In response to criticisms of the large investments in "big ticket" parks in wealthy neighborhoods during the Bloomberg Administration, New York City announced a park equity plan this week.
Lisa W. Foderaro reports on "an ambitious initiative that would channel some $130 million into tattered parks and playgrounds in low-income neighborhoods across New York City."
The money would benefit a list of 35 parks Foderaro describes as "hardscrabble" and "overlooked during the Bloomberg administration." Here's how Foderaro sums up the reasoning behind the plan: "Under Mr. de Blasio’s plan, 35 of those parks will share the $130 million infusion, plus additional money for maintenance. The parks are all heavily used open spaces in poor neighborhoods that struggle with high obesity and asthma rates. The parks on the list have had little to no investment in recent years."
In a separate article, Scott Heines provides additional details on the proposal, including a list of the 35 parks that stand to benefit from the plan. The proposal, for instance, is not an endorsement of a proposal by state Senator Daniel Squadron to redistribute funds from "well-financed conservancies" to other parts of the city.
FULL STORY: 35 New York City Parks to Get Makeovers

Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects
Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.

Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’
A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?

Proposal Would Transform L.A.’s ‘Freeway to Nowhere’ Into Park, Housing
A never-completed freeway segment could see new life as a mixed-use development with housing, commercial space, and one of the county’s largest parks.

Report: Bike Lanes Can't Make up for New Roads
If California wants to meet its climate goals, the state must stop funding its myriad road construction and expansion projects.

Minneapolis Affordable Housing Project Largest in 20 Years
The city opened its first large multifamily affordable housing complex in decades, but a recent court ruling against the Minneapolis 2040 rezoning plan could jeopardize future projects.

NYC Mayor Proposes Eliminating Parking Minimums
Mayor Adams wants to stop requiring off-site parking for new buildings to reduce the costs of construction as part of the ‘City of Yes’ package of zoning reforms.
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