The opening of the Brooklyn Bridge Park and other waterfront attractions in New York has many people rediscovering their waterfront. But as this op-ed argues, the waterfront can't be reclaimed as it was never even claimed in the first place.
Looking back at the history of New York' waterfront, writer Nathan Ward shows that the city's relationship with its water has been primarily utilitarian.
"As our waterfront economy slowly faded, New York's piers became a no man's land, blocked off by empty sheds and bands of highway. In the latter half of the 20th century, there was a ghost town between landlubbers and the water.
But in this empty age lay the seeds of recovery. More than 70 years ago, when researchers from Manhattan's Greenwich House interviewed idle West Village dockworkers about ways to improve conditions on the West Side, these men called for the creation of 'opportunities for sane recreation.'"
FULL STORY: Take Me to the River. Finally.
Expressway Expansion Could Threaten Brooklyn Bridge Park
Supporters of the waterfront park worry NYCDOT’s plan to potentially widen the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway could reduce green space in “one of the most expensive urban parks ever built.”
Rezoning Enhances the Changes Already Coming to Manhattan's Northern End
The New York City Council this month approved a rezoning plan for the neighborhood of Inwood, located at the northern tip of Manhattan.
Op-Ed: Rezoning Would Mean a New Waterfront for a Manhattan Neighborhood
A rezoning plan for the neighborhood of Inwood could take a critical step forward this week.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
California E-Bike Rebate Program Launches — Again
After a series of fits and starts, CARB says the program will begin accepting applications this month.
Analysis: Localized Upzoning Less Effective
Changing zoning rules for a small number of parcels can increase land values and housing costs without boosting the housing supply.
Amtrak Breaks Ridership Record in FY 2024
More Americans than ever rode the rails last year, also bringing the agency its highest ticket revenue.
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.
Caltrans
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Caltrans
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners