Trends/awards: January, 2003

National Trust Names Unique Cities; Wet Law Conference Examines Impact of Water Wars;

National Trust Names Unique Cities

The Dozen Distinctive Destinations list is compiled each year by the National Trust in Historic Preservation (NTHP) recognizing the best-preserved and unique communities in the United States. Selected communities are judged on the following criteria: well-managed growth, a dynamic downtown, a commitment to historic preservation with a protected historic core and meaningful context, interesting and attractive architecture, cultural diversity, and economic base of locally-owned small businesses and walkability for residents and visitors.
Asheville, N.C.
Butte, Montana
Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Ferndale, Calif.
Frederick, Md.
Holland, Mich.
Milan, Ohio
Morristown, N.J.
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Silver City, N.M.
Walla Walla, Wash.
Westerly, R.I.

Source: Almanac of Architecture and Design, 2003

Wet Law Conference Examines Impact of Water Wars

Water wars are increasing affecting the development (or lack thereof) of many American cities, especially in the South and West. On Feb. 7, a conference co-sponsored by The Center for Land Resources at Chapman University School of Law (Orange, Calif.) and The Environmental Law Institute, Washington, DC will be held to examine the snarls of jurisdiction over such matters, and the most responsible means to equitably solve the problem.

The fragmentation of legal controls over land use, water use, and water quality results in tremendous ecological harms and economic and social costs," says Dr. Tony Arnold, professor of law at Chapman University. "Projected growth threatens to simultaneously deplete and pollute rivers, streams, lakes, and aquifers. At the same time, layers of regulatory control add costs with minimal real conservation benefits. We cannot ignore the need to integrate our planning for land and water resources. The real question- the tough question-is how we should do so. It is one of the most critical public policy issues of the 21st century." For more information on the one-day conference, see either

http://www.planning.org/conferences/wetgrowth.htm
or
http://www.chapman.edu/law/wetgrowth/