Mayor Bloomberg

A Call to Give New York's Planning Power to the People

Michael Sorkin bemoans the trickle-down planning ethos of the Bloomberg era and sees the need to increase the city's resiliency as an opportunity to "return to the task of physical planning attuned to local desires".

January 4, 2014 - Architectural Record

Approvals Binge Consumes Bloomberg's Waning Days

With only two weeks left in office, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is still adding to one of the most visible legacies of his administration - the city's evolving built environment. Approvals are being sought for more than $12 billion worth of projects.

December 17, 2013 - The New York Times

Will New York Be Content to Follow, Rather than Lead?

From pedestrianization initiatives to a trans fat ban, Bloomberg's New York was known for experimentation and innovation. Laura Kusisto says that after two decades of conservative mayors, the next administration will look elsewhere for inspiration.

December 2, 2013 - The Wall Street Journal

Bloomberg Loses Battle for Ambitious Midtown Upzoning

It was supposed to be the crowning land use achievement in a mayoral reign that saw 40 percent of New York City rezoned. But statements indicate the City Council is set to shelve Mayor Bloomberg's controversial Midtown East upzoning.

November 13, 2013 - New York Daily News

Bloomberg's Legacy: Freedom-Hating Nanny or Public Health Visionary?

To his critics, Mayor Bloomberg's initiatives aimed at decreasing smoking, increasing active lifestyles, and tackling obesity add up to the creation of a "Nanny State". A new article challenges the critics by framing him as a public health pioneer.

November 1, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

NYC's Largest Capital Construction Project Courses to a New Milestone

After four decades of construction, New York's Water Tunnel No. 3 reached a significant milestone last week with the turn of a ceremonial wheel by Mayor Bloomberg. The project won't be completed until 2021.

October 21, 2013 - The New York Times

New York Skyline Fisheye

A Design and Planning To-Do List for NYC's Next Mayor

Over the past 12 years, New York has been transformed. For the better in some instances (bike lanes, pedestrian plazas), and perhaps not in others (unaffordability). Michael Kimmelman suggests how to build on the successes and correct the problems.

October 20, 2013 - The New York Times

Taxi of Tomorrow Scuttled Yesterday

Mayor Bloomberg's plan to mandate a standardized taxi for the streets of New York was given a potentially fatal blow this week by a State Supreme Court judge. With his successors unlikely to take up the legal battle, the plan appears doomed.

October 9, 2013 - The New York Times

How Can New York Make its Streets More Livable?

After a decade of livable street gains under Mayor Bloomberg, staff members at NYC's most respected alternative transportation advocacy group share their visions for what changes will take place over the next four years on the city's streets.

September 18, 2013 - Reclaim

Bloomberg Backs Off Plan for Private Development of Public Housing Land

A controversial plan to generate revenue for New York City's struggling public housing authority by allowing private development is being reconfigured and pushed off until the next administration after it received considerable opposition.

August 22, 2013 - The New York Times

Can a Takedown of the Bloomberg Era Resonate With NYC Voters?

After 12 years of dramatic development, falling crime, and improved amenities for many New Yorkers, can a Mayoral candidate win by focusing on the city's failings - namely its growing inequality - and promising 'a major reset'.

August 7, 2013 - The New York Times

How Bloomberg's Bluster Inspired New York to Build Taller

Kicking off its in-depth examination of the ways in which New York City has been remade during Mayor Bloomberg's tenure, Matthew Schuerman looks at the city's astonishing vertical growth, a significant feat considering the shadow of 9/11.

July 11, 2013 - WNYC

Will Unsustainable Open Spaces Degrade Bloomberg's Legacy?

Thanks to private funds, NYC invested six times more in building and improving its parks during Mayor Bloomberg's tenure than was spent in the prior decade. But what will happen to these parks when their billionaire backer leaves office?

July 9, 2013 - The Wall Street Journal

How the 'Bikelash' Was Beaten Back

When Mayor Bloomberg and transportation commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan began expanding NYC's bicycle infrastructure, a vocal 'bikelash' threatened to undo their efforts. Jay Walljasper looks at the forces that conspired to beat back the bikelash.

May 31, 2013 - Green Lane Project

After Several Delays, NYC Bike Share Begins

Memorial Day has been honored in America for 150 years, but you might excuse New Yorkers for celebrating an entirely different holiday yesterday - the long-waited launch of the country's largest bike-share program.

May 28, 2013 - The New York Times

Extend the 7-Train to New Jersey? Not Such a Long Shot

A study commissioned by the city of New York makes a compelling case for extending the city's subway system beyond the five boroughs.

April 12, 2013 - Capital

In Bloomberg, NYC Preservationists Find a Friend

During Michael Bloomberg's time in office, New York City has protected more historic sites than under any of his predecessors. The 41 new or expanded historic districts have developers fuming over what they see as planning overreach.

April 2, 2013 - The Wall Street Journal

How Will New York's Landscape Change Once Mayor Mike Leaves Office?

Ryan Holeywell looks at the land use legacy of the Bloomberg Administration - perhaps his "signal achievement" - and wonders if his successor can continue the momentum.

March 2, 2013 - Governing

Rebuild or Retreat? NY Pols Take Sides in Post-Sandy Debate

New York Gov. Cuomo has proposed a $400 million buyout and relocation program, while Sen. Charles Schumer has joined the growing chorus calling for rebuilding to a higher standard in storm-damaged areas. Will their recovery efforts collide?

February 21, 2013 - Crain's New York Business

Could New York's Bike Gains Disappear Under New Mayor?

Under Mayor Bloomberg's tenure, New York City has made great strides in improving its bicycle infrastructure. But as his final term comes to an end, some fear the next mayor may "end this period of bike-friendly programs and policies."

February 13, 2013 - The New York Times

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