1. NY Governor Cuomo promises the “most aggressive” strengthening of the state’s (read: NYC’s) rent laws.
2. Bronx <3 parking: “This community wants a moratorium on any more building until we get a parking lot.” “We don’t want any bigger buildings and we want parking space for everyone.”
3. Do people realize that “I don’t mind modernist architecture” and “All new buildings must have decorative cornices and intricate brickwork” are fundamentally incompatible statements?
4. Witold Rybczynski on density. Nothing you haven’t already heard a million times before, but, Witold Rybczynski!
5. DC’s zoning code finally allows building owners to enclose the once-encouraged outdoor arcades.
Hayek:”The curious task of economics is to demonstrate to men how little they really know about what they imagine they can design.”
As soon as someone Pretends to know what is the best use for each particular parcel or what the aesthetic ideal is, the contradictions do tend to pile up pretty quickly.
This is a bit strange coming from Cuomo, who has been largely anti-establishment so far. Therefore, it reeks of back-room deals and favors being called in. I have to admit that if he has to throw them something to get them off his back, it could be a lot worse.