Jen Carlson writes about an incredibly ambitious (or naive) plan from 1934 to expand buildable area in New York by paving over the Hudson River.
According to Carlson, the plan was the product of engineering scholar Norman Sper, and envisioned, "damming the river at both ends of Manhattan, and filling in the space... which would 'ultimately connect the Island of Manhattan with the mainland of New Jersey.'
"The 10 square miles of land gained would have, in theory, solved the traffic and housing problems the city was having at the time. There would be more buildings, more streets, and more avenues."
Carlson provides a link to the original article documenting the project, which appeared in Modern Mechanix magazine, and the fantastic illustrations that accompanied it.
FULL STORY: The 1934 Plan To Fill In The Hudson River, Connecting NYC To NJ
NYC Launches Public Swimming Plan
The city’s efforts to bring more pools and beaches to its residents could have rippling effects across the state.
Hudson Tunnel Project To Move Forward
After facing a series of setbacks, the plan to rehabilitate and expand train tunnels under the Hudson River is moving forward thanks to new federal support.
New Jersey Governor Seeks to Stop NYC Congestion Pricing
The governor calls the plan a ‘cash grab,’ claiming New Jersey residents did not have adequate opportunities for input.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing
The city altered its zoning code to allow multi-family housing and eliminated parking mandates citywide.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
LA Denies Basic Services to Unhoused Residents
The city has repeatedly failed to respond to requests for trash pickup at encampment sites, and eliminated a program that provided mobile showers and toilets.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie