Far West Side Development Plans

Another step closer to trying to create a new vibrant neighborhood in Manhattan, Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff unveiled plans for the Far West Side, which runs from 24th Street to 42nd Street, 8th Avenue to the Hudson River. The goal is to build two platforms over the railyards, which apparently was done with Grand Central Terminal. The Post reports that other parts of the proposal include:
- A park the size of Bryant Park, shops, transit center, hotel, museum, performing arts center, office space and housing on the eastern platform;
- The New York Sports and Convention Center, which be environmentally friendly with solar powered waterfalls; it will connect to the Javits Center and house the new stadium for the Jets, all on the western platform.
- A boulevard between 10th and 11th Avenues up to 39th Street, with more fountains, cafes, and promenades.

Doctoroff hopes that this new neighborhood will be a "24 hour neighborhood," bustling with energy. Gothamist likes this spirit of urban planning, but wonders about the construction nightmares it poses. Far West Side, WTC site, other areas if NYC wins the 2012 Olympics bid...