How Not To Develop New York's West Side

A proposed combined stadium/convention center complex create what is universally recognized as two of the worst economic development engines in urban planning.

1 minute read

March 31, 2005, 11:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"New Yorks political class has been trying for 30 years to spark the redevelopment of the Far West Side, with unimpressive results.

...Whats beginning to happen on the Far West Side is the most hopeful signal about the citys future since the 9/11 attacks. Rather than stifle or redirect it, Mayor Bloomberg and the rest of the government should get out of the way and let it blossom.

...So what do we find as the centerpiece of the Far West Side plan? A stadium/convention-center complex joining together what are universally recognized as two of the worst economic-development engines in urban planning. How we got to this point is a case study of the propensity of government leaders, prompted by their own grandiose ideas and urged on by self-interested executives, to pervert the best-intentioned plans."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: How Not to Develop the Far West Side

Thursday, March 31, 2005 in City Journal

Community / Economic Development New York

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