New York City1. A while ago I wrote about how Manhattanville's blight, and therefore Columbia's ability to use eminent domain, was the fault of bad zoning. The nearby neighborhood of West Harlem looks like it's learned that lesson, and is seeking to protect itself against encroachment from … [Read more...]
A question and a link list
Hey guys, before I start this link list, I wanted to ask: Has anybody had trouble posting comments here with Disqus lately? Either you can't post them, or once you do they disappear? I've gotten two complaints in the last few days, so if you've been experiencing any problems please don't hesitate … [Read more...]
LI Dems to councilman: oppose density so we can get reelected
Earlier today I was reading this article about "cupcake moms" at the local PTA mobilizing online against TOD in Huntington Station, a hamlet in Long Island, and while it looked like your average suburban NIMBY story, this part of the Long Island Press story jumped out at me: [Supervisor] Petrone … [Read more...]
Development as preservation
I don't think it's a secret that we here at Market Urbanism are skeptical of mandatory historical preservation of private property, but until recently I hadn't realized how utterly counterproductive some of these efforts really are. I'm talking specifically about cases where historical preservation … [Read more...]
Almost-Thanksgiving list
Unfortunately, none of these things are really things to be thankful for:1. 81% of Americans disagree with Kelo v. City of New London in a 2009 survey, with the wording being quite generous to the pro-takings side.2. Who possibly could have thought this was a good idea? It's like they took … [Read more...]
NYC to raise on-street parking rates, local news freaks out
New York City has some of the most underpriced parking in the nation, and while there have been a few pilot programs (in the UES, the West Village, and Park Slope) to raise rates during peak hours, it looks like Bloomberg is finally pushing to implement Park Smart citywide. Residential metered … [Read more...]
NJ, the far West Side, and LIC should pay for the No. 7 subway expansion
The transit blogosphere has been falling over itself with excitement since yesterday about Bloomberg's proposal to extend the No. 7 train into New Jersey, and I have to agree that it sounds like a very good plan. It would be much cheaper than the recently-axed ARC project and wouldn't involve a … [Read more...]
Premium link list
Recently I've been delaying posting a few things because I wanted to wait till I had more time to cover them, but I'm realizing that I'll probably have new things to write about on the 15th (which is when regular posting will hopefully resume), so have at it – your first ever premium link … [Read more...]