Panel: Jane Jacobs and the Future of New York: The Oversuccessful City, Part 2: Neighborhood Character in the Face of Change

JJ_web_logo.jpg

Every neighborhood in New York is in want or need of something that it does not have. Pursuit of convenience or a better life motivates a great deal of development and growth. And yet, as Jane Jacobs warned, the satisfaction of these desires — actually achieving the careful balance that defines a great urban neighborhood — itself can imperil existing communities, both physically and socially. How can neighborhoods guard against the pitfalls of oversuccess, not least of which are gentrification and displacement? Who gets to say “Enough!” and when? This panel will look at recent controversies over specific large developments and tangle with the complexities of development’s benefits and its considerable perils and inequities.

  • Matt Schuerman, New York Observer — moderator
  • Rev. Calvin Butts, Abyssinian Development Corporation
  • Errol Louis, New York Daily News
  • Ron Shiffman, Pratt Center
  • Michelle de le Uz, Fifth Avenue Committee

ALSO ON STREETSBLOG

Walking Tour: Jane Jacobs and the Future of New York: Gramercy Park: Retaining Identity Amid Constant Change

|
In conjunction with a new exhibition, Jane Jacobs and the Future of New York, eight walking tours will take participants to places associated with Jane Jacobs’ life and work and to communities that illustrate her planning principles — or call them into question. Gramercy Park: Retaining Identity Amid Constant ChangeA classic Manhattan neighborhood, Gramercy Park […]

Jane Jacobs, 1916-2006

|
One of the most influential urban thinkers, writers, and activists of the 20th century dies at age 89 in Toronto, Canada. "I enthusiastically endorse the campaign to close Central Park’s loop drive to regular automobile traffic. We had the same sort of fight in Washington Square Park in the late 1950s and in my neighborhood […]

Still Time to Submit Jane Jacobs Medal Nominees

|
The deadline for submitting nominees for the 2008 Jane Jacobs Medal has been extended to Monday, Feb. 4. As we wrote a couple of weeks ago, the award recognizes "two living individuals whose creative vision for the urban environment has significantly contributed to the vibrancy and variety of New York City." The medal comes with […]