Development

Brunswick County Development Rules Hit Roadblock as State Law Restricts UDO Modernization Efforts

by

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is navigating a challenging landscape in its effort to modernize its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), a comprehensive set of regulations for land use and development that dates back to 2007. During a recent meeting on August 4, county commissioners reviewed the status of the project, which has been significantly impacted by new state legislation. The modernization process, initiated by the Board of Commissioners in early 2024, aims to update a document that has seen only one full revision since 2015. Local residents have raised concerns about ongoing development across the county, … Read more

Santee Negotiate Legal Turmoil as New Lawsuit Challenges Fanita Ranch Housing Development Approval

by

SANTEE, Calif. — The city of Santee is facing a new legal challenge over its recent decision to greenlight the Fanita Ranch housing project, which is set to transform a portion of the city into a residential community featuring thousands of homes. Critics of the project express concerns that the development, which includes nearly 3,000 housing units, could significantly impact local traffic, wildlife habitats, and water resources. Environmental advocates argue that Santee did not adequately assess the environmental implications of such a large-scale project before granting approval. The legal action, filed by a coalition of … Read more

Western States Set to Tighten Reins on AI Development After Regulatory Proposal Withdrawn

by

Salt Lake City, Utah — Following the removal of a proposal to impose a moratorium on state regulations for artificial intelligence from the budget reconciliation package, Utah, Colorado, and Texas are gearing up to establish new controls on AI developers and deployers. This shift comes after a significant vote of 99-1 on July 1. The prior proposal sought to stall any state-level regulations that would govern the burgeoning AI industry, but its removal reflects a growing consensus among state lawmakers about the necessity for oversight in a field that continues to evolve rapidly. Lawmakers across … Read more

Environmental Groups Take Legal Action to Halt ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Development in Everglades

by

Environmentalists in Miami are taking legal action to prevent the opening of what is referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz,” a controversial facility in the Everglades aimed at housing and rehabilitating alligators. The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of conservation groups, alleges that the proposed site poses significant threats to the delicate ecosystem of the area. The project has sparked intense debate, as supporters argue it will provide a sanctuary for alligators, ensuring their protection and rehabilitation. However, critics fear that the facility would disrupt the natural habitats of numerous species and pose risks to the … Read more