A New York Times op-ed calls on the city to add landfill development on Manhattan's southern shoreline, claiming it would increase affordability and protect the city from rising sea levels.
In an opinion piece in the New York Times, Jason M. Barr argues that physically expanding Manhattan Island into New York Harbor would help solve two urgent crises at once: New York City's rampant housing shortage and the threats posed by rising sea levels to the island.
Barr proposes adding 1,760 acres of landfill development to Manhattan's southern shore, which would create an area larger than the Upper West Side. Barr recommends a similar density to that neighborhood, which could mean up to 180,000 new housing units.
With demand for housing growing faster than supply, New Mannahatta, as Barr calls the proposed addition to the city, could offer "the possibility to realize the goal of adding a significant number of new units, many of which can be made affordable for low-income households."
Meanwhile, the new land would fortify the city against the effects of climate change and add a buffer that would protect other vulnerable neighborhoods with protective ecologies like wetlands.
On the economic side, Barr believes the construction of the new neighborhood would "pay for itself through sales or long-term land leases," and envisions extended public transportation including ferries that would serve New Mannahatta's residents and visitors. For Barr, this proposal could help ensure the city's continued success by making it safer and more affordable.
FULL STORY: 1,760 Acres. That’s How Much More of Manhattan We Need.
California Governor's Budget Supports Infill Development
Governor Newsom's new budget proposes incentives for developers to build housing in existing urban areas away from fire-prone zones to reduce fire risk and add to the state's insufficient housing stock.
Rents Rise in New York City Even as Eviction Crisis Mounts
Although many tenants are still waiting for rental assistance funds to avoid eviction, rents are rising steadily in the city's wealthiest boroughs.
Report: Skyscrapers a Driving Factor of the Urban Heat Island Effect
As cities build upwards in an effort to create more housing and increase walkability, research shows that tall buildings intensify heat and contribute to increased carbon emissions.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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