Following the splashy announcement of media mogul Barry Diller's plans to finance a $170 million park at Manhattan's Pier 54, a New York Times column renews the call for more equity in open space around New York City.
A column by David Callahan examines a recent trend in American cities, most notably, perhaps, in New York City, of ultra-wealthy philanthropists developing parks in neighborhoods frequented by the ultra-wealthy. Callahan writes: "While it’s hard to argue with more parks, or the generosity of donors like Mr. Diller, this isn’t just about new patches of green. It’s more evidence of how a hollowed-out public sector is losing its critical role, and how private wealth is taking the wheel and having a growing say over basic parts of American life."
The column goes on to detail some of the effects of New York's stark divide between the haves and the have-nots when it comes to neighborhood access to parks around New York City. The column also concludes by calling for private parks conservancies to contribute funds for the rehabilitation of parks in low-income parts of the city.
FULL STORY: The Billionaires’ Park
De Blasio Announces $130 Million Park Equity Plan
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.
A Proposal for New York's Park Inequity Problem
The inequities of New York City’s park system have been on the policy radar since state legislation was introduced last year that would require large, wealthy park conservancies to contribute to smaller, cash-strapped parks around the city.
Opinion: Funding for N.Y.C. Parks Should Be a Priority
New York City parks are in desperate need of maintenance and infrastructure improvements, and the city should make investments now to support these essential public spaces.
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.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
Lassen County Planning and Building Services
City of San Carlos
National Capital Planning Commission
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.
