reusing existing brownfield sites. Spaces such as Bukit Timah Turf Club, the old Keppel Golf Course, and the soon-to-be-vacated Paya Lebar Airbase are being considered for redevelopment into vibrant residential neighbourhoods. Besides building homes, these plans also aim to create active, socially connected communities, with shared amenities that support everyday life and bring people together. Many of these developments reflect a move towards vertical zoning, where housing is thoughtfully layered with community spaces and lifestyle facilities. A key planning principle is accessibility: Most residents will be within a 10-minute walk of parks, shops, schools, and essential services. As part of the broader 'live-work-play' vision, new opportunities for city and fringe-city living are also being introduced. Areas around Newton MRT station, Paterson Road near Orchard, and Dover-Medway near one-north have been earmarked for mixed-use development that balances inclusivity, sustainability and a strong sense of community. These well-connected neighbourhoods offer a good mix of amenities and entertainment, making them ideal for both families and working professionals. For instance, the idea of a new Village Square at Newton and a vibrant mixed-use hub at Paterson would help bridge luxury housing with the retail and activity of Orchard Road. The Draft Master Plan 2025 also puts greater emphasis on senior-friendly housing, including more assisted-living options and active-ageing centres to support older residents in living independently and meaningfully. Whether you're young or old, working or retired, the evolving urban plan seeks to make neighbourhoods more livable, connected and future-ready for everyone. Softer touch Even as it tackles hard economic questions, the Draft Master Plan 2025 doesn't lose sight of softer, human-scale priorities. Included among the proposals are plans for green connectors, heritage trails, repurposed viaducts, and playful public spaces. These aren't decorative add-ons; they are essential components of a livable, imageable city. Such spaces encourage social connection, promote mental well-being, and help Singapore remain globally competitive as a place to live, not just work. The Draft Master Plan 2025: A vision in transition More than a technical update, the Draft Master Plan 2025 reflects a society in flux, one that is learning from past successes, adapting to a slower-growth environment, and daring to imagine a more resilient, layered future. It is not a call to transform everything, but an invitation to reimagine selectively. To rethink what should be intensified, repurposed, or left open-ended. In that spirit, it strikes a balance: between continuity and change, between pragmatism and vision.
Hans India
12-08-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
SUDA Master Plan notified; expanded limits left out
Khammam: The Stambhadri Urban Development Authority (SUDA) on Wednesday notified its much-delayed Draft Master Plan, covering an area of 571.83 sq km, but crucially excluding the expanded limits as notified in October 2023 under GO MS No: 185. The Draft Master Plan, now open for public suggestions and objections for a period of 90 days, encompasses the jurisdiction of Khammam Municipal Corporation (KMC) and 45 revenue villages across seven mandals — Wyra, Khammam Rural, Kusumanchi, Mudigonda, Chintakani, Raghunadhapalem, and Konijerla. The plan was originally commissioned in November 2019 by the then BRS government, aiming for a horizon year of 2041. The project was undertaken by Bengaluru-based Centre for Symbiosis of Technology, Environment and Management (STEM), in partnership with AARVEE Associates, Hyderabad. After completion in November 2021, the plan remained in limbo due to the need for technical and spatial modifications. However, following the change in administration, the Congress government expanded SUDA's jurisdiction through a government order issued in October 2023, bringing in Madhira and Sathupalli municipalities and 279 villages, while excluding agency areas. These newly added areas were designated as a 'Development Area'. Despite the formal expansion, the current draft notification remains restricted to the earlier SUDA limits. Speaking to The Hans India, former SUDA Chairman Bachu Vijay Kumar questioned the timing and intent behind the expansion. 'If the government was planning to notify the already-prepared draft, what was the necessity to expand the SUDA limits? The public deserves clarity on development plans for the newly included areas,' he said. He urged district ministers Bhatti Vikramarka, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, and Tummala Nageswara Rao to explain how the new jurisdictions will be integrated into the urban development framework. Officials indicated that the notified Master Plan will guide urban growth until 2050. Significantly, the notification process is being undertaken in the absence of a functional SUDA governing body, which was dissolved by the Congress government shortly after assuming office in 2023.
Time of India
11-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
LDA denies map approval for houses in illegal colonies
Lucknow: The Lucknow Development Authority has ruled out approving building maps for houses on 7.5-mt-wide roads in 241 illegal colonies, even if mapping norms are eased. The decision, taken at the recent LDA board meeting, is part of the enforcement of the Master Plan 2021. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Under the new rule, approval will be given only if a 7.5-mt road is at least 200 mt long and built with govt funds. Roads of the same width developed by private builders in unapproved colonies will not qualify. The restriction applies to colonies listed as "bad colonies" in the Avadh region's master plan. The clarification came after people turned out over the map approval queries from various illegal colonies identified in the master plan survey at the LDA office. LDA officials said these colonies were identified in the 2021 Master Plan as being developed without meeting LDA standards. Many were first flagged 24 years ago and still lack basic amenities such as proper roads, drainage, parks and community spaces. While the actual number of such colonies has grown, the official count will stay frozen at 241 for policy purposes. The LDA has been working for years to regularise illegal colonies, but strict norms on road width, drainage and open space have kept many from qualifying. Even proposals to relax mapping rules will not benefit these areas. An LDA official said, "The move is meant to prevent unplanned growth. If we approve maps in colonies without basic infrastructure, we will only be encouraging unplanned urbanisation in the city, which will affect the residents in the future."
Hindustan Times
09-08-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: City Beautiful's 1st green corridor project scrapped after heritage panel's objection
Two years after initiating work on the much-touted non-motorised transport (NMT) green corridor and felling around 200 trees for its construction, the UT administration has scrapped the project following the Heritage Committee's disagreement. The project had also seen strong objections from the Sector 10 residents' welfare association. In November last year, UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria gave the greenlight to resume work after the engineering department assured that no trees would be cut. (HT File) Envisaged under the Chandigarh Master Plan-2031, the 8-km corridor, equipped with lighting, was planned to connect the Capitol Complex in Sector 1 to Sector 56, running along the N-Choe from the northern to the southern parts of the city. It was pitched as a dedicated route for non-motorised travel such as cycling and walking, to reduce carbon emissions and enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety. A senior official of the urban planning department said, 'After the engineering department asked us to re-examine the project, we referred it to the heritage committee, but they did not give their approval. Their view was that when the Master Plan was prepared, there were not many cycle tracks in the city, but now major roads already have them, making this corridor unnecessary.' The official further said, 'The committee, after detailed discussions and deliberations, concluded that the concerns raised by residents against the proposal were valid. It observed that introducing cycle tracks within green belts or parks would create a contradictory movement system for pedestrians, as cyclists would be free to use any of the tracks in these areas.' 'Such an arrangement, the committee noted, would undermine the original intent of green spaces, which were designed as serene environments meant for the care of the mind, body, and soul,' official added. UT chief engineer CB Ojha confirmed the chain of events, saying, 'Following objections from Sector 10 residents, we referred the project back to the urban planning department for review. We have not yet received their reply.' The project's journey has been turbulent. Work began in June 2023 but was suspended in September by then UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit after a complaint to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) flagged the 'illegal' felling of trees. The estimated cost of the corridor was ₹5 crore. In November last year, UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria gave the greenlight to resume work after the engineering department assured that no trees would be cut. Work restarted in December, only to face renewed opposition from the residents' body, prompting yet another review. The project was the first of 11 NMT corridors proposed across Chandigarh under the Master Plan-2031. Former UT adviser Dharam Pal had presided over the ground-breaking ceremony, describing it as a 'pioneering step towards sustainable mobility.'
