Muscling Out the Car in NYC

Marc Santora pens a pity piece for the fate of the automobile in New York City. Whereas, once upon a time the car was doing the bullying, the 'once-exalted automobile is now under siege.'

1 minute read

February 3, 2012, 12:00 PM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


It seems that recent efforts to encourage non-motorized and alternative forms of transportation in New York City (e.g. the addition of bike lines and pedestrian plazas), along with rampant redevelopment of parking garage sites, are conspiring to make the automobile feel unloved in Manhattan.

"Over the last three decades, the number of off-street parking spots in Manhattan has fallen by one-fifth - to 102,000 from 127,000, according to the city study."

According to Santora, "The scarcity of parking has made it a must-have for wealthy apartment buyers, who view a space much as they do a fireplace or a walk-in closet. A spot can cost well over $200,000, or, if rented, more than $1,000 a month. "

"The city plans to convene a series of public meetings in coming weeks to consider the state of parking in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Officials say they are exploring allowing developers to create larger parking lots in Manhattan neighborhoods that rely on commuters, like the theater district or areas around hospitals."

Friday, February 3, 2012 in The New York Times

View of small-town street with brick buildings and cars parked in diagonal parking with string lights going across street in Cleveland County, Oklahoma.

Norman, Oklahoma Eliminates Parking Mandates

The city made a subtle, one-word change that frees up developers to build parking based on actual need and eliminates costly unnecessary parking.

September 14, 2023 - Next City

Few passengers waiting in subway station with multiple platforms and "North Station" signs in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns

Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.

September 18, 2023 - Hoodline

View of Boston from Bunker Hill with statue in foreground

Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces

It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.

September 14, 2023 - The Boston Globe

Sidewalk in Seattle with yellow fall leaves on the ground and cars parked next to the curb.

Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets

Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.

6 hours ago - The Urbanist

View of San Francisco neighborhood from top of hill with misty bay in background.

San Francisco Supervisors Punt Housing Ordinance

After hours of public comment, the zoning reform package aimed at increasing housing production and limiting red tape was delayed for further discussion.

September 24 - SF Standard

Woman wearing helmet riding POGOH bike share bike in bike lane in Pittsburgh, PA.

Pittsburgh Launches Adaptive Bike Share Fleet

The new bikes include a recumbent bicycle and a front-loading cargo bike.

September 24 - Pittsburgh Magazine