The COVID-19 epidemic has led to a lot of argument about the role of urban form; defenders of the Sprawl Faith argue that New York's high infection and fatality rate is proof that transit and density are bad, bad, bad. On the other hand, urbanists point out that within the New York metro area, … [Read more...]
Abolition of Density Restrictions Would be Great for NYC In The Long Run
Tyler Cowen of Marginal Revolution asks a great question: How good would the abolition of zoning in New York City be? He argues that zoning restrictions prevent Manhattan from being a "forest of skyscrapers" such as Sao Paulo. Many of Manhattan's skyscrapers are much taller than typical Sao Paulo … [Read more...]
Are Late-Night Speakeasies on their way to NYC?
Somebody tell the mob, there's a new prohibition in town: From the New York Sun: 4 A.M. Last Calls Could Be Headed The Way of Smoky Bars Although they have no authority to mandate hours, Community Boards have tightened their grip on late night establishments. Of course, they claim to be … [Read more...]
NY Times: West Side Redevelopment Plans in Disarray
All these different players trying to "plan" economic growth could end up smothering it. Instead of letting the developer take the risk, politicians want to play hero. NY Times: West Side Redevelopment Plans in Disarray Curbed: West Side Doom & Gloom: Moynihan the Key for Megaprojects … [Read more...]